I own a lot of knives and there are few of them that I rarely use and just get them to add in my collection and one of them is, Barlow.
These knives have roots back to 300 years and many people prefer this knife for collection, instead of using them daily. The large bolster is the main reason people like this knife.
If you aren’t familiar with this knife, let me quickly explain it.
What is a Barlow knife?
It is a classic slip-joint pocket knife that comes with a large metal bolster. Around ⅓ of the blade would be bolster size, and it comes with a tear-drop shaped handle. The barlow pattern is part of the jackknife family.
Usually, the large bolster in this knife is made of metal, but some companies like LionSTEEL offer this part of the knife with carbon fiber.
This knife comes with different types of bolster shapes, like a rounded and a square.
The standard size of the knife is 3×3 inches. A Barlow with over 5 inches or more is called a daddy or grandaddy Barlow.
In some rare cases, you’ll find baby Barlows which are less than 3 inches, but don’t mistake them for cheap options because they are mostly expensive. I own just a couple of Barlows only to add in my collections.
The initial design of the knife had only a single blade; however, brands offer barlow knives with dual blades as well.
Origins of the Barlow knife
A Barlow was invented in the late 16th century in Sheffield, England. There are a lot of controversies about who the founder of this knife is, but based on credible sources, it is likely to be “Obadiah Barlow”.
Many American families have claimed to be the inventor of this knife, but there are no reliable sources to confirm this.
Introduction into America
A Barlow knife was first introduced to the American market by John Barlow (Obadiah Barlow’s grandson) in 1745, as he started the mass production of this knife and began exporting it.
The Russell Harrington Cutlery Company (previously known as John Russell Company) started the mass production of Barlow in 1875 in Greenfield, Massachusetts. Later on, several companies began doing the same.
One of the biggest advantages a Barlow knife had over other types of knives in those days was affordability and availability. Due to this, people loved the idea behind this knife and started using it for various purposes.
This knife has been used by many popular figures over the course of history.
Some of the notable names are:
- George Washington.
- Mark Twain.
- Abraham Lincoln.
- James Fenimore Cooper.
- Carl Hurley.
- Jerry Clower.
What is a Barlow knife used for?
These knives can be used for daily activities like opening boxes and outdoor activities like skinning games, camping etc. The modern version of a barlow is primarily being bought to add to the collection rather than using it.
How to Tell How Old a Barlow Knife Is?
These are the things you need to consider to know the age of a knife.
1. Look for Manufacturer’s Mark: Check the manufacturer’s logo and look for it online and this will give you an idea when it was made. Some manufacturers have changed their logos over the years so make sure to double check on that as well.
2. Examine the Handle Material: Early Barlows made between 1800 and 1900 used brass or bone used in their handles. If you find the plastic handle, it is likely made after the 1950s.
3. Check the blade technology: If you spot any visible hammer marks in the blade, it is likely made before the 1900s. Machine-stamped blades became standard in the 18th century.
4. Check for Patent Dates: Many Barlow knives made in the 19th century patent numbers or dates printed in their blade. You can easily find it by just taking a quick look.
How much does a Barlow knife cost?
1. Age: An antique Barlow (pre 1920s) is rare and is highly valuable. If they are in good condition, you can get it for around $50 and $100 from a reliable collector.
2. Brand: A Barlow from a reputed brand can cost you $100 on average. If it is a limited edition, it’ll cost you more. The modern Barlow is being mass produced so it’ll cost you anywhere between $10-$30.
3. Authenticity: Original and authentic Barlows without any modifications can cost you a bit but they are far better than the replicas. Check for receipts to confirm the authenticity before getting one.
I own Kershaw Culpepper that I bought under $50 and it came with good specs such as 7Cr17MoV stainless steel, G10 and clip point blade.
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of a barlow knife?
It can be used as a pocket knife to perform everyday tasks like opening boxes, cutting foods, skinning games etc.
2. How does a barlow knife compare to other pocket knives?
Modern barlows come with two blades with a large bolster whereas a pocket knife comes with a single blade and small sized bolsters.
3. Why are barlow knives so popular?
It is popular due to its large bolster and study design suitable to perform heavy duty. It has multiple sizes ranging from a standard one to a grand daddy that gives the user to select appropriate size
Conclusion:
I own 2-3 Barlow and I rarely use them to do some household tasks. I have bought them to diversify my knife collection. If you are also planning to get one for yourself, just keep the things in mind I have mentioned in the article and you’ll be able to pick the right one. Let me know If you have any questions. Cheers!
