- Joined
- Feb 1, 2012
- Messages
- 11,783
Monday afternoon, I received a small package from Blues containing the following surprise:
In my recent return to Traditional knives, I quickly recognized my long affinity for jackknives. Relatively new, however, has been my fascination with barlow knives in particular.
I've learned just enough about Russell barlows and their place in American/knife history to be in awe when I opened Elliott's package. In the interests of full disclosure, when I first held the knife and considered the provenance by which it was now mine-- current friendship and untold years of Life before-- tears came to my eyes.
The real deal:
The blade is in fine condition, not polished-out as the above photographs make it appear. Here are some better views of it:
From the top, Sleek Slicer revealed:
Bolster and tang stamps:
And of course, the glorious golden-brown saw-cut bone, as seen above and in various other lighting and settings:
I am amazed at how light and sleek this knife is, comfortable in hand and unobtrusive in pocket, and am deeply moved to now have this small piece of history in my hands.
A sweet, sweet knife.
An incredible gift.
Thanks, Elliott.
~ P.
And, lest my attempted restraint in the above words fool anyone: my awe of this gift remains, but I'm also all this:
IT'S A RUSSELL BARLOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In my recent return to Traditional knives, I quickly recognized my long affinity for jackknives. Relatively new, however, has been my fascination with barlow knives in particular.
I've learned just enough about Russell barlows and their place in American/knife history to be in awe when I opened Elliott's package. In the interests of full disclosure, when I first held the knife and considered the provenance by which it was now mine-- current friendship and untold years of Life before-- tears came to my eyes.
The real deal:
The blade is in fine condition, not polished-out as the above photographs make it appear. Here are some better views of it:
From the top, Sleek Slicer revealed:
Bolster and tang stamps:
And of course, the glorious golden-brown saw-cut bone, as seen above and in various other lighting and settings:
I am amazed at how light and sleek this knife is, comfortable in hand and unobtrusive in pocket, and am deeply moved to now have this small piece of history in my hands.
A sweet, sweet knife.
An incredible gift.
Thanks, Elliott.
~ P.
And, lest my attempted restraint in the above words fool anyone: my awe of this gift remains, but I'm also all this:
IT'S A RUSSELL BARLOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I was just about to ask how you obtained it P, and it seems in the best possible way. Elliott, you are generous to a fault, that is a lovely gift, and is clearly going to be much loved. A beautiful knife that I'm sure you'll treasure forever P 
