What Makes a Good, Traditional Barlow?

[Jack Black]

Actually, I lay claim to the first modification of a TC Barlow.

I remember it well Al! Cruel!

 

[pertinux]

I think some of the confusion may be due to "barlow" coming to represent, in common vernacular or understanding,* any single-long-bolstered knife, similar to how "Kleenex" is now an often universal stand-in for any kind of facial tissue, Q-tips for cotton swabs, Scotch Tape for adhesive tape, etc.

This Traditional subforum does have a thriving thread for, generally speaking, Barlow Knives:

Barlow? Share all your Barlows here

In contrast, Charlie has created this thread to capture the bringing forth (and nurturing into creation!) knives that conscientiously hew to concepts of what makes a good traditional barlow.

Are there seeming exceptions in the knife of yore? Perhaps. Are there seeming contradictions in modern revelations? Yes.

(Did Charlie commission and sanction the TC Barlows with caplifters unleashed at the last GEC Rendezvous? No! But, he's a good sport. )

But, the focus remains, here, in this thread: good, traditional barlows, as described and to some extent conscribed by the whims of the old Makers.**

So be it.

~ P.


*Among those who even look and/or care to describe a pocket knife in comparison to others, or to sheep or something.

** Also: Charlie

 

[RDaneel]

And if you want to see Barlow twisted into total perversion do a search on that auction site.

The best education one can get on Traditional Barlows starts with Charlie's first post and continues in this thread. My thanks to all here who keep us on track with the past.

 

[Jack Black]

I’ve said much the same before, but in my opinion it’s worth repeating. I think that in 50 years time people will look at the TC Barlows, and Charlie’s other patterns, if they’re lucky enough to be able to find one, with much the same appreciation that some of us, today, reserve for historic knives of the past. Some of those new to traditional knives may think they are ‘ordinary’ traditionals, knives of a type they haven’t come across before, which are simply designed for a different customer base. On the contrary, I think they are exceptional patterns, into which a great deal of thought, a lifetime of knowledge, and a huge affection and respect for beautiful old traditional knives has gone. They are also well executed by GEC. They are not made to opportunistically appeal to passing fads or fashions, but are an attempt to recreate some of the great patterns of the past, and they have a degree of integrity which is rare in the modern world. Those of us who have one or two of these knives are fortunate indeed :thumbup:

 

[MerryMadMonk]

This is the Distance Learning Center of Barlow University. Study well, we students should.

My Freshmen years have gone much better here than elsewhere.

Pictures!

 

[Jack Black]

This is the Distance Learning Center of Barlow University. Study well, we students should.

My Freshmen years have gone much better here than elsewhere.

Mine too Al! :thumbup: You graduate with full honours in my book, what a stunning set of Barlows :thumbup:

 

[btb01]

I’ve said much the same before, but in my opinion it’s worth repeating. I think that in 50 years time people will look at the TC Barlows, and Charlie’s other patterns, if they’re lucky enough to be able to find one, with much the same appreciation that some of us, today, reserve for historic knives of the past. Some of those new to traditional knives may think they are ‘ordinary’ traditionals, knives of a type they haven’t come across before, which are simply designed for a different customer base. On the contrary, I think they are exceptional patterns, into which a great deal of thought, a lifetime of knowledge, and a huge affection and respect for beautiful old traditional knives has gone. They are also well executed by GEC. They are not made to opportunistically appeal to passing fads or fashions, but are an attempt to recreate some of the great patterns of the past, and they have a degree of integrity which is rare in the modern world. Those of us who have one or two of these knives are fortunate indeed :thumbup:

Well said, Jack. Charlie's knives really are something special, set apart from anything else being made today in a way that I certainly can't express any better than you have here. They hold a special place for me personally in that they brought me here to the porch. Even just seeing a picture of one for the first time, not knowing anything about it - which is how I ended up here - I could tell it was something unique. That led to my discovery of GEC, a renewed interest in traditional knives (new and old), and a new friendship of sorts with everyone here as a collective group (if that makes sense; it's the best way I can think of to describe it).

Heck, I haven't even found "my" TC yet (I had an Ancient, but it wasn't quite my cup of tea, so I sent it along to a new owner), so I'm still looking forward to finding "the one."

 

[btb01]

Al, that spear point Keen Kutter is spectacular! :thumbup:

 

[Jack Black]

Well said, Jack. Charlie's knives really are something special, set apart from anything else being made today in a way that I certainly can't express any better than you have here. They hold a special place for me personally in that they brought me here to the porch. Even just seeing a picture of one for the first time, not knowing anything about it - which is how I ended up here - I could tell it was something unique. That led to my discovery of GEC, a renewed interest in traditional knives (new and old), and a new friendship of sorts with everyone here as a collective group (if that makes sense; it's the best way I can think of to describe it).

Heck, I haven't even found "my" TC yet (I had an Ancient, but it wasn't quite my cup of tea, so I sent it along to a new owner), so I'm still looking forward to finding "the one."

Thanks my friend Fantastic story, I hope you find your TC soon :thumbup:

 

[MerryMadMonk]

Thanks, Barrett! That's the best example of a Keen Kutter Barlow I've come across.

 

[TsarBomba]

My apologies if this post (below) caused any offence to the two posters I was replying to :thumbup:

For my part, I was in no way offended or taken aback. This forum is a constant source of edutainment to me, and I always appreciate "better knowledge" than my piddling experience with traditionals and, in particular, my all-time favorite pattern, the revered Barlow. It is a constant thrill to know that we have people like Charlie, Jack, Primble, et al. to share this information and these images with us, and I always check this thread almost immediately for the joy of seeing the "new old Barlows".

I considered nuking the photos of my Queen or altering that post, but at this point I think it should stay for context, and a good lesson for recent readers. :thumbup:

It pains me to say that my scratted ebony ancient TC is nowhere to be found. It's been missing for a few weeks now. I know it has to be somewhere in my house but I can't find it anywhere and it's been bothering me to no end.

That is awful, Phil. I hope it turns up soon. Knowing what you're missing is half the battle; I "lost" a Russell one-armed Barlow a while back and only recently "rediscovered" it - I posted a pic earlier in the thread. Good luck in finding that TC!

I have been enjoying this thread for a long time. Apparently now posters must decide whether their post is a "traditional" Barlow vs. "other" barlows which I assume don't meet the definition of a traditional Barlow. That is truly sad but I guess it is the "rules" of the forum. Carry on guys. I hope someone starts a thread about just Barlows.

As others have already mentioned, there is a long-running, more general "Barlows" thread here. Among the first two threads I added to my BF subscriptions.

At the risk of being repetitive, and hopefully not opening a can of worms:
Barrett, a couple (at least) of cutleries have made Barlows with two full length blades, often a Clip and a Spey. It is just my opinion, but I think we can include them in the genre due to their longevity in service.
Everyone is free to call anything or anyone they wish, a Barlow!
Personally I limit the appellation to certain knives to keep chaos in check!
And I apply further limitations to those things called traditional Barlows!

Can't argue with that! Ultimately, I think the thread is more about the "traditional" part, and Barlows have a very long and very esteemed history among pocket cutlery. Plus they're just so awesome.

Tradition.

One of my grails, a KK one-armed Barlow. Outstanding! THIS is why I love this thread. :thumbup:

So I can re-name myself Barlow and no one will care?

If you name yourself "Primble Barlow" you're going to have to upgrade your security system because I may end up skulking around your house trying to figure out how to take you with me.

This is the Distance Learning Center of Barlow University. Study well, we students should.
My Freshmen years have gone much better here than elsewhere.
Pictures!

The student has become the teacher? What a spread of awesome traditional Barlows! :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: I even see Earl's brother in there.

 

[Jack Black]

For my part, I was in no way offended or taken aback.

Thank you my friend, very pleased to hear that, and thanks for the kind words, you're a gent :thumbup:

 

[Primble]

Very Dapper, monsieur Barlow!! Do I understand correctly that you are an artist's model??

No ........... oh no ........ that's not me modeling there ! I was modeling on this label :

It was when I had everyone tricked into thinking I was Tom Barlow, my neighbor, who lives half a block away and next door neighbor to my son.

Pertinux called me out right away for the discrepancies, at the Rendezvous !

Tom Barlow (what a fantastic name to have !) is about your age Charlie and has a long white beard. I often joke with him and try to trade him a Barlow in exchange for us trading names.

Actually, I like to think that the Ancient tube with your scribbling is my diploma for completeing every page of the TRADITIONAL Barlow thread. I know you said it was for maintaining the Charlow Barlow History thread, but, I figure you were just deviling me. You see, I always wondered why I never got a paper diploma (the kind like I got for Kindergarten graduation and high school graduation)? After I reported that I had completed all the pages, had sold my Beerlow, nothing ever came and I was feeling empty. I then refused to buy the trick caplifters that Bill made up ............ and nothing ! NO parchment paper !!

...........................then................. on the second morning of the Rendezvous you kindly bestowed this graduation tube upon me ! :thumbup: The tube was plenty enough to fill my emptiness, but, also contained this beautiful ancient TC:

When I think about it now, the requirements for a traditional Barlow all seem pretty simple. I appreciate the enhanced education available here and the generosity from you and others here.

While I have become less and less of an old knife cleaner, it just might prove to be a tougher task to convince me to leave everything completely as found though.

 

[btmccutcheon]

Well said, Jack. Charlie's knives really are something special, set apart from anything else being made today in a way that I certainly can't express any better than you have here. They hold a special place for me personally in that they brought me here to the porch. Even just seeing a picture of one for the first time, not knowing anything about it - which is how I ended up here - I could tell it was something unique. That led to my discovery of GEC, a renewed interest in traditional knives (new and old), and a new friendship of sorts with everyone here as a collective group (if that makes sense; it's the best way I can think of to describe it).

Heck, I haven't even found "my" TC yet (I had an Ancient, but it wasn't quite my cup of tea, so I sent it along to a new owner), so I'm still looking forward to finding "the one."

My story is similar. I remembered my grandfather always carried a Barlow and I went looking. Then I stumbled on the Charlows and had to know more which led me to here and learning about GEC. My first GEC was not one of Charlie's TC's, but it was a Barlow and it is very special to me. About a year later, I was gifted a first run TC Barlow, and that is a very special nice to me as well. I've collected several Barlows over the past year and have seen many styles that to me still maintain the long bolster and teardrop shape of a Barlow. Here's a few.















P.S. Thank you, Charlie, Sarah, Mike, Derrick, and all of the rest of you "porch sitters" for contributing what you have to Traditionals, and especially Barlows. Thanks to you all we have kept the memories of old patterns alive and have breathed some new life into many of them as well.

 

[Primble]

Thanks, Barrett! That's the best example of a Keen Kutter Barlow I've come across.

Great line up of oldies AL and the doggie video was very funny ! :thumbup:

AL - I don't think you really need that old jigged bone Scharde clip Barlow. I know a guy that needs it more !

 

[Jack Black]

Actually, I like to think that the Ancient tube with your scribbling is my diploma for completeing every page of the TRADITIONAL Barlow thread.

What a shame more don't do that - long though it is :thumbup:

You have earned your graduation tube Primble! :thumbup:

When I think about it now, the requirements for a traditional Barlow all seem pretty simple.

YES!!! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

Great shot of that Ancient, I have just been CFing the very same model :thumbup:

 

[TsarBomba]

My story is similar. I remembered my grandfather always carried a Barlow and I went looking. Then I stumbled on the Charlows and had to know more which led me to here and learning about GEC. My first GEC was not one of Charlie's TC's, but it was a Barlow and it is very special to me. About a year later, I was gifted a first run TC Barlow, and that is a very special nice to me as well. I've collected several Barlows over the past year and have seen many styles that to me still maintain the long bolster and teardrop shape of a Barlow. Here's a few.

A beautiful CSC, a brand I need to get my hands on now that they are no more . But I think you buried the lead with that ONB. :thumbup: That one is fantastic. The only information I can find on it is that it was likely made just after the turn of the century in Germany. Do you know any more of its backstory?

And great to see another BL-29, especially one so pristine! :thumbup:

Sadly, my experiences with my late grandfather tend more to the rifle and shotgun-associated. At that age, I don't think I thought of knives as much more than gear you needed to clean and dress during a hunt. I do hope to gather up a quality collection of Barlows that one day can be disseminated among my nieces and nephews, perhaps with a few of my own stories. That is what makes the tradition of the Barlow so special to me, the anticipation of adding even more history to a sturdy old knife and handing it (along with those stories) down to the young folks.

 

[btmccutcheon]

A beautiful CSC, a brand I need to get my hands on now that they are no more . But I think you buried the lead with that ONB. :thumbup: That one is fantastic. The only information I can find on it is that it was likely made just after the turn of the century in Germany. Do you know any more of its backstory?

And great to see another BL-29, especially one so pristine! :thumbup:

Thank you.
Sadly, All I know about the O.N.B. is that is was likely made by Kastor Bro. around 1910. I just haven't been able to find out anything else. The CSC Barlows (including the Ka-Bar) are very well made. I love that CSC made the run-ups so low with the blades closed. It makes them incredibly comfortable to hold. As for the Colonial Electrician's Barlow, it languished on the bay for about 3 months before I felt sorry enough to bring it home for next to nothing. I love that little guy.

 

[waynorth]

This last page or so of posts, brings a tear to my eye!
It is wonderful to see all of you sharing the enjoyment of these knives!
And that's a Merry Band of Barlows, Al!!:thumbup:

 

[Jack Black]

You've given us a great gift Charlie :thumbup: