Steel bolstered Barlows?

B

Bartleby

Joined
Oct 28, 2005
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I've been thinking of getting a standard sized barlow as a working knife, like it was intended-a good quality blade with a plain jane handle with steel bolsters. Most of the barlows out now there seem to be made with the collector in mind with fancy handles and nickel silver bolsters. Which companies make this pattern as a user? Thanks.
 
I've been impressed by the Boker made Russell Barlow with bone scales and carbon steel blades. A great knife for about $25 when I picked one up a few months back on Smoky Mtn's website.

Nice small size for the pocket yet two useful blades.
 
Blues said:
I've been impressed by the Boker made Russell Barlow with bone scales and carbon steel blades. A great knife for about $25 when I picked one up a few months back on Smoky Mtn's website.

Nice small size for the pocket yet two useful blades.
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I had just sold one when my baby sister asked for it. I have been looking for one ever since for her. She really liked the bone scales. It was a great little knife, just not me at that time.
 
Does Boker offer warranty backing on those? I don't know about SMKW backing their own products. They seem to refer problems back to the manufacturer (did they have these made by Boker, or do others carry them as well?). Thanks.
 
Here's some information about your warranty question:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3565324&highlight=warranty#post3565324

I can attest to the quality of the Boker made Russell barlows, and I've purchase several to give as s gifts. In fact, it's what I have in my pocket right now, and it's all my Dad will carry.

I don't think anyone mentioned, although it might have been implied, that they do have brushed stainless steel bolsters as well.
 
Bartleby, I can't see you having any real issues with these. Everyone I know of that has 'em has agreed on their quality.

If you receive a lemon from SMKW or other vendor I'm sure they'd take it back. Lastly, these are authorized from Dexter-Russell so if there are any issues I'm sure that someone at the corporate offices here stateside could intervene if necessary.

It's such a small investment for the knife itself I don't think you should worry about any attendant risk.
 
longbeachguy said:
Here's some information about your warranty question:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3565324&highlight=warranty#post3565324

I can attest to the quality of the Boker made Russell barlows, and I've purchase several to give as s gifts. In fact, it's what I have in my pocket right now, and it's all my Dad will carry.

I don't think anyone mentioned, although it might have been implied, that they do have brushed stainless steel bolsters as well.
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Really? They have brushed stainless bolsters as well? That would be useful for a working knife in messy situations, getting all interested now:thumbup:
I believe BULLDOG offers some reasonably priced Barlows as well. Not sure how the celluloid scales would hold up though.
 
I've ordered a Russell Barlow in green sawn bone with spear tip.These have the SS bolsters and carbon blade.I need an outdoor worker. Odd that Russell is an American cutler but gets the barlow made in Germany. Why is this? Even though I live in the EU I can't get one from Germany, it has to come all the way via the USA:D

Also, what is the razor style blade for on some barlows? SURELY people wouldn't attempt shaving with that:eek:
 
Will, the name is licensed by Dexter-Russell, the current incarnation of what was once Russell Green River (et al). They do not manufacture pocketknives whatsoever anymore. They are primarily manufacturing cutlery for commercial kitchen and industrial use. This is why the last several authorized Barlow knives via Russell were made by companies like Schrade, Colonial and most recently Boker.
 
Thanks to all. I like the Russell Barlows you have pointed out (from both Russells). I've been using a Colonial "Old Cutler" with wood scales and solid stainless bolsters for several years that has held up real well, but want to get another hard worker. It will be nice to get carbon blades with the Russell, thanks again.
 
Blues said:
Bartleby, I can't see you having any real issues with these. Everyone I know of that has 'em has agreed on their quality.

If you receive a lemon from SMKW or other vendor I'm sure they'd take it back. Lastly, these are authorized from Dexter-Russell so if there are any issues I'm sure that someone at the corporate offices here stateside could intervene if necessary.

It's such a small investment for the knife itself I don't think you should worry about any attendant risk.
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I agree with the very good quality and value of the Boker made Barlows. Mine is in my William Henry clip case right next to my SAK in my right front pocket as I write this. Excellent little knife!:thumbup:
 
willgoy said:
I've ordered a Russell Barlow in green sawn bone with spear tip.These have the SS bolsters and carbon blade.I need an outdoor worker. Odd that Russell is an American cutler but gets the barlow made in Germany. Why is this? Even though I live in the EU I can't get one from Germany, it has to come all the way via the USA:D

Also, what is the razor style blade for on some barlows? SURELY people wouldn't attempt shaving with that:eek:
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The razor style blade was not intended for shaving, they were intended for the use of men who had lost an arm. This was following the War of Northen Aggression in the 1860s. the indentation in the end of the knife was hooked on a pocket or belt loop, or, or and opened that way. They also generally had a curved tip that allowed a person with one hand only to cut his food.
 
I managed to turn up a spearpoint Boker-Russell repro locally. It was stag, but the seller only wanted thirty bucks, which is less than I could have spent to have one ordered and shipped. Looks like it will serve well, thanks gents.
 
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