What Makes a Good, Traditional Barlow?

After reading most of this thread, I just noticed something, the current "Charlow" spear points have a short nail nick, while the ones pictured earlier on in this thread have the long pull nick...any reason for the change?
 
The first run of TC Barlows, were a special event in my life. I was taking a risk that everyone would see these carefully designed knives the way I did, as the embodiment of the old values, but with subtle perfecting of the details.
GEC did an amazing job of quality control and the good denizens of our community responded in spades!! The knives were gone to new owners in record time, and my risk paid off, my profit being a collection of nice Barlows with TC on the Bolster!
I realized that those who went with me, and bought some would value them like I did, so I decided I would not duplicate them, and "water down" the collectibility and value of them. All subsequent Barlows have been different in some way.
 
And yet Charlie-each one is as good as the other-that's the amazing thing about the SFO's you and GEC together are producing - Its actually very exciting stuff!
 
Thanks Armando...I do like the long nail nick much better, especially the swedge, but I'm sure I'll be happy with my chestnut Barlow once she arrives.:thumbup:
 
Now, jus a thought, and inspired by my Tru Ivory grips on my Colt....I'm thinking a new Charlow using the slightly aged version of Tru Ivory, and with a choice of long pull spear point, or a Wharncliffe blade; now that would get my kishkas in a roil.
 
I like the long-pull, but it's not that big a deal to me. If I like a knife and a nail-nick version is all there is then that's fine.
 
I think the long pull + swedge makes the spear more attractive, but if ordering a 2-blade Charlow, this current spear may be the better option. My son's blade, the Antique Yellow pictured above, opens like a dream and is easy on the nails. I used to own a Boy's Knife with spear + pen and that one was a pain. The pull was only about a 6-7, but the pen was positioned in a way that I couldn't get leverage to open the main blade very easily.. Not all were like this, though.


Here's an old pic of the Boy's Knife...every time I see this picture, I regret selling it even more...
 
MrVandercar said:
Kirkwood, which one do you prefer?
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Not much to base it on yet, but I guess I'm leaning towards the BRJB. Has a little more heft to my hand (but I haven't weighed them). Also my pics don't capture the tone of the red. More vibrant in person. Both are great and I'm glad I can switch back and forth between them.

paulhilborn said:
Kirkwood, terrific pictures of terrific knives!!!

Paul
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Thanks Paul!

waynorth said:
Tasty pictures, Kris!!;)
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And thanks to you Charlie! I'm glad I finally got in on this.
 
Great looking Boys Knife there Armando. I'm becoming more and more into wood scales anymore. Blackwood, Ebony and Cocobolo all have such a warm feeling in hand which I really like.
 
Kirkwood, the blade in the bone seems to be seated a little deeper than in the ebony. Is that the case or just my imagination? I for one would really appreciate it if GEC would go just a little deeper with the blades in the closed position. Not sure why they seemingly to aim to get the point just below the handle. Still, they are a fine pieces of American craftsmanship.
 
waynorth said:
The first run of TC Barlows, were a special event in my life. I was taking a risk that everyone would see these carefully designed knives the way I did, as the embodiment of the old values, but with subtle perfecting of the details.
GEC did an amazing job of quality control and the good denizens of our community responded in spades!! The knives were gone to new owners in record time, and my risk paid off, my profit being a collection of nice Barlows with TC on the Bolster!
I realized that those who went with me, and bought some would value them like I did, so I decided I would not duplicate them, and "water down" the collectibility and value of them. All subsequent Barlows have been different in some way.
Click to expand...

Nice post Charlie. I don't think your contribution can be overstated :thumbup:
 
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