What Makes a Good, Traditional Barlow?

I recently acquired this RCC Barlow. It has a three line tang stamp Robeson/Cutlery/Rochester 1917-1939. The handles are plastic, hard rubber or some kind of composite material. Both blades snap nicely through all positions and both blades are full. Notice how far the nail nick is back on the main clip blade. The funny thing is I was admiring this exact knife on a different forum or web site and the onwer had posted several pictures from a few years ago. Then I saw it on the bay for a buy it now price and I snapped it up for what I thought was a reasonable enough price. The original post on the other site had a response from someone saying it was produced around 1917-1921. Further, that it was somewhat rare with the square bolsters instead of the more familiar sleeve board pattern. Any additional information or insight on this Barlow is of course appreciated. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Friends!


 
afishhunter said:
Yours looks much nicer than mine. Good score. According to the Schrade Collectors sub-forum, the "USA" being vertical is from 1956 to the end of production in Providence, RI. (I don't remember if that was in 1984 or 1988)
The blades are high carbon steel, and get wicked sharp, as this as they are, they make for a good slicer.
Carry and enjoy. That is what it was made for.
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Thanks for the response and info. That's pretty cool knowing I got a decent deal. I definitely bought it for EDC, so I appreciate the feedback. Hopefully I will have some time soon to work on the edge. It's sharp...ish now, so I imagine it won't take to much to get her in slicing shape. I just love these Barlow's.
 
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I just acquired this one I don't believe it's going to make a good traditional Barlow as it uses a modern steel. But that's why I picked it up to begin with. I think I'm all together too pragmatic to carry a non stainless blade as I'm forgetful and have been known to wash my knives with my pants.

That said I'm quite enamored with this one. All of my barlow's (all two of them) have been somewhat un-traditional in one sense or another. My first was an AG Russell barlow lockback and now this one in CPM 154. Really like this one though and it will get a lot of pocket time. It came with a sharp even edge and good fit and finish. It will make for a solid user. I dispensed with the knife sheath as I don't really carry knives in that manner.

 
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