All About Pocket Knives

What defines a knife to be a Barlow design?

enuf, here is my off the cuff definition of a Barlow pattern knife: it is similar in shape to a "swell end jack" with a much longer bolster than normal on the pivot end. It usually does not have a bolster on the back end, knowns as a "bare head". Barlow patterns come with several different blade combinations, most of the time the secondary blade is a pen blade and the main can be a spear, clip or a sheepfoot.
Here is an example, the 2nd one down: Treefarmer

Just to add to Treefarmer's explanation. Lots of folks think Barlow is a brand. It isn't. As TF said, it's a style. Originated by Obadiah Barlow, c.1667. His last Barlow descendant, John Jr. died in 1798. The name was no longer proprietary, but the style retained the name. There was a second branch to the family under Samuel Barlow that was active until 1830.
It is believed that the knife hobby in the U.S. began with country folks swapping their Russell Barlows. Folk story? Who knows. They are certainly popular and great, tough, working knives, and the iconic symbol of pocketknives. Merry Christmas. J.O'.

Go here https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/ca ... ence-guide and scroll down. Barlow is the first pattern in the list.

The AAPK “Research” section is your friend.

Ken

great - thanks you all!

Mumbleypeg wrote: ↑Tue Dec 19, 2023 4:08 pm Go here https://www.allaboutpocketknives.com/ca ... ence-guide and scroll down. Barlow is the first pattern in the list.

The AAPK “Research” section is your friend.

Ken

Ken, this link answered my next question - the Congress model.... perfect.

This is why you have to love AAPK . Great People that's willing to help . Way to go Ken