What Makes a Good, Traditional Barlow?

Nice Barlow Old Hunter!!
I thought Colonial only did cheaper knives! Look what I have missed!!!
 
waynorth said:
Nice Barlow Old Hunter!!
I thought Colonial only did cheaper knives! Look what I have missed!!!
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I hope not to hijack the thread,thought I would elaborate on OH's fine barlow. In case anyone is interested the thread I'll link shows some of the RAP cutlers(Old Cutlers also) made by Colonial,quality knives,which flew under the radar.The top of their line started by Robert Anfhony Paolantonio himself,hence the name RAP Cutlers.

Here is a description of the knife I was able to find before word got out of their quality,described by the man who made the knife and a link for further interest.

"
Bob did not elaborate enough,I'll help. His own words to me:

"Hey WLF!! I must say it's wicked nice to see some of my very early work, mid 70's..This Old Cutler #533 large stockman has clearly been tricked out big time!! The regular .095, 1095 High Carbon steel blades have been replaced by custom etched, work back springs and blades. Creating my own personal tang stamp within Colonial Knife itself was a bold move, but nobody was going to get in my way back then!! ::ds::
The neat twin tone Buffalo Horn handles I used to get from my old friend, Adrian Harris (coln' coon), and a few other dealers in Tennessee and Kentucky. The bolster's are a find I'll never forget!
These HAND ENGRAVED BOLSTER'S I had made by Mr. Clint Orms from Texas! He's been retired for 20 years...
There weren't many made and they'll never be made again!! Judge the value on that fact......Fortunate man..
You are a proud owner of a real piece of history
Bobby P. CKCo. R.A.P. Cutler..

And more :

Thank you very much sir for the wonderful compliments!
The answer to your question is YES, I AM R.A.P. Cutler...my initials.
Robert Anthony Paolantonio! ::nod::
I made that knife by hand over 30 years ago. There are 20 parts to build this knife and 24 separate operations to make it!!
After you showed this beauty the other day, I looked through many old files and sales documents and I've determined that there were only 5 of this exact knife EVER MADE!! I still have two, the other three were sold many years ago, and now you own one!
Considering the rarity of this knife, I have re-adjusted the value... "

http://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/knife_forum/viewtopic.php?f=87&t=32528&start=210
 
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I haven't bonded this quickly to a knife in a long time. A quick sharpen and strop, a few more coats of oil, and Marlow looks and feels like an old, trusted companion.

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- Christian
 
That is a classic Christian.I've been waiting to fuel the fire of this thread with my Charlows,but I believe we've found perpetual motion here.
 
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Christian, are the pins just as flush/proud on the pile side? I love domed pins.

And the bolster looks awesome with the patina. :thumbup: :thumbup:
 
Christian, that knife has been to EDC Boot camp, and is headed for a stellar career as a pocket companion!
Boiley, meet Booty!!:D

Nice Booty!!;)
 
Lyle, thanks for the link to your RAP knife!
Bobby is underestimating the value of his work, IMO. It is rare and has a great story attached - that's worth a lot right there.
The story puts your Barlow in an elite category, OldHunter!!
 
wlfryjr said:
That is a classic Christian.
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Thanks Lyle.

black mamba said:
Christian, are the pins just as flush/proud on the pile side? I love domed pins.

And the bolster looks awesome with the patina. :thumbup: :thumbup:
Click to expand...

The pins are very similar on the other side. The doming is very fitting on this most texturally interesting of cover materials.

waynorth said:
Christian, that knife has been to EDC Boot camp, and is headed for a stellar career as a pocket companion!
Boiley, meet Booty!!:D

Nice Booty!!;)
Click to expand...

Sure has. I have no choice but to use it now. No one else would want it, it's all dirty and messed up now! :D

- Christian
 
Oh man! :(
I know I am going to get told off here for doing this, but I am going to 'fes up, I broke a golden rule today, and now I am paying the price..
I was installing a machine today with my work-mate, I was carrying my red Bone Clip - Point Charlow...I gotta admit, I grew to really love this knife very quick...anyway...
He was struggling to get some wire ties off, and he asked for my knife - yep I can hear you now ( no you didn't!! ) he knew how much I love this knife! -anyway he used it - we were real busy, and I closed it when he finished with it and placed it in my pocket...got home and opened my knife...... I just cant explain the horror -
maybe it was because I sharpened the edge too thin - I don't know but the blade has three nicks in the belly - 3!!!!! he must have cut the ties against the edge of the railing instead of the flat of the railing!
I don't think he even knows,
Todays lesson was a damned hard one! I haven't felt this infuriated for many years - man I had that thing sharp - but that too possibly was a benefactor?

I have to take some blade off carefully eliminating them:mad:

I could go on and on, but I do that too much.
 
^^ You shoudl thank you friend for adding a bit of character and for the opportunity to hone your knife sharpening skills :p
 
How big are the chips?

I know that it hurts, but if they aren't too big you should be fine. A bit of advice, cut directly into your stone (carefully) until your chips are gone, THEN sharpen it back up.

Zip ties are notorious for doing exactly that. There's every possibility that he didn't hit against anything harder.

Stay away from those zips guys. Oh and cardboard too!
 
The nicks are not good, I have removed plenty in older knives that I have bought ( to use ), I was going to remove the chips exactly the way you suggested strigamort!
Scruff - I wont be thanking the lad when I see him tomorrow lol.
 
Can almost hear you shouting from here Duncan! I'm sure you've sorted the edge out by now, but what is wrong with people? I guess if the lad had any sense, he'd have a knife in his pocket.
 
Sorry to hear about your knife Duncan. I know that especially hurts because of the nice, thin edge these barlows come with. That fellow took years off that blade.

Some people just don't know how to properly use cutting tools. Maybe it was the first, and last, time he'd ever used a fine knife.

- Christian
 
Duncan, I feel your PAIN!!! See what happens when your a nice guy :)

A little PATRIOTIC Barlow picture prior to Independence Day :thumbup:

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God Bless our Service Men and Women:thumbup::thumbup::thumbup:

Paul
 
Duncan, the abuse of your knife is appalling, but your kindness and concern for your fellow is totally amazing! Your knife will live to tell tales, if somewhat bruised and diminished, but your gestures to the foolish person will improve his life, if incrementally.
I love a thin edge, but learning from your experience (thanks for the sacrifice) will not lend mine out!!
BTW, large nail clippers, the kind for toenails, are cheap, and snip "zips" with little risk.
 
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