All About Pocket Knives

Hey all, I need some help on the identity of hopefully a vintage Russell Barlow. I'm not a knife guy, bit the more I read, the more interesting it gets. I've read a lot of the post of How to identify a Russell Barlow, but it made my h ad soon. So many variables.
So my grandfather gave me this knife 30 years ago, always kept it in a drawer. I'd like to know some info if anyone would like to help me out

First off, welcome to AAPK. Second, we are gonna need some good photos including close ups of both sides of the tang or tangs.

Ray

Welcome to AAPK! Will definitely need some photos and measurements of open and closed lengths will help.

I read all of those Russell Barlow posts several times, and it does make my head spin. But to AAPK and I'm sure we can help authenticate it or tell you who made it.

John

There is a lot of information in this thread on the Russell Barlow knife. Maybe something in here will help you.


viewtopic.php?t=37404&start=30

Hey guys, I have jpgs but keep getting error messages. Any tips on uploading? It says it can not determine the size.

Don't know the fix but I have the same problem in trying to send photos I take with my phone.

Finally got the upload to work. Had to resize to meet the 1200 x 1000 pixel.

Here is the knife in question. Barlow seems to be a very popular design with many manufactures even today. From what I read on Bobs post, this may be pre 1900 because of the tang stamp being the straight line Russell. The pins are not brass, but I cant identify the scale material. Has a saw cut pattern, but smooth to touch. I can put a tape on it tonight to get lengths....I must say, this research has become very interesting. Any info will surely be appreciated.

Only a guess on my part here, but from looking at the pics I think the frame and small blade are original pre 1900 Russell Barlow, however the master blade looks ill fit to the knife and it also looks as if maybe the master blade has been restamped. Doesn't look like an original Russell blade. A clip blade in an original Russell is an uncommon item. Most have spear blades. That is discussed in the thread I posted. Others may have differing opinions and you should consider them as well. Thanks for posting pics.

Well Bigg, what a great knife. Special especially because of who it came from. Thanks for sharing.

Guys, thanks for the comments. I was suspect because the springs is so tight on this knife, snaps back to close like it was new. Obvious wear and tear, but I was wondering what was original on it and what might not be.

Very nice knife to have, from your grandfather!
If you haven't...I'd consider getting some Zap a gap. It's a cyanoacrylate glue. They make it in varying viscosities. Thin, being a good viscosity, to stabilize cracks. It works well with bone cracks. I'd take a small toothpick or something similar...to flow in to that crack through the back pin.
Below is a link to Amazon, where I recently picked some up.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006 ... UTF8&psc=1

Thanks Doc! Should I mess with trying to clean the blades up or just leave it alone? I read one way is using a gun cleaner solution with a high grit wet/dry paper. But I don't want to do any damage since its honestly in pretty decent shape for the age.

Bigg2072 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 09, 2020 3:16 pm Thanks Doc! Should I mess with trying to clean the blades up or just leave it alone? I read one way is using a gun cleaner solution with a high grit wet/dry paper. But I don't want to do any damage since its honestly in pretty decent shape for the age.

I personally like patina and the look of old blades vs cleaned up and shiny. Unless there was any overt rust...that rubs off easily...I'd just oil the joints and blades and enjoy it, like your Grandfather left it. But...it's your knife...so do as you wish.

Doc B wrote: ↑Tue Jun 09, 2020 5:47 pm

Bigg2072 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 09, 2020 3:16 pm Thanks Doc! Should I mess with trying to clean the blades up or just leave it alone? I read one way is using a gun cleaner solution with a high grit wet/dry paper. But I don't want to do any damage since its honestly in pretty decent shape for the age.

I personally like patina and the look of old blades vs cleaned up and shiny. Unless there was any overt rust...that rubs off easily...I'd just oil the joints and blades and enjoy it, like your Grandfather left it. But...it's your knife...so do as you wish.

I agree with Doc B.

Ken

Ditto Doc'd suggestion. An old knife should look old, to me. Buffing and polishing can ruin the value of antique knives.
Of course, it is yours now and you should do what makes you happier, and what you believe honors your grandfather's memory.