What Makes a Good, Traditional Barlow?

jkulysses said:
Okay for anybody that is interested here is a section of the email I just recieved back from Blue Grass Cutlery. "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." In a separate email Christine with BGC stated they are using 1095 blade steel too. I have one on order and will post my opinion when it arrives. :)
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Okay for anybody that cared this topic got brought up about the middle of page 380. I received the knife yesterday & it was boxed back up to be shipped back to the dealer within an hour of opening it. :) Bone jigging looked great as well as the main blade shape. Nice solid pull of around a 7, walk & talk wasn't bad at all but not in the same league as GEC or CSC and at $80 they are competing against GEC and CSC. Some minor gaps between the liners and backspring which is annoying but not necessarily a deal breaker. The deal breaker for me was the amount of side to side blade play. I don't like any blade play especially when getting into the $80 price range but will tolerate a small amount on a user. Both blades on this knife I would say have quite a bit more than a small amount of play. I did manage to snap a few pictures before boxing it back up but I won't be trying this "brand" out again.

 
I don't blame you Jake! After all the gaps and blade play, it's obvious that they are not competing with GEC and other $80 dollar knives out there!
Perry
 
No spring here for a long time yet:grumpy:

But this one from Germany qualifies as a Barlow that puts a spring in my step anyway:D

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Regards, Will
 
Will the coloring on that barlow, blade and all, is wonderful. Of course, the amazing pic helps as well. :thumbup:
What steel is on that barlow?
 
Markesharp said:
Charlie, I think patyton is confusing a coping blade on the #38 Grinling Whittler on the GEC website with a Sheepsfoot. They only show springs and bolsters for your TC SFO. :)
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Had me worried for a few seconds!! The plan is "long pull"!
Phew!!:rolleyes:
 
jkulysses said:
Okay for anybody that cared this topic got brought up about the middle of page 380. I received the knife yesterday & it was boxed back up to be shipped back to the dealer within an hour of opening it. :) Bone jigging looked great as well as the main blade shape. Nice solid pull of around a 7, walk & talk wasn't bad at all but not in the same league as GEC or CSC and at $80 they are competing against GEC and CSC. Some minor gaps between the liners and backspring which is annoying but not necessarily a deal breaker. The deal breaker for me was the amount of side to side blade play. I don't like any blade play especially when getting into the $80 price range but will tolerate a small amount on a user. Both blades on this knife I would say have quite a bit more than a small amount of play.
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A shame as they are a venerable old name. And many of their vintage knives hold up among the best.
 
willgoy said:
No spring here for a long time yet:grumpy:

But this one from Germany qualifies as a Barlow that puts a spring in my step anyway:D

IMG_3022.jpg


Regards, Will
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Will, thats such a great knife my friend, what a pleasure to view - no wonder you have a spring in your step :eek:

:thumbup:

Rock on with dem CC SFO's I say :cool:
 
Will - I'll echo what others have already said - that's a real stunner! I love everything about it, but most of all those gorgeous scales. Beautiful! :thumbup:
 
I just got these two KABAR Coppersmiths and don't have a picture of just the Barlow. I think CSC made both of these for KABAR. Examining the Barlow in 14-4 CrMO (think 154 CM) ... I am amazed at the quality first of all, then looking closer ... find the dimensions, blade shapes, everything is dang sure close to what a Barlow should be and is. It screams "Traditional", all the way back to it's roots in Sheffield England where they still make them that look dimensionally like this, just usually using softer blade steel it would appear. Then there's the copper and dog head thing LoL ... maybe that's something new too HA

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Brett, Duncan, Stephen Many thanks indeed for your kind words:thumbup: I got it about 8 years ago and had the chance to get one of their Grandad versions but passed....A very tight knife, no gaps or play at all, thin blades ensure slicing.

Brett you asked about the steel, as it's Solingen made (likely Böker) and is carbon, I suppose it's their c75 and it sharpens very tidy. The bolster is brushed stainless with nice deep stamping. Wish I'd got more of them at the time!

All the best, Will
 
I just bought this Barlow on ebay a minute ago. I saw it earlier and kinda been thinking about it but was likely going to let it pass until I read some of this thread LoL
Hasn't shipped yet, but after payment a receipt popped up saying that delivery expected is Tuesday, Feb 24. In the mean time, here's some ebay description and pics ...

1875-1975 russell barlow cutlery 2 blade commemorative issue knife # 3997

You are buying a mint never used or carried russell barlow commemorative knife from 1975 low numbered,the knife is spectacular the box has storage wear but complete with paper work and carrying pouch. the pouch is solid but the coating on the pouch has come off in places, great knife 3 3/8 " long closed.

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Hopefully some of you guys can tell me more about. I think the scales are composition of some kind? What steel do you think was used for the blades? Whatever I'm not asking ...
 
Will - that is a beautiful German made Russell.

We have 17 inches of snow on the ground and much higher drifts, caused from the wind yesterday. Currently at - 10 degrees this morning.

Brrrrrrrr !!!

Thought it appropriate to post this set:

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The water droplets on the TC were re-frozen droplets, from the warmed in my pocket knife. ;):)

This antique amber is one of my very favorites of the TC's and I would be chomping at the bit for one made with this handle duplicated, in a sheep foot model.

I suspect many others would also have a keen interest.
 
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Primble, once again, another beautiful photograph of a gorgous knife. I sure hope we see a run of TCs or 77s dressed in the same covers!

Curtis
 
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