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Barlow pocket knives are simple, yet reliable knives that have been around for centuries. They are named after the English cutler and knife maker, James Barlow, who invented the first folding knife in 1820. Barlow knives typically have a clip-point blade and a simple locking mechanism.
Barlow knives have one or two blades, a huge metal bolster, and a comfortable tear-drop-shaped handle. The blade or blades are attached at the small end of the handle. Even though the first Barlow knife was made in Sheffield England in the 1600s, it soon became popular in America. George Washington was known to have a Barlow knife. Mark Twain referred to a “real Barlow” in his Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn in 1876.
“All the stores was along one street. They had white domestic awnings in front, and the country-people hitched their horses to the awning-posts. There was empty dry-goods boxes under the awnings, and loafers roosting on them all day long, whittling them with their Barlow knives; and chawing tobacco, and gaping and yawning and stretching – a mighty ornery lot.”
– Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
“Mary gave him a bran-new “Barlow” knife worth twelve and a half cents, and the convulsion of delight that swept his system shook him to his foundations. True, the knife would not cut anything, but it was a “sure-enough” Barlow, and there was inconceivable grandeur in that – though where the Western boys ever got the idea that such a weapon could possibly be counterfeited to its injury, is an imposing mystery and will always remain so, perhaps.”
– The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
The Barlow knife, first manufactured by Obadiah Barlow in Sheffield, England, circa 1670, is a sturdy and reliable tool. Obadiah's grandson, John Barlow, was chiefly responsible for developing the exportation of these knives to America, making them a popular choice among colonists and frontiersmen.
John Russell may have been the first American to manufacture Barlow knives, but don't let that stop you from picking up a Russell Harrington Cutlery Company of Southbridge, Massachusetts-made Barlow knife today. These knives were first mass-produced at the Greenfield Massachusetts factory in 1875 and were called the Russell Barlow knife. Instead of the word BARLOW on the bolster, they were stamped with Russell's mark, an R with an arrow through it. Though these knives are antiques now, they're still worth picking up for your collection.
Over the years, Barlow knives have been used by both civilians and military personnel. In fact, General George Patton was known to carry a Barlow pocket knife with him during World War II. Today, Barlow pocket knives are still popular among outdoors enthusiasts and everyday users alike.
Barlow pocket knives are popular with both outdoorsmen and women because they are versatile and can be used for a variety of tasks, including cutting rope, skinning animals, and opening cans. They are also small enough to fit in a pocket, which makes them convenient to carry around. Barlow pocket knives are available in both manual and automatic versions.
The Barlow is a great option if you're looking for a simple and reliable pocket knife. It's affordable, easy to use, and can handle a variety of tasks.
Imperial Schrade 278 Jackmaster Barlow
- 3Cr13MoV Stainless Steel Clip Point Blade and Pen Blade with Nail Pulls
- Brown Celluloid Handle with Stainless Steel Bolsters
- Brass Pins, and Heat Treated Back Springs
- Blade Length: 2.4 inches (6.1 cm)
- Handle Length: 3.3 inches (8.4 cm)
- Overall Length: 5.7 inch (14.5 cm) Weight: 0.12 pounds
SZCO Supplies Rite Edge: 4” Wood Handle Dual Blade
- 4 Inches closed length
- Stainless steel blade
- Wood handle
- Metal bolsters
- Pins are made of brass
Kershaw Classic Slip Joint Pocket Knives, G10 Handle with Old-Time Wood-Like Design
- Classic, old-school American-style knife with a Kershaw update. The Culpepper's 7CR17MoV stainless steel blade is reinforced with vanadium for a long-lasting edge.
- The black G10 fiberglass laminate handle is shaped to bring out the material's textured weave and wood-like appearance.
- Experience quick and easy manual opening with a simple push or pull on the nail nick; the slip joint lock helps to create an extremely low profile and vintage experience.
- Traditional in form yet modern in function and capability, the Culpepper brings the old-time rock and roll with brass rivets and a lanyard hole for versatile carry.
- The Culpepper measures 7. 4 inches end to end when opened, 4. 125 inches when folded, and weighs just 3 ounces.
Old Timer 280OT Barlow 5.7in S.S.
- DIMENSIONS: 5.7 inches (14.5 cm) overall length with a blade length of 2.3 inches (5.8 cm) and a weight of 2.6 ounces
- DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 7Cr17MoV High Carbon Stainless Steel with a sawcut handle
- DEPENDABLE: Quick and easy access with the convenient size, nail pulls and pen blade making it ideal for everyday carry
- SECURE: Have confidence that the blades will not slip with the security of the heat-treated back springs
Smith & Wesson Executive Barlow 6.25in S.S. Assisted Opening Knife
- DIMENSIONS: 6.25 inch (15.88 cm) overall length with a blade length of 2.75 inches (6.99 cm) and a weight of 3.2 ounces
- DURABLE: Blade is made of reliable 8Cr13MoV Stainless Steel with a black, G10 handle
- DEPENDABLE: Quick and easy access with a convenient tip-down pocket clip, finger flipper, and spring-assisted opening making it ideal for everyday carry
- SECURE: Have confidence the blade will not slip with the security of the liner lock
- BE PREPARED: The knife's compact size allows for easy storage and transport
- GUARANTEED: This product is covered by a Limited Lifetime Warranty. For questions or contact us on the Smith & Wesson website
Old Ram Collection Everyday Carry Manual Folding Pocket Trapper
- Old Ram Manual folding Gentleman's 2-blade Knife.
- 4.5" Length of Knife Closed.
- 3.5" Stainless Steel Blade.
- Smooth Resin Handle with Brass Bolster.
Böker EDC Traditional Slip Joint Folding Pocket Knife
- COLLECTOR QUALITY: Handmade in the Boker Knife Factory in Solingen, Germany. The knife includes high quality felt case for carrying and safe storage
- CLASSIC BARLOW BY BOKER: This modern take on the Barlow goes with extended bolsters and premium Grenadill Wood scales for lightweight construction that feels good in the hand
- 440C BLADE: Ice-hardened 440C steel, slip joint, nail nick opener, satin finished for a nice shine
- NITTY GRITTY: Overall Length: 6.1 inches, Blade Length: 2.76 inches, Weight: 2oz. Made in Solingen, Germany.
Case 23362 Folding Blade
- 2-blade design
- 3.375 inches closed
- Made in the USA
Rough Ryder Barlow
- Amber jigged bone handles
- 3 3/8 inches closed
- Stainless clip and pen blades
- Nickel silver bolsters and inlay shield
Böker Barlow Expedition Two-Hand Folding Pocket Knife
- Overall Length: 5,79 inches
- Overall Length: 5,79 inches
- Blade Length: 2,52 inches
- Blade Material: 440C
- Handle Material: Brass, Micarta
- Opener: Nail Nick
Hen & Rooster HR241AGB-BRK Folder Antique Green Bone
- Antique green bone handles
- Nickel silver bolsters and inlay shield
- 1 1/2 inch stainless clip blade with nail nick
- 2 1/2 inches closed
