What Makes a Good, Traditional Barlow?

[Luger1952]

Thanks Atiger, Paul and John for your nice comments on these Barlows! Paul, the bottom one is a HSB. John, the NYKC Barlow has full blades and spots of corrosion but both blades function nicely and are solid when open with no wobble. It is not in prime condition but it is the only one I have seen for sale in my three years of constantly looking. So I was pleased to get it for a very good price. Thanks, Lloyd

 

[Cambertree]

Not to detract from the superb 20th and 21st century examples here, which perhaps represent another zenith of the finest Barlows that have been made, I thought I would present this as a footnote for other students of slipjoint history.

I found this photo while researching another knife yesterday. The knife was uncovered in an archeological dig on the grounds of the Prebendal Manor in Nassington, near Peterborough in Northamptonshire, England. It dates back to the 17th century. The distinctive long bolster and curved stag handle are immediately recognisable. I don't know whether the blade would have originally been a spearpoint or sheepfoot. What do you think?

I particularly like the way the soup-bone like channel in the stag covers, organically follows the curve of the handle.

Unfortunately, I've not been able to find any more information on any possible provenance for this Barlow knife.



https://ehive.com/collections/4185/objects/92262/a-18-century-folding-knife-with-an-antler-handle

Something about it put me in mind of Charlie's 'Ol' Scratty', back in post 14362. (Hope you don't mind the repost, CC.)



The Manor site itself has a long and storied history, going back to Neolithic times - I'll leave these links here for those who are interested, so as not to divert from the thread.

http://www.prebendal-manor.co.uk/history.html

http://www.britainexpress.com/counties/northants/properties/prebendal-manor.htm

 

[RDaneel]

Lloyd, I'm trying to figure out which one I like the best. I can't they are all gorgeous! :thumbup::thumbup:

 

[Luger1952]

Thanks Dean! We have both had some very nice Barlow finds lately. I would certainly say the same about those you posted on the previous page--can't decide which one I like best they truly are all beautiful:thumbup: That Remington is something else and in such remarkable condition--WOW is all that comes to mind. Best, Lloyd

 

[Atiger]

Certainly a traditional barlow but its the only one I've ever seen...

[/IMG]

 

[mike Berkovitch]

RDaneel a bunch of very nice Barlows, some true gems.

Lloyd it is always a pleasure to see your findings. The NYK is great looking I always loved their bolster sign

ambertree very interesting old Barlow, back to the roots

Atiger, never seen one like this. I'd apreciate photos of it open.

Here's one I got recently, we don't see many Cripple Creek here. This knife is perfect in all aspects, I love the etch on the bolster and on the blade. Also the bone has great color and the match strike nick is great addition. I think it is from the early 1980's.

Mike

 

[Campbellclanman]

I agree totally what our friend Mike just said.

A tiger- that is a stunning Old Barliw- a lovely knife!

Mike- that too is a beauty!
Both such amazing and rare knives I'm guessing.

Lloyd mate- love those old beauties my friend. Beautiful to look at.

 

[paulhilborn]

Atiger, very very cool Barlow...Love unique bolsters:thumbup:

 

[Atiger]

Atiger, never seen one like this. I'd apreciate photos of it open.



The blade is in pretty good shape for its age - some wear but tight with surprisingly good snap. Here's a shot of the tang stamp.

[/IMG]

[/IMG]

 

[RDaneel]

Certainly a traditional barlow but its the only one I've ever seen...

Never a dull moment around here with Barlows like that, Atiger! Unique. :thumbup:

RDaneel a bunch of very nice Barlows, some true gems.

Here's one I got recently, we don't see many Cripple Creek here. This knife is perfect in all aspects, I love the etch on the bolster and on the blade. Also the bone has great color and the match strike nick is great addition. I think it is from the early 1980's.

Mike

Thanks, Mike! Gorgeous Cripple Creek you have.

 

[waynorth]

Dean, you are right! Never a dull moment, and this thread has been just amazing lately!

 

[t.willy]

I am so happy to see the next TC Barlows are going to be Clip Blade Charlie. I bought a 2015 version early this year and its a great knife But I've been hoping for an opportunity to get one in a clip ever since.

 

[Augie]

Atiger, that Never Dull is fantastic!

Mike, lovely Cripple Creek!

Found this relic Shapleigh Diamond Edge, looks to be made by Schrade,

 

[Sheepdog149]

Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk

 

[RDaneel]

Found this relic Shapleigh Diamond Edge, looks to be made by Schrade,

John, that is g̶r̶e̶a̶t̶ ̶l̶o̶o̶k̶i̶n̶g̶ fantastic bone! What a find. :thumbup:

 

[Jack Black]

Fantastic Barlows gents :thumbup:

Not to detract from the superb 20th and 21st century examples here, which perhaps represent another zenith of the finest Barlows that have been made, I thought I would present this as a footnote for other students of slipjoint history.

I found this photo while researching another knife yesterday. The knife was uncovered in an archeological dig on the grounds of the Prebendal Manor in Nassington, near Peterborough in Northamptonshire, England. It dates back to the 17th century. The distinctive long bolster and curved stag handle are immediately recognisable. I don't know whether the blade would have originally been a spearpoint or sheepfoot. What do you think?

I particularly like the way the soup-bone like channel in the stag covers, organically follows the curve of the handle.

Unfortunately, I've not been able to find any more information on any possible provenance for this Barlow knife.



https://ehive.com/collections/4185/objects/92262/a-18-century-folding-knife-with-an-antler-handle

Something about it put me in mind of Charlie's 'Ol' Scratty', back in post 14362. (Hope you don't mind the repost, CC.)



The Manor site itself has a long and storied history, going back to Neolithic times - I'll leave these links here for those who are interested, so as not to divert from the thread.

http://www.prebendal-manor.co.uk/history.html

http://www.britainexpress.com/counties/northants/properties/prebendal-manor.htm

I've gotten way behind with this thread, and am sorry to have missed your post Cambertree. That's a very interesting knife and worthy of further investigation I think. More likely to be a Sheepsfoot I think, but I'd be surprised if it's as old as they think it is :thumbup:

Edit - I note the first link says 18th century rather than 17th :thumbup:

 

[pistonsandgears]

You guys have found some really beautiful and interesting old barlows, great finds :thumbup::thumbup: always enjoy seeing them!
I think this pair compliment each other well.

 

[Luger1952]

Very nice P&G! They do compliment each other very nicely. Excellent photo also:thumbup: Lloyd

 

[Ironbut]

Really nice Barlows, everyone! I always had one as a kid & I'm constantly looking for them at flea markets, etc, but most that I've found have broken scales, a scale missing, or have had most of the blade ground away on a bench grinder. People up here in the mountains used their knives until they were unusable, then on their bi-annual trip to town bought another one at the hardware.

 

[cbr1000]

I am so happy to see the next TC Barlows are going to be Clip Blade Charlie. I bought a 2015 version early this year and its a great knife But I've been hoping for an opportunity to get one in a clip ever since.

I'm hoping the jigging turns out like the 38 whittler... I think the fine jigging will look better on the TC. The two below look very different from each other, but are both "chestnut peach seed jigged bone".