What Makes a Good, Traditional Barlow?

Jeff_R said:
Please pardon my ignorance, but I'm having a difficult time finding a definition of "Ragg Bone." What characteristic identifies a knife scale as being Ragg Bone? Thanks!
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Jeff, Ragg Bone has some wane in it. Wane is when the handle scale is not fully dimensioned. There might be some of the edge or face missing, although the handle will cover the metal scale beneath it.
This occurred on historical barlows, which were cheap but sturdy knives, often made from leftovers from more upscale production.
Just like adding luxury content to compact economy cars, Fancy bolsters and stamps were added to make a cutler's Barlows competitive!
Much to our delight!

P.S. It's hard to find a definition for Ragg Bone, because we recently invented the term right here!!:D
 
I got these three in the mail today, and I couldn't be more excited! :D

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Here are some front and back shots of the "Ragg" bone:

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Charlie, great work on these! Thanks for doing what you do! 👍
 
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Thanks for posting your pictures everybody!
I finally brought some home, and will take pix tomorrow, but I like what I see!
I was worried about their size, but I think they will steal some pocket time from the venerable Peanuts that hang around these parts.
We knife lovers are certainly blessed with choices!
 
Looking forward to some pictures from you Charlie.

I can't help to think that the #14 needs a grandfather someday.. maybe a #99 year old one?
 
The picture just doesn't do this Yellow Wood the justice it deserves. Well done Mr. Campagna Sir.


 
First TC for me! I love the size of these #14s, just fits perfectly in my watch pocket. It joins my small but mighty collection of traditional and not-so-traditional barlows.

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texmex03 said:
Very happy with this one.
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The copperheads are looking top notch. Yours is especially nice, Josh!

Cannonball970 said:
First TC for me! I love the size of these #14s, just fits perfectly in my watch pocket. It joins my small but mighty collection of traditional and not-so-traditional barlows.
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Great looking Antique Yellow Bone! Your group shot shows a pattern to your Barlow collection; spearpoint and sheepfoot seem to be favorites?
 
Cannonball970 said:
First TC for me! I love the size of these #14s, just fits perfectly in my watch pocket. It joins my small but mighty collection of traditional and not-so-traditional barlows.
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Sure is mighty! What is that second Barlow from the front with the sheepsfoot and wonderful wavy grain?

That Boxelder GP keeps calling to me despite my reservations with Queen's execution. I think it might be a losing battle. :p
 
Next time do a better job of resisting. Poking at a sore spot isn't good, even if the poking is done in jest.
 
RDaneel said:
Great looking Antique Yellow Bone! Your group shot shows a pattern to your Barlow collection; spearpoint and sheepfoot seem to be favorites?
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For the most part I would prefer spear-everthing on barlows but those sheepies/wharnies just look too good to pass up sometimes. I like clip points on smaller knives, I would probably consider a 14 with a clip.

TsarBomba said:
Sure is mighty! What is that second Barlow from the front with the sheepsfoot and wonderful wavy grain?

That Boxelder GP keeps calling to me despite my reservations with Queen's execution. I think it might be a losing battle. :p
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The second one is a Northwoods everyday barlow (made by Queen I think?) in some of the best cocobolo I've ever seen. The pile side is exceptionally nice.

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And as for the Grand Portage I'm just going to keep leaving this image lying around...

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knarfeng said:
Next time do a better job of resisting. Poking at a sore spot isn't good, even if the poking is done in jest.
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:confused:

Cannonball970 said:
The second one is a Northwoods everyday barlow (made by Queen I think?) in some of the best cocobolo I've ever seen. The pile side is exceptionally nice.
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Outstanding, and yes, the Northwoods is a Queen. I'm starting to realize that the #69 pattern might just be the thing that calls to me regardless of materials or blade configuration. :p

Cannonball970 said:
And as for the Grand Portage I'm just going to keep leaving this image lying around...
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I'm starting to wonder if you're working for TP. Hypnotizing potential customers with your boxelder is dirty pool! ;) :thumbup:
 
Thanks for the pictures guys and gals.....mine won't be here for another week I am sure...can't wait.
 
Curious - mini question.....

The pins securing the handle scales on these 14s seem larger than normal. That something new, or the result of the smaller size and heads not being ground off??
 
GEC seems to be all over the place on their pin construction lately. The same knives often end up with 2 or 3 different kinds of finish, depending on pin location or handle material. I have an acrylic #18 with one "flattened" pin, one ground and polished pin and one sunken pin.
 
I just noticed the blade etch with the 'lick creek' on it. I read the story about lick creek but I dont know what connects this pattern to that name. Given the knives come with the name written on them, I am even more curious as to why it was chosen.
 
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