Unique Barbee folder

[gmikeSTK]

I came across this knife from a recent new client. He told me his grandad got it back in the late 70's or 80's and was told it was a custom knife. He didn't know much else about it. I sure haven't seen anything like it before. The only marking as you can see is Barbee. Assuming that's JL Barbee, but I can't find anything about him ever making folding knives. I'm just throwing this out there in case anyone might have some info or history with this knife.

One thing I would like to point out is the knife is about the same thickness as the swing bar. To open you swing it out like normal but with the blade tucked inside the bar, then you flip the bar down. The quality feels solid and all it took was a bit of stropping to get it sharp again.

If it's fake, then it's really well made and my guess is someone took a Barbee and made it into a folder

Sorry if the photos aren't the best, first time posting on here.

 

[killgar]

I see that same makers mark attributed to two different people, Jim Barbee, and a Bob Barbee (knife pictured below). But I'm thinking the "Bob Barbee" could be a mistake.

Unfortunately Jim Lee Barbee passed away in 2019, so he won't be able to shed any light on your knife.

 

[Planterz]

Can't help with the name Barbee, but the type of folding knife is widely known as a "funny folder".

 

[jfk1110]

Pretty cool piece no matter.its provenance!!! Doesn't look like a piece of crap stapled together so make a post here and good luck!!!

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[gmikeSTK]

I see that same makers mark attributed to two different people, Jim Barbee, and a Bob Barbee (knife pictured below). But I'm thinking the "Bob Barbee" could be a mistake.

Unfortunately Jim Lee Barbee passed away in 2019, so he won't be able to shed any light on your knife.

Thanks for the info. I did see the name Bob Barbee come up in previous searches but there's hardly any info on him. I'll just keep searching and hope that someone out there has info on this knife.

 

[gmikeSTK]

Can't help with the name Barbee, but the type of folding knife is widely known as a "funny folder".

That helps a ton, I had no idea what to call this thing. I know I've seen similar type of folders but they are usually very small and thin.