The Venerable Old Barlow

[montemojo]

Wow Mark, thats agreat looking old knife. I have never seen one like that. Is it from the original makers of the barlow? How old is it? Thanks for posting it.

Monte

[ratlesnake75]

According to my Research my 3 3/8" closed Barlow knife was made by Samuel Barlow. It has the sideways "Z" trademark that was registered to Samuel in 1723. My Barlow knife is a Quill Pen knife NOT an Ordinary "Barlow pattern" knife. I do believe these Barlow knives from the "Smith's Key" also to be "Quill Pen" Knives,,Pictured below. Look at the Blade style. What you guys think? This has been rather confusing for me because I thought these "Smith's Key" knives were our "Hefty" NORMAL sized Barlows, Not "Quill Pens".
Kind Regards,
Mark

[ratlesnake75]

Hey Monte, My Stag Barlow dates from 1723-1830's.
I found this article about "Quill Pen" knives very interesting here on AAPK.
viewtopic.php?t=21968
Kind Regards,
Mark

[ratlesnake75]

I did promise a couple Barlows so Here is the latter one!! Its a DADDY Sized Samuel Barlow
Knife has The Strongest Snaps and WILL CHOP Yo Finger off if Not Careful. Knife is Rough Looking but was Not used much at all, just weathered.
Kind Regards
Mark

[montemojo]

And yet another, Mark I believe that both are very rare. You're a very lucky man just to known one. You have two!! Those are super. Again thanks for posting

Monte

[Miller Bro's]

[LongBlade]

Just awesome old knives Mark ... just curious but do both have integrated liners and bolsters? Looks like the quill may not based on one photo but it just maybe the image and though sharpened way down it is just cool to have a great stamp and knife - no doubt a HOK!!... the Barlow "barlow" is in my mind one great old one to enjoy in your collection and without a doubt not an easy find - that is way cool!! Still with good snap too - that is Sheffield quality - probably 200 years old and still working

[ratlesnake75]

Thx LongBlade, The Quill knife has "True" integral bolsters and liners,,,The daddy does not. All iron construction on both. If you notice that on both knives the "Tang End" is at the End of the Bolster too. I only see this type of construction on Pre Civil War Era knives
Kind Regards,
Mark

[ratlesnake75]

Hey Guys, I am trying my best to HELP Narrow Down some History and make an Easy Reference of These Early Sheffield Barlows so here are my thoughts,,,Please chive in with your thoughts too,,,As with anything,,Its all a Learning experience. A Barlow Book is going to happen sooner or later guys,,,Lets try to get some Hard facts with the correct dating of these Early Sheffield knives and their variations.
I will be posting Several different variations of the BARLOW and I hope no one takes offense of me using their pics.

The "Z" is clearly the Wrong way, Some folks say the wrong way "Z" was a trademark by Henry Mills an Ancestor of Samuel from 1851-1881,,If this is true, It will certainly change our dating of these early Sheffield knives. What we need is the Sheffield Registry from 1850-1851 showing the wrong way "Z" trademark by Mr. Mills. I am not a Historian who knows how to achieve this but I am sure someone out there Knows how. If anyone can post it on here, it would greatly HELP in Dating these Early Sheffield knives. Lets start there!!

1. Wrong way "Z" with Tang stamp, Blade stamped "Barlow" -- Not my knife
2. Wrong way "Z" No Tang Stamp, Blade stamped "Barlow" -- Use to be my knife
3. Wrong Way "Z" No Tang stamp, Blade stamped "Barlow" -- Mr. John Goins Example, in his Book of "Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings" page# 16
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Next is the Correct Samuel Barlow markings with the Scimitar and "Z" trademark,,,All with "Barlow" stamped out on blade
1. "Z" No tang stamp -- Not my knife
2. "Z" No tang stamp (1 and 2-blade variation) -- Not my knives
3. "Z" No tang stamp (daddy size) -- Use to be my knife
4. "Z" No tang Stamp and 3 pins in the handle, Not 4 -- Not my knife
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I Believe these are "Quill Pen Knives" Not actual "Barlow" pattern Knives but who knows?? These 2 "Key" knives certainly have 'Quill" type blades but the handles are curved like a barlow pattern,,HELP,,hahahaha. We need more Examples!!
1. Blade stamped "Barlow" w/ Extended bolsters & curved handles --- From 1816 "Smiths Key" and located in either "Blades guide to Knives" or Mr. Levine's Guide to Knives
2. Tang Stamped "Barlow" w/ short Bolsters --- Samuels "Z" trademark on blade

[Sanders Knives]

I don't have anything to add other than a picture of one I have with the Z going the opposite direction.

Matt

[ratlesnake75]

Hey Matt, Great knife Sir and Many thanks for posting this variation also. What is the closed Length of this knife Matt?
Kind Regards,
Mark

[Sanders Knives]

I do have a separate question. Does anyone have any information on this particular knife?

Thanks, Matt

[Sanders Knives]

The closed length on the Samuel is 3 1/4 inches.

[Sanders Knives]

I don't believe I've showed my barlow wall. Plus some more I don't think I've shown. Sorry for the glare.

Matt

[Sanders Knives]

A few more. Matt

[AREMINGTONSEDGE]

WOW Matt! That is an amazing show and tell you got there. Just beautiful!

[Duffer]

Fantastic collection of vintage Barlows Those NYKC Barlows are just in superb collector grade condition Hard to find in any condition let alone in the condition you have! Any chance you could post pictures of those two alone? Thanks for the visual treat. Lloyd

[Miller Bro's]

Outstanding!

[LongBlade]

That is one awesome collection of Barlows Matt ... Thanks for sharing!!

[tongueriver]

Remarkable! Stellar! Words escape me (uh... as usual )

[DM11]

Awesome!

[knife7knut]

Some unbelieveable pieces being shown here!
Here is one I picked up this afternoon at one of the local antique shops downtown(we have 4 now).Saw the bolster stamp with the arm and took a closer look.Opened it up and saw the Old Forge style blades.Master blade had a slightly rounded tip but a little creative grinding took care of that and hardly shortened it.Re-profiling from the top is usually the best way if you can get away with it.Handles feel like hard rubber and there is a small piece missing out of the pile side.For $8 I couldn't go too far wrong.

[tongueriver]

I never thought I would see a barlow with those rolled-in "forged" marks. Very interesting! Here are some Schrade CutCos.

[Tsar Bomba]

I just have nothing to say to Matt's preeminent collection because it puts almost everyone's to shame...

Those Schrades are simply beautiful, tongueriver, the Cut. Cos have as of yet eluded me at every turn. You have quite the set there.

Is that last one MOTS (mother-of-toilet-seat) or just crazy ridiculous fiery pearl?

[RobesonsRme.com]

Matt, what are the hours of operation at your knife museum?

And is there a snack bar or should one eat before arriving?

My goodness, that's nice!

Charlie Noyes