recommend inexpensive Barlow knife?

davek14 said:
Got one of those in somewhat better shape and love it.
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Dave and Robin,

I also have a Belknap Barlow that looks like the pics you've posted (does the other side of the bolster say "Bluegrass"?). I sometimes think that mine has a carbon steel main clip and a stainless pen. Is that even possible? Have either of you ever entertained similar thoughts about your blades, or am I as crazy as people claim I am?? :eek: Thanks!

-GT
 
Vince (VCM3), you are an extremely generous man, that John Lloyd Barlow is an absolute peach :thumbup:

Hope you realise what you got there OP :thumbup:
 
Mixing carbon and stainless used to happen often, especially with Camillus knives. As I recall these were sold off as seconds (when the error was discovered) many going through Tennessee back in the 80's and 90's. Keep in mind that until recently the Barlow pattern was about as entry level as there was from most makers, as long as it worked well, looks were not so important. It is interesting to see the old ads for John Russell Barlows almost apologizing for the lack of finish on the knives in the 1930's, using phrases such as "Not much for looks, but quality in the blade". After all, they left the marks from saw cutting the bone handles there for all to see!
 
Bartleby said:
Mixing carbon and stainless used to happen often, especially with Camillus knives. As I recall these were sold off as seconds (when the error was discovered) many going through Tennessee back in the 80's and 90's. Keep in mind that until recently the Barlow pattern was about as entry level as there was from most makers, as long as it worked well, looks were not so important. It is interesting to see the old ads for John Russell Barlows almost apologizing for the lack of finish on the knives in the 1930's, using phrases such as "Not much for looks, but quality in the blade". After all, they left the marks from saw cutting the bone handles there for all to see!
Click to expand...


Yup, traditionally Barlows were inexpensive knives everyman could afford, and those are the Barlows that interest me the most.

Barlows.JPG
 
5K Qs said:
Dave and Robin,

I also have a Belknap Barlow that looks like the pics you've posted (does the other side of the bolster say "Bluegrass"?). I sometimes think that mine has a carbon steel main clip and a stainless pen. Is that even possible? Have either of you ever entertained similar thoughts about your blades, or am I as crazy as people claim I am?? :eek: Thanks!

-GT
Click to expand...
Ya, mine has the Bluegrass, read this.
http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/content/knife-related-articles/john-primble-belknap-hardware/
There's more stuff around on these.



leghog said:
Yup, traditionally Barlows were inexpensive knives everyman could afford, and those are the Barlows that interest me the most.
Click to expand...

Me too. I've found them harder to find than other quality old knives but me too. (NOT a hint)
 
Considering we used them up rather than trying to save them, and they were among the first pattern to be swapped and collected (because they were cheap you could have a few) the older ones are scarce indeed. I know it is spinning the wheel of fortune, but I think I might go get a current Bear carbon steel version and try it in comparison to the Rite edge Chinese knife. Adjusting for inflation, it is in the same price range as my last real working man's Barlow bought new (KaBar 1013 at $17.99 in the 90s). I like the idea of carbon steel and American made, if the assembly is solid. Just wish they made with steel bolsters.
 
Keep your eyes peeled for vintage Barlows in good to excellent condition. I bought this one last year for about $16.

CAMCO 551

CAMCO%2520551.JPG
 
The Camco that I have was handed down is that knife (except with Barlow stamped into the bolsters)with a lot more wear, but is essentially identical to the aforementioned Kabar 1013 I purchased before the New York makers went under.
 
I only have three Barlows from Rough Rider and they are very nice in every aspect.
One in white bone, one in honey jigged bone and the last in black bark bone. The last one is spectacular.
For sure they are worth a least twice the money you can spend on them.

They have a nice weight, two blades, sharp out of the box, nice fit and finish, they are 440 Steel (whenver kind of steel is it's an average good), sharpens easily.
If only they were carbon steel to add some patina id like to say they are perfect for their price.

In the meantime searching for a TC Barlow...
 
mostho said:
I only have three Barlows from Rough Rider and they are very nice in every aspect.
One in white bone, one in honey jigged bone and the last in black bark bone. The last one is spectacular.
For sure they are worth a least twice the money you can spend on them.

They have a nice weight, two blades, sharp out of the box, nice fit and finish, they are 440 Steel (whenver kind of steel is it's an average good), sharpens easily.
If only they were carbon steel to add some patina id like to say they are perfect for their price.

In the meantime searching for a TC Barlow...
Click to expand...

I totally agree with all you said regarding Rough Rider's Barlows.
I have 3 including the one pictured. The others are a smooth white bone and a sawcut one.
I think they are great. When you consider how reasonably priced they are it's a fantastic bargain.
Going to get the Bark Bone one too:thumbup:


 
Rough Rider with carbon blades and plain steel bolsters would be nice. I notice that some of their more recent offerings have a third handle pin, which is an improvement.
 
Bartleby said:
Rough Rider with carbon blades and plain steel bolsters would be nice. I notice that some of their more recent offerings have a third handle pin, which is an improvement.
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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
There was talk of Rough Rider carbon steel knives which faded away.
 
I'm going to see how the Chinese Rite-edge holds up for a while. It sharpened up well and has turned out to be a good little user. I'm still going to order a carbon Bear and Son, see how it goes.
 
Interesting, most of the white bone ones I have seen have just two handle pins. Is that third pin on all newer ones? I was put off by an early RR that had the glued handle pull away from the liner creating a gap.
 
Bartleby said:
Interesting, most of the white bone ones I have seen have just two handle pins. Is that third pin on all newer ones? I was put off by an early RR that had the glued handle pull away from the liner creating a gap.
Click to expand...

All my RR Barlow have the third pins currently
 
Thanks! If I get a dog from Bear and Son, I will give RR another try. Those posted look to be nicely done.
 
Bartleby said:
Interesting, most of the white bone ones I have seen have just two handle pins. Is that third pin on all newer ones? I was put off by an early RR that had the glued handle pull away from the liner creating a gap.
Click to expand...

I have a Rough Rider barlow that I got in April that has only 2 handle pins. But I bought it as part of "Rough Rider Set 3" (or something like that): 12 different patterns all in amber jigged bone for under $90 delivered. So even though I got them fairly recently, they may have been manufactured long before I ordered them. But I like 'em all, including the barlow.

-GT
 
It may well be that the sets were a good way to clear out older stock. The Bear and Son did not have any major flaws, but the finish is not flawless. In my experience with Bear and Son, about 80% are just fine, 20% needed work or were sent back to the seller. They are certainly up there with Rough Rider or the Chinese Rite-edge mentioned earlier. It is probably the lowest cost American made Barlow that is useful as a tool.
 
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