What Makes a Good, Traditional Barlow?

[Chief]

Friends and memories make a good traditional barlow. Thanks to many friends, especially waynorth who have helped me acquire these single clips. Main EDC is on top, a recover by Esynx. Stay safe!

 

[Half/Stop]

 

[waynorth]

A wonderful collection, John!! Glad I helped some!!

 

[Half/Stop]

Friends and memories make a good traditional barlow. Thanks to many friends, especially waynorth who have helped me acquire these single clips. Main EDC is on top, a recover by Esynx. Stay safe!

Beautiful clip collection John!

 

[waynorth]

Nice pics of great jigging, Ron!!

 

[Half/Stop]

Nice pics of great jigging, Ron!!

Thanks Charlie! They’re not bad for a pair of “S” knives are they?

 

[waynorth]

Several of my GEC's are "S" models, Ron!! Stands for "Super"!!

 

[Half/Stop]

Several of my GEC's are "S" models, Ron!! Stands for "Super"!!

I thought it stood for “Special” Charlie. Because they always seem to be!

 

[waynorth]

I thought it stood for “Special” Charlie. Because they always seem to be!

It's true!! Maybe you are right!!

 

[Half/Stop]

It's true!! Maybe you are right!!

 

[jlomein]

Saw this on the forums a while ago but didn't save the user. I had no idea some Barlows came with rounded bolsters!

Anyone know what model that is? (3rd down) Are there any other rounded bolster Barlows that are easy to get?

 

[Ironbut]

Saw this on the forums a while ago but didn't save the user. I had no idea some Barlows came with rounded bolsters!

Anyone know what model that is? (3rd down) Are there any other rounded bolster Barlows that are easy to get?

That's a Great Eastern Cutlery #25. Here's one like it. I think the last run of them was about three years ago, and I don't think anybody has any in stock, but you may be able to find a used one from time to time.

 

[r8shell]

Here's a Tidioute version in acrylic:

 

[waynorth]

Robeson and Utica made Barlows with rounded bolsters, in the past!!
Robesons:
Utica-made Barlows, some for other companies:
It is sometimes easier to find an "antique" than it is to find a GEC!!

 

[Misplaced Hillbilly]

Looks to me the Utica's are the inspiration for the #25's

 

[Modoc ED]

I've show this Queen Steel #22 Barlow with one piece aluminum bolsters and frame before but I think it's worth another look. It was manufactured between 1984 - 1989.

.

 

[jlomein]

Here's a Tidioute version in acrylic:

Another fine specimen! You all have me reading up on the ABCs of GECs: understanding where they're made, model numbers, how their unique selling/preordering cycle works.

Robeson and Utica made Barlows with rounded bolsters, in the past!!
Robesons:View attachment 1331421 View attachment 1331422
Utica-made Barlows, some for other companies:View attachment 1331423
It is sometimes easier to find an "antique" than it is to find a GEC!!

Really appreciate this! Gives me more to look out for on the sales and auctions.

 

[r8shell]

Really appreciate this! Gives me more to look out for on the sales and auctions.

They are out there, especially if you're not looking for fancy or brand new condition.

And if you don't mind "made in China" there's new production.

 

[Bartleby]

And if you don't mind "made in China" there's new production.

I really like the old black carbon Kutmaster Barlows, they are great no nonsense working knives I carry one often (and keep a few in reserve). I agree the RR version is generally better executed and more like the classic ones than the final version Utica put out. I tried several late production Uticas Barlows and was disappointed, which has not been the case with the RR version. As a user they are hard to beat!

 

[r8shell]

I really like the old black carbon Kutmaster Barlows, they are great no nonsense working knives I carry one often (and keep a few in reserve). I agree the RR version is generally better executed and more like the classic ones than the final version Utica put out. I tried several late production Uticas Barlows and was disappointed, which has not been the case with the RR version. As a user they are hard to beat!

I know what you mean. I bought a Utica and had to do some modifications to make it usable. I took a dremel to the pull on the pen blade to move it out far enough from the pivot to be open-able. Also, they were mixing up their blades, so I got a carbon pen but a stainless main.