What Makes a Good, Traditional Barlow?

[hsherzfeld]

Utica Barlows, some made for other companies!!View attachment 2332156

Based on those examples, I would say you’re right on about mine being from Utica.

 

[Pt-Luso]

 

[Alex.Y.]

View attachment 2336939
View attachment 2336940

Beautiful! Is that bone or synthetic?

 

[Pt-Luso]

Beautiful! Is that bone or synthetic?

Thanks Alex, it's synthetic.

 

[redsparrow]

A 77 frame with a sheepfoot blade makes a pretty good Barlow

 

[watkibe]

To the original question, "What makes a good Barlow knife?":
-2 blades, main blade clip, small blade pen.
-One long bolster, on the pivot end.
-Both blades open from the same side. Some complain about difficulty opening this configuration, but there's no problem if the main blade is wide enough for the nail nick to be accessed. The clip blade usually is wide enough.
-Good walk and talk, good pull, 90 degree stops, good fit and finish. 3 3/8" length closed.
-Visually interesting covers that are grippy.
-Blade steel to suit you.
-Age and provenance are great, but a proper new Barlow is just as functional and a lot more affordable.
My current epitome of this ideal is my Bear and Son Rosewood Barlow.

 

[6Strings]

A Christopher Johnson of Sheffield barlow, pre 1955 (when they were sold to Wostenholm). In remarkable condition for its age, both blades appear unused.

 

[Pt-Luso]

 

[6Strings]

Another shot of the C Johnson Barlow

 

[6Strings]

View attachment 2341308

These are real nice I need the bird and bear hunters to complete the set.

 

[GPO MAN]

Newest barlow.

 

[Alex.Y.]

Newest barlow.
View attachment 2341901

I guess Battenfeld haven't bought all of TaylorBrands' knife trade marks. Apparently, Smokies got the Winchester and turned a Barlow into a Marbles model, even with the same cartridge shield. Lol.

 

[echoscout]

 

[7east]

Case Barlow in the purple barnboard that I just picked up and a Tom’s Choice I recently bought from a member. I have to say, I saw a post maybe a week ago (in this thread?) where the member wasn’t impressed with the Case. I have the opposite opinion. For the price, I think the fit and finish and even the blade grind (!) on mine is great. Really like this one (sorry for the terrible pic—I need to take some daylight shots instead of 11:00 at night).

https://imgur.com/XrhuL6E

 

[6Strings]

Inspired by Pt-Luso here are the 3 I have from the hunter set.

 

[btb01]

Utica Barlows, some made for other companies!!View attachment 2332156

Some handsome looking Barlows there, Charlie! I like that Utica profile. Whats the closed length on these?

The sheepsfoot Kutmaster and the Schrade at the bottom are particularly good looking, in my opinion.

Get Your "Sawcut 77 Sheepfoot,"
Out.. Nice and Slow!!
View attachment 2335652

A 77 frame with a sheepfoot blade makes a pretty good Barlow

Nice pics, gents. A sheepsfoot #77 Barlow is sadly something that’s missing from my collection accumulation.

 

[waynorth]

Some handsome looking Barlows there, Charlie! I like that Utica profile. Whats the closed length on these?

The sheepsfoot Kutmaster and the Schrade at the bottom are particularly good looking, in my opinion.

Right between 3 3/8" and 3 1/2", Barrett!

 

[Pt-Luso]

These are real nice I need the bird and bear hunters to complete the set.

Thank you very much, I only have this one in the series.

 

[Pt-Luso]

Inspired by Pt-Luso here are the 3 I have from the hunter set.

It's a wonderful trio.

 

[Pt-Luso]