What Makes a Good, Traditional Barlow?

Just a humble Camillus in sawcut Delrin, but this was the first knife that I purchased on my own. I'm pretty sure it was 1985. Unfortunately, as a young man, I did not know that you have to oil the joints occasionally and the main blade has no snap at all. It is not really safe to use other than as a letter opener. Regardless, I could never part with it.

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An un-used and un-sharpened six dot Case with Delrin handles. Still a mirror finish on the blades but I'm starting to see some corrosion in the stamped letters on the bolster.

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Snipe 1 said:
Just a humble Camillus in sawcut Delrin, but this was the first knife that I purchased on my own. I'm pretty sure it was 1985. Unfortunately, as a young man, I did not know that you have to oil the joints occasionally and the main blade has no snap at all. It is not really safe to use other than as a letter opener. Regardless, I could never part with it.
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That's a nice Camillus Barlow, Snipe. Too bad it has lost its snap. Definitely a keeper; you never forget your first Barlow!
 
Snipe 1 said:
Just a humble Camillus in sawcut Delrin, but this was the first knife that I purchased on my own. I'm pretty sure it was 1985. Unfortunately, as a young man, I did not know that you have to oil the joints occasionally and the main blade has no snap at all. It is not really safe to use other than as a letter opener. Regardless, I could never part with it.

Cam_Barlow1a.png
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I would not call that a Humble Camillus . They made many great knives for many other companies too.


Harry
 
Great-looking Barlows folks. A shame about the worn tang/spring on your Camillus Snipe, but it's a nice knife for sure :thumbup:

Two Barlows with me today :)



 
Jack Black said:
Two Barlows with me today :)



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Great photos, Jack! That RL Smith looks so well made, a real quality piece. I'm not a huge fan of the file work on the spine though, not strictly traditional for a barlow ;). Just playing of course, it's a great knife.

I'm happy to see the ancient TCs getting so much love. I've found mine to be an incredibly useful blade shape, with a long straight edge like a sheepfoot blade, but sitting low in the handle like a spey blade, and still enough of a point for most any task.
 
I'm carrying last year's Christmas/Anniversary special, and my Bradford Cutlery Single Shot, today:

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Jack, that R.L. Smith Barlow is a real standout - top to bottom.

wundergussy, it's always a treat to see your Barlow photos.
 
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