What Makes a Good, Traditional Barlow?

[waynorth]

Here they are:

 

[akadave2]

Thanks much Charlie!

 

[Campbellclanman]

If a knife could ever look sexy-that be it!

 

[waynorth]

Here's an example of how much Macassar Ebony can vary!
I was quite surprised to see the "stripes"!

I have to look at them a while before I decide whether I like the stripey one or not. It is so startlingly unexpected. They certainly did a good job of matching the handles, front to back!!

 

[pertinux]

Boil it and see what happens!

Er, on second thought, no-- please don't.

I've seen variegated Macassar before, but none with such definitive, consistent striping.

Regardless of whether or not I like it, that particular knife (or another with a similar handle) strikes me as one best seen (even if only in detailed pictures) before purchasing. I imagine that would be an unhappy surprise to many.

~ P.

 

[TLARbb]

Here comes the rebel again. I know that striping is not considered the best ebony, but I kind of like the stripping.

Ed J

 

[pistonsandgears]

I don't mind the stripes, although if given the choice I think I would choose one without them, the ebony on my example has some stripes, though they don't seem as pronounced as the one you have. The ebony on your 2 blade has kind of a marbled look to it very interesting.

 

[black mamba]

Striped ebony or solid ebony, I would just hope that both sides match, like yours do, Charlie. I'm big on symmetry.

 

[waynorth]

Double double, toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble!!
Gee, Sarah . . . .I took your advice, but I don't know. . . . . .
It kind of changed color, and shrank the blade . . . .
I'll have to look at it for longer now . . . . . .

Actually it's kinda growing on me. The stripes that is!! I imagine, if we saw more variegated Ebony on older knives, the "stripes" would look quite normal.

 

[pertinux]

Double double, toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble!!
Gee, Sarah . . . .I took your advice, but I don't know. . . . . .
It kind of changed color, and shrank the blade . . . .
I'll have to look at it for longer now . . . . . .

Actually it's kinda growing on me. The stripes that is!!

I actually do really like the covers in question, especially as they are matched well as others have noted. I'd welcome them as a known quantity. My earlier comments stand, however-- I believe they would be a potentially very unhappy surprise for someone who was prepared for more subtle manifestions of lighter brown, at most.

They're so visually striking, they deserve a category (or at least, description) unto themselves!

... I wonder if there are more knives out there made with covers from the larger pieces those came from? These could be the "black pearls" (marketing coup) of the knife world.

I do enjoy the variety possible with wood. :thumbup:

~ P.

 

[burnside]

I think it looks great on the knife in question!

If I could choose, I would prefer mostly all black ebony covers but I think sometimes it gives the knife good character. I've noticed the brown striping on other GEC ebony patterns as well. My newest 66 jack has some brown striping that I think gives it good character...

The 62 ebony courthouse whittler I just sold has it as well...

 

[sitflyer]

..Ω..

 

[Campbellclanman]

Haha, this is great reading,

I agree with ~P what she say's about the Variety.

Those stripes in the Ebony is quite spectacular, the reason why we humans love wood is because of its Character, and with wood, it can give you a massive display of character whether it be grain, colours, textures or the whole lot, and that's what the Ebony gives us, have a close look at Charlies scan of comparison..the darker Ebony still gives you waves of a lighter brown in a Leopard type of large spotting, just awesome knives, witha whole lot of awesome designing put together to create the near perfect knife?

 

[avoidspam]

I have a Martin guitar which uses what they call selected 'Tiger Stripe Ebony' for the fret board and saddle. I think looks nice.

 

[akadave2]

I have a Martin guitar which uses what they call selected 'Tiger Stripe Ebony' for the fret board and saddle. I think looks nice.

My Martin HD28 has some of the blackest Ebony I have ever seen. My Gibson Songwriter Deluxe has some nice dark Ebony but I suspect dye in some parts but I cant prove it.

 

[Will Power]

It's arrived! I could be the first Euro owner of ones of these?:thumbup:

It's an Amber single and it's just the colour I wanted, sort of reminds me of a neighbour's Beagle.....

What I very much like is the proportions: bolster ratio spot on, above all else a really decent long blade that fills the handle totally. I'm no fan of long handles and a very stubby main blades, I've even seen them on customs and they never look proper. These knives are surprisingly light for their size, this could be a surprise for some who associate GEC with heavy in the pocket. I was pleased by this too, the TC Barlow is much lighter than say a 56 which is quite a small lump! Nice flush spring/liner on open, blade centre, satisfying pull and execution. A few minor gaps, zero blade play and very impressive radiusing of bone/bolster/liners. The latter is a litmus test for quality for me, if I close my eyes and feel any sharp edges (blade apart!) it's a downer. The TC (Top Cat?? ) passes with flying colours.

My advice, get one while you still can it's pocket-delight. Personal thanks to Charlie for pulling off this project and for sending one out here.

Regards to all, Will

P.S. About the stripey ebony, I'm sure this will age exceptionally, future generations prepare!

 

[Jack Black]

Great stuff Will, enjoy your knife

 

[Will Power]

Thanks Jack, it's really pleased me. Last purchase for this month mind, a whole fleet of bills have sailed in lately:thumbdn:

 

[Campbellclanman]

Will, that is fantastic news, I too have hadf a very recent arrival ( Toady!! ) I have made a separate thread about this.

Hers what I have found, like Will I was surprised at the lightness of the knife, but what went through my mind immediately was... Wow....this is slim-line and would just melt into a pocket so easily! these are the single bladed Barlows and of course are a slimmer version of the 2 bladed Barlow-but these are Slim! just awesome.
Single bladed, so easy access to the long pull, and with a pull rating that would rate in my books between 2 & 3.
The Ebony is ....is...is awesome, I have looked at this ebony in every light, and it hasn't disappointed me-as it has looked different in every light!
The Tan is such a Handsome knife-it actually makes the pick between Ebony and Tan extremely difficult, the Amber and Tan both have the rough saw-cut, which is bang on, and if I could say one more thing....
Those Swedges just do it for me.
These Barlows are in fact as perfect as you will get, so light, so sleek, wonderful mechanics = Thank you Charlie.

 

[Jack Black]

Great pic Duncan Charlie, you're a star! :thumbup: