New acquisition in the mail

[Randy1944]

I have a new acquisition coming to me and would like to find out info on it. How to tell date of mfg.

[RobesonsRme.com]

It is a knife designed by a noted designer, who’s name I cannot produce at the moment.

Woods, maybe.

Charlie

[danno50]

Barry Wood is the name of the designer. Levine calls this a pivot-handle secret knife and the general design has been around since the 17th century. Barry Wood received a patent for it in 1972. The dark red handle version, made for Colt, was 1969 - 1973. Levine says $250 - 350. Completed listings on ebay would probably give a more recent and relevant value.

[danno50]

Forgot to say "nice knife". I have always been intrigued by those and have wanted to find one.

[Boji]

Not an answer to your question, but I know the seller. He's one of the "good guys" He sells here and on eBay.

[Randy1944]

Boji, Great to know. He communicated well and that is always a big plus. Sometimes, it can be scary to deal on the net. I am anxious to receive the knife.

[1967redrider]

Very interesting design. So when the blade is closed is the spline and blade well completely covered?

[Boji]

Boji, Great to know. He communicated well and that is always a big plus. Sometimes, it can be scary to deal on the net. I am anxious to receive the knife.

Him and my late hubby were knife buddies, traveled together to many national knife shows and were always swapping knives and stories. Before he retired he was a university professor.

[Gumshoe]

OP - Your Colt Barry Wood appears to be the third variation. From your photo it only has 2 markings - Colt Logo on the blade and the Rampart Colt on the hinge pin. About 2500 were made in this variation. If it also had "Colt Hartford Conn." stamped on the inside of the liner it would be the second variation. The first variation only had the Colt logo on the blade and on the opposite side of the hinge pin - only about 500 were made this way.

[cody6268]

Forgot to say "nice knife". I have always been intrigued by those and have wanted to find one.

Beretta makes one that is considerably more affordable, called the Bascula. About $30-40. Early ones I believe were made in Japan, current ones made in China (unfortunately).

[FRJ]

Here is one of Barry Wood's knives made in Colorado Springs.
Fit and finish is superb.

Poor light photos. Handles are green Micarta.

[Randy1944]

FRJ, That is a beautiful example. Really nice.

Here is a picture of my knife closed. It is as smooth as silk in opening and closing.

[1967redrider]

I think I get how those work now, pretty cool.

[FRJ]

FRJ, That is a beautiful example. Really nice.

Here is a picture of my knife closed. It is as smooth as silk in opening and closing.12EDD2AB-3088-4ADB-9B24-77CB53AAEDB5.jpeg

Thank you, Randy. I am very pleased and grateful to own it.
My knife is unused and unsharpened but it has been handled over time.
I have to fiddle with it at the rear bolster to separate the handle halves because of the still strong ball detent.
After that, as you say, it is smooth as silk.

That's a beautiful knife you have. I'm sure it is a gem.