Kabar Barlow Modification

[orvet]

I usually forget to take a picture of a knife before I begin working on it. This time I got a couple pins out and the springs out of the knife when I remembered the camera. It sort of gives you a general idea of what the knife looked like when I started.

I didn’t like the handles on the Barlow and decided stag would look good on it. I had a nice small set of stag pistol grips that were pre drilled for the screws, but I found if I carefully trimmed the end of the stag I could use one pin hole for the front handle pin.

That is what I did and I am pretty happy with the results.

Feedback appreciated.

[Shearer]

Nice job Dale .I like the stag on the handles.You turned a average knife into a knife anyone would be proud to own.

[reddirtknives]

Beauty Mr.Orvet Sir. But don't ya think that's showing off a bit? I mean a beautiful rehandle is one thing but making all of the cuts based on a pre-existing hole in the handle material and then using/filling the hole for/with a handle pin is kinda showboating wouldn't ya say?
Well done Sir, Well done

[whitebuffalo58]

Kabar...Stag...Barlow, now there's three words that should be used in the same sentence more often!
Top shelf mod, Dale and excellent craftsmanship, as well as use of material!

WB

[PigSticker]

I like it--good lookin stag

[Miller Bro's]

Good job Dale!

[jerryd6818]

I think that's the first time I've seen slanted bolsters on a Barlow. Very interesting effect. I think I like it and the stag too. Good job as usual.

[glennbad]

I got nothing but nice words for your work on that one. The stag is a great upgrade, and seems to "go better" with the look of that knife. Great eye!

Glenn

[orvet]

Beauty Mr.Orvet Sir. But don't ya think that's showing off a bit? I mean a beautiful rehandle is one thing but making all of the cuts based on a pre-existing hole in the handle material and then using/filling the hole for/with a handle pin is kinda showboating wouldn't ya say?
Well done Sir, Well done

Well, it happened like this….

At the 2011 or 2012 OKCA show I had not found enough stag to fulfill my expected needs for the next year and there was only about 10 minutes left of the show. I had run up to the front desk for something & on the way past one of the local members table I spotted the set of stag handles, cut on a slant and obviously handles for a small revolver, possibly a snub nose .38. The handles were probably 1-1/2” wide, but not more than 3” long and both ends cut at a slant.

I asked how much he wanted for them and he said “A lot! But I know I won’t get it.” Anyway we settled for a reasonable price, from my perspective, and I bought them. For the last 2 or 3 years I have been looking at them. I drag them out to see if I could fit the stag to a knife, but with the 3 screw holes and the slanted ends…..Nothing worked!!

But the stag was so pretty I kept trying. With the slant bolster on the Kabar I thought I might get lucky ……………………….. & I did!


Thanks for all the kind words, I am glad you fellas enjoy it!

[biglmbass]

Nice job.

[313 Mike]

Fantastic job Dale, those handles look mighty handsome on that knife, very impressive!

Mike

[muskrat man]

stag looks dandy on that!

[reddirtknives]

Nice story Mr. Orvet Sir. And obviously the wait was necessary for what would become a or the perfect match. A fellow here in OKC who was one of Martin guitars only authorized repaimen for many at least 6 decades Mr.Teeter and a good friend of mine and cutler for at least 4 decades Mr.Neal both touched on the same key point whenever talking with me about each ones artisan skill. They didn't know each other and the crafts very different though similar, each taught the same practice. This key point being one of lifes virtues and steaped in simplicity yet often forgotten or made difficult in the hussle and bussel of modern times is and was patience. Something that I am sure Mr.Orvet knows well and something that I am sure was a key ingredient in the coming together of this fine knife.
I have a feeling this could use some editing lol

[TripleF]

It was ugly, but a beauty now!!

Great job Dale!

[Bloodhound]

Kabar...Stag...Barlow, now there's three words that should be used in the same sentence more often!

WB

AMEN! That is a beauty!