What Makes a Good, Traditional Barlow?

[sitflyer]

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[Jack Black]

Wow Jack! That is an amazing piece of work, you lucky dog
Incredible act of generosity displayed by Bladeplay:thumbup::thumbup:

Yes, I keep thinking I'm going to wake up!

 

[paulhilborn]

Jack, now that's a BARLOW my friend!!! WOW!!!

Way to go Bladeplay...

Paul

 

[waynorth]

Zounds! A custom Barlow is the icing on the collection cake!
Spectacular piece!! A most generous gift, Seth!!

 

[Bladeplay74]

Jack,

So glad you're pleased with it. When I saw you had 40+ posts in this thread with no Barlow, it was an injustice I had to undo.

I'm a rare poster, but Jack's part of the backbone of this community, without whom there'd be no need to stop in here as frequently as I do.

Cheers Jack, and the rest of you!

Seth

 

[Jack Black]

Thanks again Seth (etiquette forbade me using your name previously). It's certainly a great community we have here

Jack

 

[waynorth]

Has there ever been a Wharncliffe bladed Barlow?

I've never seen a vintage one, Dave. Nor a drop point, Jason.

So far, the only main blades That I have seen on regular-sized vintage Barlows are these five:

Spear
Clip
Sheepfoot
Spey
Razor or One-armed Man

As secondary blades, I have seen punches, screwdriver/caplifters, and electrician's wirestripper/screwdrivers, as well as trapper-like long speys.

For the newer people, the Barlow is a regular Jack in the 3 1/4" to 3 1/2" range. The strengthening Bolster is usually about 1/3 of the length of the knife, and pretty much defines the knife as a Barlow.
Barlows were made as inexpensive working knives, and used to deliver specific blades to customers, at a reasonable price. The finishing was often minimal, and the materials "rough and ready"; good steel, glaze finished, sawcut bone or wood. The concession to vanity was often a fancy monogram on the bolster, both a mark of pride, and some free advertising!!

 

[paulhilborn]

Charlie, A BIG thank you for the Sheepfoot I was so fortunate to win in your GAW :thumbup:

I had to post here as I will post elsewhere also, but here is the beauty that arrived the other day from Charlie. I absolutely love it Charlie :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

It's redundant but the F&F is simply amazing on all the Barlows I have from you---this one is no exception.

Here she is!!! My 2 Blade Sheepfoot in "Gunstock" Walnut

Along with the pick that came in the package...

My idea of being clever

Thanks again Charlie---a family heirloom it will be. No safe queen---in the pocket to see day to day use. With my Gabon 2 blade Clip of course

Paul

 

[Jack Black]

Great pics of a great knife Paul, an absolute stunner :thumbup:

 

[Hammer67]

You have great taste, Paul!!

 

[paulhilborn]

As do you Smithhammer, I was going to say the exact same thing earlier when I saw you had posted your beautiful Barlow earlier today

The Sheepfoots (Is that a word ) are all great but I just love the history behind the Walnut :thumbup:

Paul

 

[waynorth]

It tickles me that you all appreciate the gunstock Walnut history.
It means a lot to my brothers and I. Of all the knives I have "produced", these are the ones that will stay in each branch of the family.
I can imagine cousins talking about them, and comparing the knives, in future years.
Maybe my progeny and yours will cross paths some day!!

On BladeForums of course!

 

[paulhilborn]

It tickles me that you all appreciate the gunstock Walnut history.
It means a lot to my brothers and I. Of all the knives I have "produced", these are the ones that will stay in each branch of the family.
I can imagine cousins talking about them, and comparing the knives, in future years.
Maybe my progeny and yours will cross paths some day!!

On BladeForums of course!

That Charlie would be fantastic!!! To have the ones that follow us meet and continue to carry these great knives.

Paul

 

[Rsmith_77]

Charlie, A BIG Here she is!!! My 2 Blade Sheepfoot in "Gunstock" Walnut

Paul

ok, everything else aside. Beautiful knife, beautiful blade and GORGEOUS scales
i am, officially jealous, but congrats on a new life-long companion!

ps
let me say again, those scales are GORGEOUS!

 

[paulhilborn]

ok, everything else aside. Beautiful knife, beautiful blade and GORGEOUS scales
i am, officially jealous, but congrats on a new life-long companion!

ps
let me say again, those scales are GORGEOUS!

Seriously---Thank you for the kind words!!! I am very fortunate to be the keeper of this terrific knife :thumbup:

Paul

 

[black mamba]

Spectacular generosity-- congrats all around!!

 

[Ballenxj]

My new Sheepfoot Barlow came in yesterday's mail - I couldn't be more pleased!

I like that handle.
-Bruce

 

[mykel m]

First,I would like to thank Charlie for the Charlows(as I've seen 'em called) & peaking my interest in the pattern.
And I'd like to share my latest & oldest Barlow...
A Schrade Cut Co. with some gorgeous old saw cut bone.
It looks like it's been around the block a few times with a few dings in the old bone & plenty of patina,(like me)but for it's age it has good walk & talk & mostly full blades with just a bit of wobble.
My only other Barlow with bone covers is the Tom's Choice in Rust Red & boy,what a beauty it is in it's own right.

Hopefully GEC will offer one with a punch for a secondary in the future.

 

[waynorth]

Nice collection mykel.
It's not so hard to own a Barlow or two!!

 

[SHEBOP]

Great pictures!!!