What Makes a Good, Traditional Barlow?

singin50 said:
Well said Duncan! I too have done this with a knife before. However the one I gave back to Barry was one I had talked him into selling to me, out of his EDC rotation and a knife he dearly loved. Some months later I began to think that the knife belonged back with Barry and sent it back to him. Sometimes knives belong with their rightful owners.
Perry
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Yer the best bud! :thumbup::thumbup:


Wait! Was that OZ pocket lint???
 
Here's the Utica I mentioned. Looks like a dead ringer for the Primble Jake posted. It's a nicely made little knife the problem is the pull was 1/10. After a pinch in the vise it's now 2.5/10. So it's basically a nice letter opener.

 
Looks like a dead ringer to me, Brian. The weak pull is unfortunate because that bone is sweet!
 
philllll said:
Looks like a dead ringer to me, Brian. The weak pull is unfortunate because that bone is sweet!
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Thank Phil. Yeah it's a little smaller too, more like a 25. Very pocketable. I think they're pretty easy to find and I didn't pay much more than $30 for this one. I'll eventually mess with it some more and see if it tightens up.
 
Well I should be able to tell you guys on Monday or Tuesday my opinion of one of those jigged blue bone versions. So far I've talked to two people that have one of these newer versions and they claim they are every bit as nice as their GEC's. I would be very surprised if this is the case just because I'm a skeptic about most new things & GEC has set such a high standard but only time will tell I guess. :) This particular knife was sent to me by one of my favorite dealers as a demo of sorts I guess you could say. If I like it then I pay him for it but if I don't like it I just send it back.
 
jkulysses said:
I'm really liking the looks of these John Primble Barlows. Any idea who actually manufactured them though? I can't even figure out exactly which blade steel is used as some dealers list it as 1095 and others 440c. I did send Blue Grass Cutlery an email inquiring as I was told they own the Primble name but have not heard anything back yet. The jigged blue bone sure looks nice though.
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I doubt Blue Grass will divulge that info,they have been reluctant in the past.Queen made the knives a while back.Very nice knives.I don't know about your knife or their present manufacturer.
 
jkulysses said:
Well I should be able to tell you guys on Monday or Tuesday my opinion of one of those jigged blue bone versions. So far I've talked to two people that have one of these newer versions and they claim they are every bit as nice as their GEC's. I would be very surprised if this is the case just because I'm a skeptic about most new things & GEC has set such a high standard but only time will tell I guess. :) This particular knife was sent to me by one of my favorite dealers as a demo of sorts I guess you could say. If I like it then I pay him for it but if I don't like it I just send it back.
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Congrats! This is good news. Maybe I'll just buy a replacement for the Utica and be done with it. I'm kinda partial to blue anyway so why not. Maybe I'll even do a comparison with the older Primble knife I have here. See how it stacks up. Can't wait to hear some feedback on the new blue Primble Jake! :thumbup::thumbup:
 
wlfryjr said:
I doubt Blue Grass will divulge that info,they have been reluctant in the past.Queen made the knives a while back.Very nice knives.I don't know about your knife or their present manufacturer.
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They actually did act a little suspicious at first as their first email back to me they wanted to know my full name, address & phone number so they could "know whom they are dealing with". After I sent that info they did send the info which I posted back on I believe page 380 but I'll repost it here too.

Dear Jake: Thank you for responding with the information needed. The John Primbles in which you are referring to are manufactured by our employees at Blue Grass Cutlery, Inc. in Manchester, Ohio. Proud to say Made in the USA. We started production on the John Primbles just this past fall of 2014, we also manufacture the John Primble whittler.
 
Paul and I did this deal - he send me this lovely single blade, I send him back his beautiful Ebony Twin Blade, well, I received the box yesterday, and it was packed with VERY FINE knives I can tell you-but packed with MORE than what the deal was.....:confused:

First I would like to thank Charlie-once again, Charlie you have made these knives a reality, and even more so helped me in more times than not find a knife or two, I can honestly say that when the WASHINGTON Jack came out -I thought - yep-nice knife no doubt - but as good as some of my TC's or HJ's mmmmmm I dont know about that one? as the TC and HJ thing was still overwhelming me.

I am gladly eating my words, because as I saw more and more come out into the Threads as people showed off their latest -thus being the Washington Jack I started sitting up in my chair...Wow!!! these ARE nicer than I thought!!:eek: but as per usual I was too late, but in the end with the help of a great guy I managed to get not only a stunning Washington, but also a Brazilian 2nd Anniversary Spear Point :eek:...This was indeed a very very special package for me to receive, and I would like to thank most sincerely the Gentleman who helped me with this :thumbup::)

Now Paul..... We had a deal... there was meant to be this beautiful Single Bladed PPP Ebony in with the knives-and as Paul promised this Stunning Single Bladed PPP long Pull, Deep Swedge, Ebony first run was most certainly in there-At long last I have one- and this was only because Paul was searching for me and was so lucky to be looked after by the very kind Seller :thumbup: Paul My friend Just....Just magnificent..
BUT...... this is where Paul kinda cheated on our deal because there was another tube in there... and I was wondering what it was all about - so when I asked Paul about he just casually said "Oh yeah thats from me".....Folks I am talking about a Single 3rd Cut Stag Spear TC!!!!! :eek: I mean Paul my friend your generosity is overwhelming - Thank you so so much - I hate this as words cannot describe how I feel about receiving these knives from these great guys.... but as the 3am adds on TV say..."BUT WAIT THERES MORE"....:D

Brett ( KBA )
I have been quite worried about Brett, he came in...and boy did he come in with a vengeance and swiped up all of the TC's one could possibly buy lol - and what a great friendly guy all along he has been as well - so when he starts selling off all of his treasures- I was actually a bit concerned...
But I "spoke" to Brett a bit earlier and theres no need to be concerned - Whew..but Brett sent Paul a knife to send to me as he knew Paul was packaging up a box for me, and Oh Man... included is a beautiful Russell Barlow in SUCH fantastic shape, Beautiful full Blades, The Deep Deep Brown Bone is almost highly polished with just a hint of Saw Cut left - which tells you instantly this knife was extremely well loved and used carefully, Sharpened so nicely as to spare any unnecessary scarring on the lovely blades...somebody really did love this knife, and so do I Brett, its simply a magnificent example - my friend Thank You!
Picture Time if you havent fallen asleep yet....

I didnt know just how lovely these were until I opened this Tube, Charlie describes on the labels these knives as "one of the most beautiful pocketknives on the Planet today" The man is NOT wrong - unbelievable....






This Brazilian is 1 of 7, but to me its 1 of 1....STUNNING KNIFE!!!




Oh Man...has anything or will anything EVER come close to these 1st Productions?




Stag - beautiful Mellow colours, just a magnificent knife - Paul again thank you ......




Brett's magnificent Gift - one would be forgiven to wonder just how this knife could slip from ones grasp...
Agai Brett, many many thanks to you Sir....

What a joy this knife is........
 
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Beautiful knives, Duncan. You're fortunate to have such great blades...and even better friends!!:thumbup:
 
Great post & knives Duncan!! Some truly remarkable people frequent this place. Unheard of in any other hobby that I know of. :)
 
Duncan, your picture skills are fantastic:thumbup: Man, I have to be honest as I was so tempted to make over an old Imperial Barlow with a Sharpie marker into a Russell Bolster and try and pass that off to you as it was hard to let that BEAUTY Brett gifted you go:p

Seriously, I'm a bit concerned in your excitement that you forgot that part of our trade/swapsie was the the 3rd cut Stag was included in the deal:) Seriously it was. How do I know this one may ask?

Well, this is why...a GORGEOUS SHEEPFOOT in smooth Ivory Bone!!! I've got to chat with Sue directly the next time we speak...this memory thing of yours has to be addressed:D

This was the trade for the 3rd Cut Stag my friend...So a BIG thank you to you Duncan---I love this Sheepfoot---I can pinch the blade open which is very important with these battered up hands:thumbup:

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Duncan you are welcome sir. :)

I can honestly say you and Paul are two of the most utmost gentleman I have had the pleasure of meeting on here and you both have been a great influence to the culture/atmosphere here on this traditional porch. Two cornerstones imo.

The knives just posted by you two are some of the best out there and glad to know they are being cared for by you both.

Beautiful knives gentlemen! :thumbup:
 
Paul, that is my personal favorite barlow of all the TC's so far; Charlie set the bar pretty high with the smooth ivory bone.

Duncan, what can I say; just fantastic photos my friend. :cool: The 3rd cut spear is a real prize, and so is the rosewood! I have to tell you I'm a bit envious looking them over.

Looks like a good trade by all involved.:D
 
Dang Duncan and Paul, you guys have set the bar so HIGH with your generosity, friendship, knives, pictures, etc. that I give up:(:o and it is so high already with all the great people in this forum. Seriously though:D this is inspiring to us new guys and I really love seeing these great knives and gestures of helping each other (nice job helping with this Brett). Amazing :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:
 
You guys are THE BEST! So proud to have you as pals :) :) :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

 
I have to agree with gunstockjack. I have a number of TCs but my single SF smooth Ivory bone and my two blade SF are my favorites. Paul, Duncan and Brett what a great interaction and trade story and thanks for the details and narrative. I love hearing about these kind of things! You are all a credit to the BF community. Duncan that Brazilian Rosewood spear point is just stunning and what a treasure. Paul the story of your two blade TC going and coming back is well just a wonderful story. I salute all of you gentlemen.

 
jkulysses said:
They actually did act a little suspicious at first as their first email back to me they wanted to know my full name, address & phone number so they could "know whom they are dealing with". After I sent that info they did send the info which I posted back on I believe page 380 but I'll repost it here too.

Dear Jake: Thank you for responding with the information needed. The John Primbles in which you are referring to are manufactured by our employees at Blue Grass Cutlery, Inc. in Manchester, Ohio. Proud to say Made in the USA. We started production on the John Primbles just this past fall of 2014, we also manufacture the John Primble whittler.
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Don't be deceived by what they say.Read this thread:

http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com...+Blue+Grass+cutlery+make+their+knives#p324140

I understand they also have knives, or parts to assemble made elsewhere now,outside USA.They have tried assembling parts in their plant,and do make displays there.The well made knives were made 1987-'90s,while Charlie Dorton was still part of Blue Grass.
 
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