Should I make my walnut charlow a user or not?

Should I make my charlow a user or not?

  • Yay

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Nay

    Votes: 0 0.0%
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Bladenoobie1

Bladenoobie1

Joined
Jul 20, 2012
Messages
1,261
So recently I've acquired a walnut charlow and it's grown on me. I was contemplating selling it or trading it, but after a few day surpassed I decided to keep it. It isn't in 100% new condition anymore because I cleaned up the springs/liners; however, I see that as a benefit--there were burrs still left on the liners and the scratched up high polish finish looked very messy. Now it is a clean satin finish though not entirely seamless due to hair line gaps already present. The bolsters I left alone and the blades are still 100% brand new.

Now I have more knives than I need, so this charlow doesn't have to become a user. While this is true, I tend to use all my knives and haven't collecting anything other than coins, paper currency, and a few other miscellaneous things. The first step for it becoming a user is to of course sharpen it. The knives are dull. I can rub my thumb over the main blade fast and not get cut. On the plus side they're very thin meaning it will still actually cut through a lot of objects fairly well due to the thin profile. I fear if I sharpen it I could mess up and scratch the blade. Now that wouldn't matter if it was going to be a user, but I'm still unsure of whether just to have it in my "collection" or to put it apart of my edc rotation. That aside I am currently on the ledge between these 2 options and I need help deciding. Please vote on the poll and post a follow up or explanation.

Thanks,
Julian
 
I can only speak for myself, and I enjoy my knives a lot more when I can use them. They are made for it.

So I think that you should sharpen it, scratch it, carry it, ding it up and all other thing that comes with using and enjoying knives. That's my opinion, and I know there are people here who disagree, but that's OK.
 
Julian:

When your days on this earth are over, and your wife remarries, do you want her next husband to find a like-new Charlow in your collection that he can give to his kids, or one covered in Julian's biscuit gravy, drywall dust and squirrel blood? You now have the chance to stand firm against the shifting sands of time and leave a permanent legacy that this was Julian's Charlow.
 
In my quest for the perfect knife, most of the joy I get from my knives comes from how well they carry and do actual work. The barlow (I don't own a Charlow but do desire one) is a wonderful working knife. I really like wood handles. Your Charlow would be great as a daily user. It may be the most comfortable, best slicing knife you have. Try it and see. Sounds like you're not happy with some of the gaps and your example is not perfect. Use this one and some day if you want to collect knives find a perfect one to put up.
 
powernoodle said:
Julian:

When your days on this earth are over, and your wife remarries, do you want her next husband to find a like-new Charlow in your collection that he can give to his kids, or one covered in Julian's biscuit gravy, drywall dust and squirrel blood? You now have the chance to stand firm against the shifting sands of time and leave a permanent legacy that this was Julian's Charlow.
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You provide a pretty convincing argument. Perhaps not only covered in gravy, drywall dust, and squirrel blood, but also tears of joy from being free from the agony caused by my wife :D In all seriousness I still have yet to graduate from college and do not have a spouse yet lol. So far it seems to be an overwhelming yes. Looks like I'm going to put a new edge on by tomorrow.

incision said:
In my quest for the perfect knife, most of the joy I get from my knives comes from how well they carry and do actual work. The barlow (I don't own a Charlow but do desire one) is a wonderful working knife. I really like wood handles. Your Charlow would be great as a daily user. It may be the most comfortable, best slicing knife you have. Try it and see. Sounds like you're not happy with some of the gaps and your example is not perfect. Use this one and some day if you want to collect knives find a perfect one to put up.
Click to expand...

The gaps don't bother me too much. They are small and it is a production knife so I'm not expecting perfection. I'll be sure to devote my full attention, time, and focus to ensure the best possible edge I can put on this charlow.
 
I normally don't like to advise anyone on what to do with their own knife, but, since you asked, I would join the camp of make it a user.

Since you state that the knife is no longer pristine, I think that qualifies it for a user.

I do collect both old and some new knives, but, none are safe queens. Many different ones get carried, but, in all honesty, most only see light duty.

I do have one user Charlow that has a nice patina and it gets carried quite a bit.

Most of all - I use great care when sharpening.:)

I use cheap knives for heavy duty cutting chores.
 
Those sold out quick because they are desirable (meant to be used) pocket knives (meant to be used). So use it, enjoy it, and achieve true happines in doing so. :)
 
Do what makes uou feel better.
If carrying it gives you more anxiety or regrets than joy, then leave it in your closet.
Otherwise, just put it in your pocket and use it.
Powernoodle makes a strong point though :p

Fausto
:cool:
 
Ordinarily I'd favor just using it. Now, I think unless you are really sure it will get it into regular rotation, you should probably not.

You've said you already have more knives than you need, which likely means you already have a selection of daily users. You also state you are not much of a collector. The question then becomes, do you really think this one will bump one of the others out of the rotation? If so, use and enjoy! If not, leave it alone. Eventually you will want to move it along and until you sharpen the blade, most people will overlook the cosmetic work that's been done (as long as you did it well!).
 
The chant goes up...use her, use her, use her...yeah, so I vote "user". No right or wrong answer, it's just what I'd do.
 
What was your intention when you bought the knife? Did you want a Charlow because they got good reviews as knives, or did you buy it because it is nice to look at, or did you buy it with the intention of flipping it? For me personally, it's best to know why I want a knife (this actually applies to most things) before I purchase it. Then, it's just a matter of sticking to it when the knife actually comes in. It really helped me to choose a particular type of knife to collect. I picked Schrade Old Timers. If I get an unused Old Timer I know it's going to be put up and I'm not going to use it. An Old Timer that's already been used or any other knife is going to get sharpened and thrown in a pocket. If it doesn't find a regular use it's trade fodder. There is no question what will become of a knife before I even get it in hand.

I don't know if this helps you at all, but it's helped me. Are you planning on collecting Charlows? Are you trying to collect one of each GEC? Are you collecting pristine barlows? If you answered no to these questions, I'd use it.
 
powernoodle said:
Julian:

When your days on this earth are over, and your wife remarries, do you want her next husband to find a like-new Charlow in your collection that he can give to his kids, or one covered in Julian's biscuit gravy, drywall dust and squirrel blood? You now have the chance to stand firm against the shifting sands of time and leave a permanent legacy that this was Julian's Charlow.
Click to expand...

Amen! Great post.
 
powernoodle said:
Julian:

When your days on this earth are over, and your wife remarries, do you want her next husband to find a like-new Charlow in your collection that he can give to his kids, or one covered in Julian's biscuit gravy, drywall dust and squirrel blood? You now have the chance to stand firm against the shifting sands of time and leave a permanent legacy that this was Julian's Charlow.
Click to expand...
Thanks power noodle. I saved your quote for future reference in my inspirational folder!

I think your reply is In the same mood of my earlier thread.
At the end I decided to keep and use my blades.

So use it. Sharpen it at the best as you can and use it, t your best enjoyment and satisfaction.
 
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If you use it, really use it. This is a really used Toms Choice Barlow. It has been used for pretty much anything I've come across since I've had it. They are tough little knives. This knife has not been abused - just used.

 
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