Searching for an Inexpensive Barlow

L

LeatherMan64

Joined
Jan 15, 2013
Messages
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Hey, I'm pretty new to the forum, so forgive me if I've stuck this in the wrong sub. I'm just getting into the world of traditional folders, and I'm looking to get my hands on medium sized Barlow. I have no prior experience with the pattern, and I'm not sure whether it'd be a good fit for me, so I'm not looking to throw down a bunch of cash for one. I've pared town the list to three companies: Bear and Son, Old Timer, and Rough Rider. Which one of these companies would be my best bet? I'd love to buy a real, USofA knife (which I believe the Bear & son is), but if one of the others is a better choice, I'd love to know, I appreciate any and all thoughts and commentary, and if there are any other brands that I've overlooked, I'd love to hear about 'em.
 
Barlows are cool and many of us picked our first one up off of a card in a dime store for $1.99. I still have an Imperial Barlow that I got after shining shoes one Saturday in a Barbershop. I only have 3 right now, all USA Made, Old Timer Scrimshaw, KABAR & the Imperial. Depending on your budget the choice is wide. I don't think you'd be disappointed in the bear and Son Barlows.
 
Skip the Bear, avoid the (Chinese) Schrade like the plague, and go with a Rough Rider. If you like it, save up the cash and get yourself a Case or Boker, or keep saving and get a GEC.
 
Planterz said:
Skip the Bear, avoid the (Chinese) Schrade like the plague, and go with a Rough Rider. If you like it, save up the cash and get yourself a Case or Boker, or keep saving and get a GEC.
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A sound plan. :thumbup:

(The only one of the above knives I don't have any experience with is the Schrade, but the rest is so spot-on I trust Aaron on the Schrades as well.)

~ P.
 
I don't have any personal experience with the new Taylor made Schrades from China, but I haven't read anything good. Same with Bear & Sons. But I have a couple RRs, a couple Steel Warriors, and they're great knives considering the cost, and in comparison to good American made knives like Case. I don't really carry the ones I got (good knives, but no "pride of ownership"). But they're great to try out a pattern, like the OP wants to, without breaking the bank.
 
You can also look at the popular online auction site and find a lot of Sabre, Camco, Imperial, and other vintage "bargain" brands that were made in the US, Ireland, etc. Sometimes you can even find new old stock. They're all priced low and have a little history to them, moreso than a RR. Although, all of the RR barlows I've seen have been really nice, especially for their price.
 
bwperdue said:
You can also look at the popular online auction site and find a lot of Sabre, Camco, Imperial, and other vintage "bargain" brands that were made in the US, Ireland, etc. Sometimes you can even find new old stock. They're all priced low and have a little history to them, moreso than a RR. Although, all of the RR barlows I've seen have been really nice, especially for their price.
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Good idea too. But with many of these cheaper import barlows (I have a Sabre that was my grandfather's), they're not made like other knives. The "bolsters" and handles are stamped from the same piece, with a plastic faux-bone overlay, making them lightweight and cheap feeling. They might look similar, but a Japanese Sabre from the 70s and an American made Case are very different knives. A Rough Rider is constructed like a Case will be, with nickel silver bolsters (although inferior - it yellows quicker) and solid bone handles.

That isn't to say that quality vintage barlows aren't out there for a good price. I picked up a Kutmaster with steel bolsters and bone handles from the 60s off eBay for less than $40. Queen Steel barlows from the 70's are all over the place. Just make sure you know what you're buying.

That's why I suggest to the OP to pick up a Rough Rider. It's cheap, but well made, and will give you a very good idea of what that particular pattern has to offer in a more expensive version.
 
I picked up one of the Rough Rider Barlows myself to try out the barlow pattern, its actually a pretty nice knife, well worth $10 IMHO
RR%20barlow.jpg
 
The Bears that I've handled were less than stellar. IMHO Rough Rider makes a grand knife for the money, and represents a great bargain in the traditional knife world. I for one enjoy the Barlow pattern, however as others have stated I'd go in a little at a time starting with less expensive knife, before spending a decent amount on a Barlow. The steel is good as well as the QC with the RRs.
 
Those are good points. I guess you won't find any shell construction anymore. I vote for the RR. ;) The gunstock bone, like in the pic above, is especially nice. All the RR in that bone I've had have been well done. It's a classy, unique look.

Planterz said:
Good idea too. But with many of these cheaper import barlows (I have a Sabre that was my grandfather's), they're not made like other knives. The "bolsters" and handles are stamped from the same piece, with a plastic faux-bone overlay, making them lightweight and cheap feeling. They might look similar, but a Japanese Sabre from the 70s and an American made Case are very different knives. A Rough Rider is constructed like a Case will be, with nickel silver bolsters (although inferior - it yellows quicker) and solid bone handles.

That isn't to say that quality vintage barlows aren't out there for a good price. I picked up a Kutmaster with steel bolsters and bone handles from the 60s off eBay for less than $40. Queen Steel barlows from the 70's are all over the place. Just make sure you know what you're buying.

That's why I suggest to the OP to pick up a Rough Rider. It's cheap, but well made, and will give you a very good idea of what that particular pattern has to offer in a more expensive version.
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Wow, surprised and delighted at the speed, quality, and quantity of feedback! Thanks for the input. Overall, looks like the RR is gonna be the best fit for me. That brown gunstock bone is beautiful, can't wait to get my hands on one.
 
Almost all barlows are "medium". GEC does make a 3" model that is small but most run, IIRC, 3 and 3/8ths or 3 and 5/8ths. Case does have the Granddaddy Barlow that runs 5" closed but the normal are the same size as those just released by GEC.

One day I would like to try to take KH or JL into making me one that was about 4" closed. Probably wouldn't happen but I'd still like to try.

If you want to investigate a new knife - pick up one of the Rough Riders. If it doesn't have to be new, check out antique stores, pawn shops, second hand stores, etc. You'll probably find some that you can get for only a small sum depending on condition.
 
Another vote for the Rough Rider. When I was buying some sharpening gear and a couple of Mora knives for gifts I put one in the cart for me. I got the Barlow pattern after reading a good amount of chatter about RR as well as their Barlows here on this site.

Wow was I surprised! The construction is better than most of the knives I have handled these days, the primary clip blade has a bit of hollow grind to it (think CASE from the 70s) and the steel is just fine for a EDC. No, the steel isn't as hard as the D2 on my Dan Burke Barlow, but it is harder than the carbon my CASE knives and doesn't rust. Where the price point does come into play for me is that fact that I use it on a job site, and sometimes tools are pushed beyond their capacity, mostly by accident. If I damage this knife, I will be upset but will be out $9. I rarely carry my DB Barlow to the job as I am afraid it will get accidentally damaged. Don't know what it would cost to replace it.

I am already plotting my next RR Barlow purchase.

Robert
 
While you're researching, you might want to check these out.

UTK24779BB_utica_catskill_barlow_knife.jpg


Utica Catskill Barlow Knife. Barlow. 3 1/4" closed length. 1095 High Carbon Steel Mirror Polished Clip and Pen Blades. Brown Jigged Bone handles with Nickel Silver bolsters and inlay shield. Utica Cutlery has been manufacturing quality pocket cutlery in upstate New York for over a century. Catskill series depicts the autumn season within the upstate New York region with its rustic Brown and Light Chocolate colors. These innate colors reflect that of the Catskill region in New York. Made in the USA.
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