Recommend a Nice barlow.

Fish30114

Fish30114

Joined
Jan 5, 2014
Messages
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After reading the recent thread on a poster asking for a recommendation for an inexpensive barlow, I began to ponder the fact that even though I had a couple of grandfathers that were regular users of barlow knives, after all these years, I still don't have one. So I am asking for recommendations for a Nice Barlow, I don't really have a set budget, and in the past I had seen a Gene Wiseman barlow I liked a lot. I'm not sure about this, but I think I saw one TC at one point that had a wharncliff blade, which really floats my boat. I will say that I am disabled and on a very limited fixed income nowadays, so keeping the budget somewhat reasonable is desirable. I like wood, so wooden handled examples would be great, but I'm really quite open about handle material.

Thanks for any input/advice
 
Mike, thanks for the heads up--can't believe more folks don't have input--oh well.....
 
Without a budget it may be difficult to recommend a Barlow for you, not knowing what a reasonable price may be. I picked up one of these Canal Street Cutlery Barlows recently and have been very pleased with it:

http://www.knivesshipfree.com/canal-street-cutlery-english-barlow-amber-stag-cut-bone-serialized/

I have been thinking of trying a Bear & Sons Barlow but don't have any experience with them:

http://www2.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_store.html?usrsearch=Barlow

Good luck in your search!
 
Thanks Buckeye and Whetstone--I hear you about the budget, let's just say depending on what it is, I would go from say $50 to $200, obviously wanting to stay nearer the $50 mark! Oh and one other thing, I really prefer single blades, don't like multi-blades at all.
 
Here's one in cocobolo, I did a GAW for this one earlier in the summer.

20140606_000040.jpg
 
+1 on the AG Russell Barlow. Great knife, unbelievable fit and finish given the price. I've got two of them,yellow delrin and cocobolo. :thumbup:
 
Fish, don't let it fool you though? The blade rides on bronze washers and you can one hand open it! The washers keep it centered and smooth opening forever! I forgot who won it in the GAW but I hope they are putting it in their rotation. I was using it as my basement cardboard box knife and weeks and traditional. =)
 
cchu, that is interesting to hear, I am interested to learn about the various offerings in Barlow's. I really can't believe there isn't more input on this to be honest.

I may try and discuss it with a custom maker a bit, to learn more and make a purchasing decision.
 
You won't find many single blade barlows out there. GEC and Queen are the only two that I am aware of that made them.

If you like upgraded steel then you have Queen in CPM D2 and Canal Street in 14-4 latrobe. Case makes a nice barlow in their tru sharp stainless as well. Then you have scores of other manufacturers who have since closed their doors but made nice barlows: Schrade, Camillus, Imperial, Kabar, etc.

uploadfromtaptalk1411510431251.jpg
 
Good call Justin. I have to admit to being dishonest or at least not upfront. The AGR has a blade made with a very good 8cr13mov however the steel is very pedestrian and low rent to many. I don't mind myself.
 
Justin, thank for your input. I suppose, based on your feedback--that finding a current production sheepsfoot or wharncliff blade version isn't going to happen. This is the sort of thing I was wanting to learn. I haver spent a lot of time on the mythical bay perusing Barlows, and haven't really found anything that floats my boat significantly, there are a lot of choices there though, and some seem very fairly priced.

I think I am going to pursue the Queen and Canal street versions, and see what I can find.

Thanks to you folks that did have input!
 
I just picked up a barlow alternative not to play Devils advocate. It's a le thiers chambriard compact. Google it!
 
Fish30114 said:
Justin, thank for your input. I suppose, based on your feedback--that finding a current production sheepsfoot or wharncliff blade version isn't going to happen. This is the sort of thing I was wanting to learn. I haver spent a lot of time on the mythical bay perusing Barlows, and haven't really found anything that floats my boat significantly, there are a lot of choices there though, and some seem very fairly priced.

I think I am going to pursue the Queen and Canal street versions, and see what I can find.

Thanks to you folks that did have input!
Click to expand...

How about the original GEC barlow?

I know where you could find one of these:



Paul
 
I forgot to mention the classic boker barlow. Generally they are two bladed but I have seen a limited edition in a single clip. Some in carbon and some in stainless but they offer theirs in clip, spear, and sheepsfoot main. They come up on that internet auction site frequently for less than $50.

The model numbers you would be interested in are 491, 492, 493, and 494.
 
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