Shield on a Bolstered Barlow?

Opinion of a shield on a bolstered Barlow 4” Closed length

  • Total voters
    57
THAT ... is going to be a gorgeous knife with NO need for a shield.
Even if a shield were used, I think it should be pinned and the assembly stage looks like maybe it's too late for that.
 
I vote "Yes - depending on the cover material, shield and placemant."

In my worhless opinion, a Acorn, a single or double bomb shield, a "<>" diamond or a starburst shield would look good.
If you make the knife with Stag, Ram, Elk, Warthog Ivory, or checkered wood, scratted bone, or scrimshawed covers, for example, then no shield unless a contrasting metal (copper on brass, for instance) soldiered to the bolster.
 
Looks great David, thats some nice micarta. No reason for a shield, but I am always a fan of seeing those larger bolsters get some kind of decorative treatment.
 
Bolster work would be nice, but since the Barlow was historically a working type knife I don't think the filework would really fit.
It would be nice and good show of your skills, but simpler would be best here I think.
 
David Kramp said:
Been working on this 4” Big Daddy Barlow prototype. Since this is a prototype I figured I would try my hand at fluting and threading the bolsters along with filework on the liners.

What are your opinions on this knife getting a traditional style shield?
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Your knife is shaping up nicely, BTW!!! :thumbsup:

dsutton24 said:
Last time I offered an opinion I got thoroughly skewered, so I'm probably completely wrong, but I like 'em with shields. I like 'em without. In my opinion you can't really mess up a Barlow.
Click to expand...

There is no right or wrong, IMO!! It's a question of taste!! No Shield in my book!
If you are aiming for tradition!!??
 
Might thoughts are no shield. It’s good to hear various opinions and why. I did one on a shadow pattern Barlow and it looked great. I’m going to give it a single flute/rat tail and leave it at that.

I tend to agree about the file work on a Barlow. Classic EDC for the every man.

This vintage butterscotch linen has been so good to work with. Tough as woodpecker lips.
 
I always think that shields are a sin if you work with natural handle material. Why 'ruin' it with a shield, while you some beautiful bone, stag, wood, mother of pearl etc....etc...
(That being said, some shields (if executed well) can be quite attractive)

But i definitely think you should go to town on that bolster!
 
Not too long ago I would have been in the "never a shield on a Barlow" camp. But my Böker Castle Wood Barlow has a shield, and it works. Actually this knife breaks all kinds of rules for Barlows for me - shield, bolster feels a bit disproportionately long and plain, blade is a bit too short for the handle, etc. And yet, I can't help thinking it's one of the prettiest knives I've ever owned. It all just works.

So put a shield on your Barlow? It'll probably look terrible, but it might look beautiful - you just have to pull it off.

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