Case 1979 Barlow question

[glenprice255]

Hello,

I recently acquired this 620091/2 Barlow. Photos attached. My question is: The handles appear to be Delrin but do not look to saw cut. They have a slight jigging pattern. Is this a saw cut worn smooth or a jigged Delrin?? The pattern repeats and is identical on both sides of the knife.

Thanks in advance!

[Mumbleypeg]

The handle cover slabs are sawn but generally how much, if any of the saw marks remain is a function of the sanding process (Case calls it “hafting”) that occurs after they are pinned onto the knife. It’s done by hand so post-hafting some are smoother than others. Some will show saw “striations”, some will not. The knife has had a lot of use so some pocket wear might also have affected its appearance.

Those are general observations. Your knife looks like 1979 production, which was a weird year for the 009-1/2 pattern. According to Collecting Case Knives by Steve Pfeiffer, 1979 was a transition year when several variations of 009-1/2 Barlows were made in both Delrin and bone and the Appaloosa bone A62009-1/2 was introduced. Maybe Steve will see this and give his analysis of your knife.

BTW based on your pictures I think the covers may be bone, but not jigged. The marks you see are natural in some bone, visible Haversian canals, which is where blood vessels and nerves existed. Delrin being a man-made synthetic doesn’t have those. See here for more info https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/kn ... hp?t=62145.

Ken

[glenprice255]

Ken,
Thank you for your observations. And the informative links. I am debating whether on not to have the blade replaced. I want to be able to carry it and use it. I tinker and repair old knives, but this one is too nice for me to tear into .

Glen

[Reverand]

I had a Grand Daddy Barlow with the same pattern. I will look for a picture when I get home. I think it is a design that Case played with for a time.