Steel Bolstered Barlows … questions ...

[On Edge]

Just ordered one of the Burnt Stag #25 Jacks with steel bolsters and liners, and have a couple questions (which I probably should have asked before I spent the grocery money!) …

What are the advantages / disadvantages of using steel on these parts?

Does anyone know the type of steel used on these components?

What can I expect from them as they get used and age? (patina, higher/lower maintenance, etc) ?

I do like the stamped trademark on the main blade - looks old school …

Hs anyone else picked one of these up?

Thanks, oh GEC gurus!

~ Edge

[vikingdog]

Good questions Edge. Maybe someone will pipe up? I like those new barlows, post a photo when you get yours?

[On Edge]

Thanks, Mike - I was beginning to wonder if this thing was on … !

I will surely share pics when I get it, maybe even do a little review …

[vikingdog]

I'll be looking forward to it!

[knifeswapper]

Just ordered one of the Burnt Stag #25 Jacks with steel bolsters and liners, and have a couple questions (which I probably should have asked before I spent the grocery money!) …

What are the advantages / disadvantages of using steel on these parts?

Does anyone know the type of steel used on these components?

What can I expect from them as they get used and age? (patina, higher/lower maintenance, etc) ?

I do like the stamped trademark on the main blade - looks old school …

Hs anyone else picked one of these up?

Thanks, oh GEC gurus!

~ Edge

Steel won't get the surface scratches like NS will; but is much harder to buff them out. Steel does not get as shiny as NS; but you have to look closely. They are not telling what steel they are using on the bolsters; I have asked before.

I love the look of a backspring/liner/bolster all in steel; and I think with the same care as most knife lovers give their knives there would never be much noticeable difference.

[On Edge]

Thank you, Mike - appreciate the insights.

[On Edge]

Got his knife end of last week and evidently with the break in the weather (SE Virginia), and my lovely wife's aspirations, I will never see my camera again ...

So, no pics just yet, but wanted to share my impressions of this little baby sooner rather than later ...

Solid solid knife.

I already have a 25 with the long NS bolsters, and consider it more of a "dress" knife (red buffalo horn), but this all steel version strikes me as a "worker".

I do not have small hands, and so wouldn't mind it being a little bigger, but that's not a show-stopper, and this thing is a tank!

My questions about the differences I could expect with steel bolsters and liners are answered - it is more of a "feel" thing than anything else - it just feels more solid and durable - like you want to work it hard, just cause you know you can ...

Fit and finish on it are some of the best I've seen come out of GEC, and the scales are really well matched (burnt stag), and nice and chunky. The stamped (not etched) trade mark on the main blade just adds to the old school/working knife feel.

Touched up the edge on it and dropped it in my pocket. Instant member of my EDC rotation and it has grabbed about 50% ride time since I got it..

I love this knife!