What Makes a Good, Traditional Barlow?

Primble said:
Catt Whittler courtin' single Barlow friends:
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I've been looking for one of those Keen Kutter Barlows with the stamped bolster like that, love the way it looks, but I haven't had any luck yet. I'm sort of new when it comes to purchasing old knives. I have a couple places locally where I've found some stuff (antique/flea market type places), but they don't have anything quite as cool as a lot of the knives shared here. Where do you guys usually find your old knives like these? And how common are those Keen Kutters like that (are they hard to find, or are there quite a few out there)?

Edited to add: The covers on all those knives are beautiful! When you get old knives like that, do you do anything to restore or treat the covers to bring back the rich color and luster, or have you just found very good examples?
 
RDaneel said:
That looks like a well cared for antique now, Phil! Great scratting job.
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BigBiscuit said:
I like it Phil. :thumbup: I mean I really like it. It just adds to the whole appeal of the Ancient Barlow. Very well done.
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Primble said:
I like it Philllll !!!
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Thanks gentlemen :D

It didn't take much, really. A bandsaw, some sanding, etching, and then for good measure I dropped the whole thing in a dirty tray full of old Gibbs oil, dirt, and some sort of brown dye for that authentic "really old" look. :eek:
 
btb01 said:
I've been looking for one of those Keen Kutter Barlows with the stamped bolster like that, love the way it looks, but I haven't had any luck yet. I'm sort of new when it comes to purchasing old knives. I have a couple places locally where I've found some stuff (antique/flea market type places), but they don't have anything quite as cool as a lot of the knives shared here. Where do you guys usually find your old knives like these? And how common are those Keen Kutters like that (are they hard to find, or are there quite a few out there)?

Edited to add: The covers on all those knives are beautiful! When you get old knives like that, do you do anything to restore or treat the covers to bring back the rich color and luster, or have you just found very good examples?
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Don't think I am allowed to say where to buy them. I try to find the best examples I can find. Slim pickings since Augie got in the game. :eek::D:D:D Charlie has all of the best examples. ;):D

I usually polish the bone by rubbing with a damp cloth and rub harder with a clean dry microfiber towel. I usually clean them up a little to my liking, but, no buffing and no metal polish.

The Keen Kutter was gifted to me by Markesharp (thank you again Marko). I liked it so much that I probably spent 12 hours detailing it. The bone was stunning when I got it.

Jack Black said:
Primble has a secret Barlow mine ;)
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:D

Will Power said:
Primble also has a near monopoly on fine bone:D That Catt:cool:


Thanks, Will
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:D:D

Gevonovich said:
Primble has a magic rabbit hole:D No kidding Will....that Cat is killing me:cool:
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:eek::D:D:D

Thank you for the comments ! :thumbup::)
 
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philllll said:
Thanks gentlemen :D

It didn't take much, really. A bandsaw, some sanding, etching, and then for good measure I dropped the whole thing in a dirty tray full of old Gibbs oil, dirt, and some sort of brown dye for that authentic "really old" look. :eek:
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I think you could say mission accomplished concerning the really old look !
 
Some cool Barlow mail today! A photo of my single Stew's was chosen for the Collector Knives calendar, which I received today. I also won a Medium Barlow proto in the same submission contest!
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Brumby53 said:
This one arrived in today's mail.... haven't had time to study on it much ... but sure is a sweet piece in very good condition.


If someone can throw me an approximate date for this limited edition I would much appreciate it.

Thanks Derek
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I've always loved those barlows! I have one but it's not mint like yours.
 
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