R. Murphy or bear carbon steel barlow

[whitedoor]

I'm thinking of getting back to slip-joints. I've been trying to get information on R. Murphy on the Traditional forum without much success. I've read that Bear fit and finish is pretty dicey. Does anyone here have experience with either?

 

[Bob W]

Sorry, I don't know R. Murphy.
Bear is hit-or-miss. Ditto Case.
Great Eastern is great, Canal Street is pretty good, and you can't beat German-Made Boker pocketknives for the money. I also like Queen and Schatt-Morgan, especially the File & Wire series. The imports from AG Russell are getting very high review scores, as do the Rough Rider imports.

Is there a particular pattern or material you're looking for?

 

[whitedoor]

U.S.-made, carbon steel barlow.

 

[Bob W]

Check out Great Eastern #25 Barlow and the new Tom Sawyer Barlow, both in 1095 carbon steel. Retail price is about $75 depending on handle materials and options.

Manufacturer's website: http://greateasterncutlery.net/