TC Barlows?

[kamagong]

I think the reason the TC Barlow is so sought after is because, it is the only traditional knife that GEC offeres that actually follows a traditional pattern. The TC Barlow has the look and feeling of a knife that is 100 years old.

The TC Barwlos are patterened after the the real traditional pocket knives in Mr. Campagna's collection (one jaw dropping collection at that). IMO, GEC would be better served reproducing classic traditional knives rather than supplying their own patterns.

Everything GEC makes is either too wide, thick, big, or different from the traditional pattern.

A classic example of this would be the 2012 Forum knife.
___________________

Couple that with limited quantities the hype that goes on here in this sub forum, and you've got an instant sell out... Not really surprising.

I would have agreed with you a few years back, but there GEC now makes a few patterns that look and feel like the old-timers. In addition to the #15, there is also the #23 and #73 (closely modeled on the Remington 1123 and 1173), the #47 (swayback), and the #71 (sodbuster). All knives with classic proportions.

- Christian

 

[joeymoey]

I totally agree with the hoarding and flipping comments. It makes them pretty much unattainable for a lot of people either newly released (always sold out, no where to buy one when released) or on the secondary market (I am not paying $200+ for a TC Barlow on ebay from someone who bought them all up to make a quick buck off me and I know of others that feel the same way) So that leaves me with the one TC barlow I already own - A smooth white bone sheepsfoot 2 blade and I really don't see it changing anytime soon. Would I like another one? Heck yeah, I really want a single blade clip in just about anything besides jigged bone but with the way these things get sold and flipped im not counting on it anytime soon.

 

[pmew]

I think the reason the TC Barlow is so sought after is because, it is the only traditional knife that GEC offeres that actually follows a traditional pattern.

Hmmm.. I'm afraid I couldn't disagree more.

#06 is traditional, #09 is traditional, #12 is traditional, #15 is traditional, #16 is traditional, #23, #28, #33, #36 and #42 are all traditional. The #48 is traditional as is the #53/54 frame and the #56. The #61, #64, #65, #68, #71, #72 and #73 are all traditional patterns. So too are the #81, #85 and the #89.

The above are all fantastic reproductions and interpretations of classic traditional patterns. There are quite a few I missed out that have unusual blade combos or styles and also might fall into the category of "wee small fat chubby versions".

This is why great eastern cutlery is so popular.

 

[Pipeman]

Geeee, And here I thought that the USA was built on commerce


Regards

Robin

 

[gunstockjack]

If I offended anyone here by selling knives on the big auction site, then I sincerely apologize. I merely saw it as an opportunity to put my knife sales into the black for the year by selling some of my personal collection. Unfortunately, they did not bring huge prices, perhaps because I do not use shill bidders or other dishonest means. On the positive side, some of these went to folks who otherwise wouldn't have had an opportunity to buy.

I am not greedy and am only trying to break even in the knife business, as I am otherwise retired. If anyone here believes they can do a better job in turning a profit as a sole owner knife proprietor, I am happy to discuss terms of sale of a turn-key business with you.

 

[Campbellclanman]

This is the VERY reason I spoke out - BARRY you are a Legend - you have nothing to explain about or to.
The amount of work you do here is phenomenal and because of these ......... you now feel that you had to apologise.
I wish guys would do their homework before doing such damage.
Barry you have the back of the whole community, your generosity is fantastic as your passion is - and this is the reason why I spoke up for you. We need people like yourself and this is the very reason why Traditionals has been so good for so long. Forget the negative uneducated few and let's move on.

 

[rma100]

One aspect of modern American Marketing that has not been mentioned here is Risk and Reward.

 

[gunstockjack]

Thank you Duncan!

Exactly Bob!

 

[rma100]

If I offended anyone here by selling knives on the big auction site, then I sincerely apologize. I merely saw it as an opportunity to put my knife sales into the black for the year by selling some of my personal collection. Unfortunately, they did not bring huge prices, perhaps because I do not use shill bidders or other dishonest means. On the positive side, some of these went to folks who otherwise wouldn't have had an opportunity to buy.

I am not greedy and am only trying to break even in the knife business, as I am otherwise retired. If anyone here believes they can do a better job in turning a profit as a sole owner knife proprietor, I am happy to discuss terms of sale of a turn-key business with you.

Barry, you don't owe an apology or an explanation to anyone! Except that guy whose throat you're holding a knife to in your avatar!

 

[Sherman01]

gunstockjack - - I'm one who expressed my disdain. I was not offended. I was dissappointed in general, not specifically at you. This is why I did not name names. In my mind I played the movie out and in that movie these knives would all be sold to the highest bidders fueling the speculation, and the retail prices would be no more. My reaction is more about me & my (selfish) perception, rather than about you or your business. I've bought knives from you, and will again.

 

[paulhilborn]

Barry, I couldn't agree with Duncan and Bob more:thumbup:

Your a class act and if it weren't for you I'm sure I would've missed out on a few fabulous knives---I come to you because of your professionalism and it's like dealing with a brother---a good Brother that is

 

[gunstockjack]

Thanks fellas! :subdued: ride:

 

[Woodrow F Call]

If I offended anyone here by selling knives on the big auction site, then I sincerely apologize. I merely saw it as an opportunity to put my knife sales into the black for the year by selling some of my personal collection. Unfortunately, they did not bring huge prices, perhaps because I do not use shill bidders or other dishonest means. On the positive side, some of these went to folks who otherwise wouldn't have had an opportunity to buy.

I am not greedy and am only trying to break even in the knife business, as I am otherwise retired. If anyone here believes they can do a better job in turning a profit as a sole owner knife proprietor, I am happy to discuss terms of sale of a turn-key business with you.

I have no issues with anyone, let alone you trying to make buck. There is nothing dishonest about putting up knives that you invested in for auction. I prefer you stay in the black as well. Some people forget, you have to make a living too.

:thumbup:

 

[KBA]

Barry ~ No offense here. Ive seen people give them away and I saw one go for $321.00 today. Neither event bothered me but both events surprised me.

I believe there are to many variables to why people buy and spend what they do on the things they want. The key to all this is understanding it is a "want" not a need. 321 bucks is almost half my monthly mortgage, but to others it's what they make in an hour. Some buy them for the prestige, some buy for the traditional history, others just want a good quality knife to pocket and use. It is none of my business, nor my place to judge, in some moral or ethical limited perspective.

If you run a business the primary objective is profit. If the auction site allows you to make 300% on a product it would be poor business practices not to sell on the auction site. At the same time if you wanted to just break even and sell here or elsewhere that is fine, but as a knife dealer it limits your adaptation and integration of todays market.

For example, Im not a dealer but two knives I had been looking for finally came within my grasp. I didn't have the money for either but I was able to trade a Charlow for one and sell a Charlow easily for the other.

Hope you all have a great evening.

 

[Primble]

I will give this thread one more go and then leave it alone. I will try to show respect for everyone.

I just want to say that it is indeed a persons' own business as to what knives he buys, the knives he sells, where he sells, and who he chooses to sell them to. It is nobody else's business.

I think there are a very few here that SEEM to be NEW to the concept of collecting or buying limited production knives. If so - I say educate yourself - ask for help without complaining or pointing fingers - you might be surprised at the help you receive.

If the knives are limited in production, they are harder to get and one has to work harder to find them and obtain them.

I have bought knives, one at a time, to make collections of knives which I was/am attracted to - my old Case Redbones - my old knife collection - my Case/Bose collaborations, etc., and lately the TC Barlows.

Some of them I found without much trouble, while others I spent a considerable amount of time finding. I missed out on some wonderful ones. I found some wonderful ones.

I won auctions - I lost auctions. This has been the same for many many years!

I have found the distribution of the TC Barlows to be as fair or more fair than any other limited production knifes I have sought to obtain.

Complaining of availability will DO NO GOOD. It may even hurt your chances. If you point fingers and call a collector a hoarder, other than joking, of course, you will probably kill any chance of obtaining a knife from that person. Show respect !

So my final advice to those who think the TC Barlows are unobtainable is: to read threads, especially Charlow threads, keep an ear to the ground, check the exchange often, ask some members about them, etc., show people you are interested - PAY ATTENTION. If you work hard toward something - it usually pays off.

I would like to see this thread end as it has not been a productive one and I am sure there have been some hurt feelings.

I have not intended to hurt anyone's feelings and this post is not intended that way either.

That is not typical of what this forum normally represents.

 

[KBA]

Primble we are knife nuts for a reason It would only be normal if the "nut" part became more pronounced occasionally. Not saying anyone here is a nut, but this topic is kinda like walking into a hunting lodge and saying the 30-06 is better than the 308 and 270, some miscommunication is gonna happen and the use of semantics will be ignored. Plus everyone already knows the 30-06 is superior

I do agree with you and believe this thread has run it's course.

 

[esnyx]

Yup, let's put a fork in it.

 

[Halfneck]

That is not typical of what this forum normally represents.

I agree on this. When the current run of TC Barlows were released I was working a string of 12 hour shifts at the clinic. Nevermind the fact we were very busy, but we are also not allowed to use the computer for personal reasons. This played a big part in why I missed out on getting the walnut single clip Charlow. Shortly after I ordered my 3rd cut stag I had a member here contact me via PM offering me 1st shot at a walnut Charlow. I thought about buying it, but decided to decline & give someone else a chance. I'm glad I did because I ended up liking my 3rd cut stag Charlow & it is a new material to my eclectic GEC collection. I also had a retailer here contact me to see if I had been able to find a single clip Charlow. I said I had & thanked them for thinking of me.

This subforum is not only about the wonderful knives that we enjoy, but a treasure trove of kind & helpful people.

Edit to add: Oh and it's full of Enablers too - Charlie chief among them.

 

[arizonaranchman]

I've interacted with Barry, Rob, Mike, Derrick and Charlie as vendors and as brothers many times here on the forum. In fact these gentlemen are the only place I go for my traditional knives other than the exchange here for private sales now n then. They've been excellent to deal with and I much appreciate what they provide in their product line and excellent customer service.

This forum and it's membership are among the most stand-up finest folks I've ever known. Bless you all and lets enjoy this wonderful past-time and hobby together. :thumbup:

My Precious

 

[paulhilborn]

I've interacted with Barry, Rob, Mike and Charlie as vendors and as brothers many times here on the forum. In fact these gentlemen are the only place I go for my traditional knives other than the exchange here for private sales now n then. They've been excellent to deal with and I much appreciate what they provide in their product line and excellent customer service.

This forum and it's membership are among the most stand-up finest folks I've ever known. Bless you all and lets enjoy this wonderful past-time and hobby together. :thumbup:

My Precious

Very well said Jeff:thumbup: