What Makes a Good, Traditional Barlow?

I bought a Utica and had to do some modifications to make it usable
On the three examples I purchased over the years, one had a split in the bone handle that needed to be glued, the second had one nail breaker and one incredibly weak spring, the third had two very weak springs. I did give a year or two between each new purchase, so it was not just a bad day or batch. I was exceedingly glad to grab several of the Case Barlows last year, which are in EDC rotation, but if I know I will be doing dirty work I tend to use the RR or the old Kutmaster (I managed to get a few of the old black handled Kutmasters as NOS with advertisement on the blades as spares--after I went through my unsuccessful attempt to get a good example of current production).
 
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Carrying this one today, a gift from Mr Charlie himself :)

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The Case barlows I have are of the 2-blade type, beautiful but rather heavy and bulky (for me). As the years relentlessly plod on, I find myself leaning more toward lightweight, less bulky knives for everyday carry. Enter the Case single blade barlow: light and slender with no compromise in quality.

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The single blade finds its way into my pocket when I wear slacks. It echos the early versions of the pattern made by the Furness family in Stannington with its spearpoint although it is slimmed down in the handle. I had thought the slim dimensions would be less to my liking, but it is so pocket friendly and useful (the spear point makes a nice spreading blade) it has become a favorite. I think of it as my Barlow office knife.
 
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I've posted these before but with the above posts of all those awesome daddy barlows by waynorth waynorth I just had to play "me to!me to!" lol
P.S. Charlie is the second knife down in the first post a Camillus? With my phone I cant quite make out the stamp. I noticed that not only does it have the distinctive Camillus nail nick placement, but also the curious little drop near the tip as my HSB. Thanks
 
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Klj62WT.jpg

I've posted these before but with the above posts of all those awesome daddy barlows by waynorth waynorth I just had to play "me to!me to!" lol
P.S. Charlie is the second knife down in the first post a Camillus? With my phone I cant quite make out the stamp. I noticed that not only does it have the distinctive Camillus nail nick placement, but also the curious little drop near the tip as my HSB. Thanks
Yes, it's a Camillus!! Good eye, David!!;)
 
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