Russell Barlow 1875-1975 Commemorative Issue

[BrotherJim]

Schrade made this Russell Barlow 1875-1975 Commemorative Issue and would continue to make them as Schrade 206 Granddad's Barlow.
I've read that 12,000 of these were produced. The first 2,000 shipped in cedar boxes.
A BF member has serial no. 0001 and posted a thread several years ago with pictures. I can't find the thread now. His commemorative is immaculate !!!
Based on the Delrin and storage pouch fading on mine, I'd say it was perhaps a display exposed to harsh lighting for many years but I have no idea where.
It was never carried or sharpened and still has an oily feel to it.
Delrin was the lastest and greatest in the mid seventies I guess. I wish this commemorative had bone or even wood scales ... shoot LoL

Schrade Cutlery closed up shop in 2004. A handful of former Schrade employees formed Canal Street Cutlery. CSC made the Coppersmith Barlow (and others) for KABAR. The steel on the KABAR is 14-4CrMO. The steel on the Russell Commemorative is, someone please correct me if I'm wrong, 440 series steel. Likely 440A. CSC also produces the Barlow with CSC branding.

OH ... and 44 River Street, Southbridge, MA? ... Today it's Dexter-Russell, Inc

 

[BrotherJim]

I really like this Barlow. Nostalgia is fun

 

[BrotherJim]

The ONLY thing that bothers me about this commemorative is the Delrin. In it's hayday, the Russell Barlow never came in Delrin. I'm seriously considering rescaling this one if anyone is up for it. On the other hand, it is what it is I guess. Did I mention I'm seriously considering rescale LoL

 

[BrotherJim]

I just sent an email to a group of old time Schrade guys to see if one of them wants to take this one on as a (financed of course) labor of love hobby project to put appropriate handle material on that would be in keeping with original Russell Barlows. Sure hope one of them will be inspired and take it on.

 

[BrotherJim]

If I don't hear back from the Schrade guys, anyone have a suggestion who might take on putting bone on this knife?
Smooth natural bone handle would be just fine or some dyed sawcut or jigged. I'm pretty sure it's going to be a user, especially with some nice bone. I can't take it with me ya know LoL

 

[BrotherJim]

Bueller ... Bueller ... anyone?

 

[TheWook]

There is a service section I was referred to in the trade area. Bi was referred to it regarding rescaling by an old timer I have. I would give that a shot.

 

[BrotherJim]

Thanks Wook, I'll check it out if I don't hear back from one of the Schrade guys.

 

[jkulysses]

Very nice Barlow!! I have the standard schrade version of this knife with the fancy scrolled bolsters but same delrin scales. I've always wanted to have it rescaled. Glenn on this forum is who I would trust my knives with. There is a guy named muskrat man who is supposed to be excellent with schrade knives too. Can't wait to see pictures of the finished product!

 

[BrotherJim]

Thank you jkulysses