The Mark Twain Barlow

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Karda

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Hello Folks!

I am offically addicted to barlows.
I knew it would happen if i lurked around here too long.:o ;)
I love just about any one of them, and some made in similar style such as the easy open jack and such. My problem is i know very little really about them. I love the old cases and camillus's,and such and the old German styles, but they are a little pricey for my budget right now, so i've decided to start my barlow collection with the same brand my father often gave to me as a young man. The Imperial Prov. RI. IIRC, they were also made in Ireland, but i think my dad told me that the USA production was better quality. They seem to be reasonably priced, even for a nice specimen. I think they may be somewhat underrated.

One that has caught my eye is the Mark Twain Barlow with the staglon slabs. I cannot find a whole lot of info about them, despite seemingly endlessly scouring google for information until my eyes burn and water up.
I've done seaches here, but they havent turned up much more than i've already found.
I know they were made in the 1970's at some point and were made to honor the great author. But thats about all i know at this point.

So, i'm asking for a good and thorough schooling on the MT barlow specifically. If anyone has info on when they were actually made and any other pertinent facts. Please traditionalists...enlighten me if you will.

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I can't be of much help specifically, but I have a lot of Imperial knives. I like them. Partly because I have a lot of fishing knives, but others, too. The USA ones are much nicer. I agree, they are underrated. Good cheap knives. I think of them kind of like the American Rough Rider of the past.
 
Welcome Karda. I believe that Stelth found the original factory flyer on the knife in question, the Mark Twain Barlow. But don't neglect to look also at the Schrade special edition barlows, like the GDOT. And then work backwards to find a Fulton, Kwik-Kut and Sta-Sharp or Dunlap made for Sears before the Craftsman name appeared during the war.
 
Thanks for the welcome, guys!
I had totally forgotten that Imperial became Imperial Schrade.
Pardon my ignorance, this is all pretty new to me. All my life i never really got into pocket knives,even though my dad tried.
Now it's like i got a scratch i can't itch.... :o :D



@Codger- What does GDOT mean? and does hammer brand fit in that lineup you mentioned somewhere?
 
Hammer Brand was a subbranding belonging to Imperial. They began using that in the 1930's, having bought the copyright from NYKC holdings. So yes, it is in the family. Also, Ulster is in the family and provides a rich collecting ground, including some of the Old Timers (yes, and a Barlow) made for Prince Albert Tobacco.

"GDOT" is "Grand Dad's Old Timer", a set of limited edition knives with custom features like brass bolsters and black Delrin handles, milled backs, serialized and in presentation boxes.

http://www.collectors-of-schrades-r.us/FLYERS/SC-1973-1979/pages/SC-75-4.htm
 
He He....mah brains definately not working at all tonight. Now if you had said "old timer" i'dve known what you meant. Either that or i'd be scratching my head wondering who told you my secret.(I'm really not that old, i just look it) :D

Fine info guys, thanks for your patience with me.
 
Ballenxj said:
The Mark Twain Barlowis indeed an interesting knife.

That "is" an interesting evolution as well. ;)
-Bruce
Click to expand...

Yes it is, the whole history of the company/companies is quite interesting and confusing. :confused:
Am i correct in thinking that these MT barlows were advertised beginning in 1973?
If so, does anyone have an idea of how long they were produced?
 
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