What Makes a Good, Traditional Barlow?

[waynorth]

I don't own a grandaddy Barlow ...... sniff ................ sniff ............... sniff.

I hope you get one some day!!

 

[Carboniferous]

What he said ^^^

A non-supporting dealer acquired the rights to the Queen name after they went bankrupt. Started rebadging RR's. Still a nice knife for 20 bucks.

Not quite rebranded RRs, they use 440C

 

[mbkr]

Not quite rebranded RRs, they use 440C

Where did you see this? The mountain store lists "stainless steel" or "440A".

 

[Carboniferous]

Where did you see this? The mountain store lists "stainless steel" or "440A".

Which are marked 440A? I saw some marked 440C (winterbottom bone) and some marked stainless. At least the winterbottom bone and sawcut bone are 440C (sawcut bone series is 440C via direct communication with the fire mountain boys).

 

[mbkr]

Which are marked 440A? I saw some marked 440C (winterbottom bone) and some marked stainless. At least the winterbottom bone and sawcut bone are 440C (sawcut bone series is 440C via direct communication with the fire mountain boys).

The winterbottom and sawcut are the ones I looked at that just listed stainless with no specificity. I can't remember which one was 440A. Beats me

 

[Âchillepattada]

This wood .....

is incredible ....

Â

 

[DirtDawg]

I have a question about this Camillus Barlow I just picked up today. I wasn't sure if it was Delrin or bone, but bought it anyway, because: Camillus Barlow.
I need to clean it some, but I kinda think it looks like Bakelite. (hot pin test did not melt, but didn't scorch or smell like bone, either) Judging by the tang stamp, I'm guessing it's a 1960s vintage. Did Camillus use Bakelite on their Barlows or other knives?

I realize that I'm a bit late to the party, but did you ever get your question answered satisfactorily? I just took delivery of a Camillus 51 Barlow yesterday. It looks just like yours, and I was wondering the same thing when I first saw it. Photos to follow.

 

[Carboniferous]

The winterbottom and sawcut are the ones I looked at that just listed stainless with no specificity. I can't remember which one was 440A. Beats me

I meant that the knives themselves are marked with 440C on the pile side tang, the website lists them all as generic stainless I think

 

[r8shell]

So, does this Shuffler count as a traditional Barlow, or do the screws in the covers and bolsters turn it into a "modern" Barlow or something else? I'm still struggling with terminology...

View attachment 2024303
View attachment 2024307
View attachment 2024302
View attachment 2024303
View attachment 2024305
View attachment 2024308

I'd call it a Barlow, but not a traditional one. But what do I know?

I realize that I'm a bit late to the party, but did you ever get your question answered satisfactorily? I just took delivery of a Camillus 51 Barlow yesterday. It looks just like yours, and I was wondering the same thing when I first saw it. Photos to follow.

If I ever did learn for sure, I've since forgotten. I believe it's some sort of pre-Delrin composite, possibly Bakelite. I look forward to pictures of yours.

 

[black mamba]

I have a stockman made in 1959, just before the Delrin era, with covers of Bonite. Good material.

 

[DirtDawg]

Yesterday's new arrival. Camillus 51 Barlow
If these handle scales are not Bakelite, they are a near cousin to it.
Well built knife, albeit in need of a bit of spiffing up... in due time.
NFSOT





Where the handle scale scuff is, it certainly does look like what I remember a piece of chipped or broken Bakelite to look like. But that was a number of years ago too.


The handle scales look to have normal wear, and the blades have taken on a rather darkened patina, but have not been injured by use or sharpening. The brass liners are in great shape and have no excess of staining other than the light smattering of visible rust that has somehow transferred over, and that will readily buff out. The one thing that puzzles me however, is what looks to be a distressed finish on the bolsters. It is so uniform all over (edges, ends, and side surfaces) that it looks to be intentional. I can't believe it's a corrosive action of any sort due to the appearance of the rest of the knife. Maybe someone had previously refreshed this knife and didn't store it properly after???? I do wonder, because of the microscopic pitting on the clip blade.
Oh well... points to ponder.


I think I'll carry this around in my pocket for a while until I'm ready to begin refreshing it.

 

[Fodderwing]

 

[waynorth]

View attachment 2025645View attachment 2025646

Nice "primitive" collection!! I love those old early Barlows; they are interesting relics in my book!!

 

[waynorth]

This wood .....

is incredible ....

Â

Nice to see some of the variations in Cocobola!!

 

[Fodderwing]

Nice "primitive" collection!! I love those old early Barlows; they are interesting relics in my book!!

Much obliged Charlie. They are a marvel to coon eye & chicken finger.

 

[Fodderwing]

 

[Primble]

 

[JonMcD]

View attachment 2028105

View attachment 2028104

Yessssssss. That is a great look! Well executed Mr. P!

 

[Primble]

Yessssssss. That is a great look! Well executed Mr. P!

Thank you my friend ........... back spring got it too.

 

[Primble]

View attachment 2027085

Looks like you won the Catt jackpot Dwight !