The Western Barlow

In 1911, H. N. Platts, was able to draw on his extensive friendships and family connections in the cutlery world to start Western States Cutlery and Manufacturing of Boulder Colorado. At first only a jobbing business, by 1920 construction and machinery purchases were underway to begin manufacture of knives. Through name changes--to Western States Cutlery Co. in 1953, then Western Cutlery Co. in 1956--and moves first across town and later to Longmont Colorado, the company stayed under the leadership of the Platt family until 1984. In that year, the company was sold to Coleman, becoming Coleman-Western. Eventually purchased by Camillus in 1991, Western continued until Camillus expired in 2007.
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FRJ
Posts: 16232
Joined: Fri May 14, 2010 1:43 pm
Location: Ct.

Re: The Western Barlow

Post by FRJ »

You've got a great knife there, Bloodhound.

Thanks for posting it.
Joe
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Thomasg
Posts: 640
Joined: Sat Jul 23, 2022 8:12 pm
Location: Batesville Arkansas

Re: The Western Barlow

Post by Thomasg »

Bloodhound wrote: ↑Tue Nov 07, 2023 11:15 pm
Reverand wrote: ↑Tue Nov 07, 2023 10:17 pm
Bloodhound wrote: ↑Tue Nov 07, 2023 9:22 pm I like the Barlow shape but have only owned them in cheap knives. It was a go to when I was a kid, they were inexpensive and easy to find at the local hardware shop. I don't think I ever paid more than a few bucks for one. They were kind of disposable so I abused them till they broke or my little brother stole them. My good knives were either carried or locked up safe and sound in a box in my closet.

Well a short time ago, I decided I wanted a quality vintage Barlow for my rotation pile. Then I found this thread and it was a match made in heaven, as I am a big Western fan and wanted a good Barlow...

After a lot of looking and more $$ than I should have spent, this came in the mail this weekend. It seems to be really well built, has a nice heft to it, the blades both snap strongly and there is no wobble or looseness. It came to me in very sharp condition and over all fine shape. Its gonna go into my everyday rotation.
Looks like a great knife! I see few Westerns in this part of the country, and I don't think that I have ever seen a Western Barlow in person. ::tu::
This is the first Western Barlow I have ever seen in person as well.

Its funny, I have been a Colorado guy most of my life, born in the Denver metro area...and I live now just about 60 Miles from Boulder, where this knife was made.

But I got it from a dealer in Knoxville, Tennessee...I think he should have given me a discount because I was bringing the knife back home to Colorado. Alas there was no such consideration and I paid full asking price. But after a good wipedown, this Barlow is in even better condition than I first thought. So I will give it a good home.
The blades look nice and full .with the heavy back springs the knife will give you a life time of good use .like you I have had many Barlow knifes in my younger days .I didn’t have the $ for one of those status symbol knifes .I think I paid 2 $ for a Saber Barlow made in Japan brand spanking new.. The carbon steal blade that the saber had in my opinion Is much better than anything new on the market today .My first fixed blade was a Western W 36 D. 40 years latter it is still my go to deer skinner .The W36 D is the knife that inspired me to collect the Western brand knifes as one of my primary targets .
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