It’s been a busy few weeks here at Knife Thoughts! Here’s a quick review below.
Axial Alpine Giveaway Ends Today
In case you haven’t heard, Knife Thoughts just hit 6,500 YouTube subscribers and 600 Newsletter subscribers and we’re celebrating with a giveaway! I’ve partnered with Axial to give away one of their USA made Alpine fixed blades. The winner is drawn this evening 7/16/24, so make sure you enter at the linked page below ASAP! You can check out my Axial videos linked here, and don’t forget to use code “KnifeThoughts” if you buy an Axial knife.
Here are the videos I’ve posted since my last roundup article:
EDC “Days of the Week” Suggestions
On a little vacation this past weekend I got the idea to write an article outlining the different “every day carry days of the week”. Things like Micarta Monday, Wooden Wednesday, etc. I have a good number that I “observe” but I’d love to hear any suggestions you have! What are your EDC days of the week?
Are you going with Wharncliffe or Wooden Wednesday Tomorrow?
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I sincerely thank you for your time, support, and interest! Don’t forget to tell your friends about KnifeThoughts.com, subscribe via email, and share this article on social media. You can find Knife Thoughts on YouTube where I have hundreds of knife videos, as well as on Instagram and Facebook! You can find all my latest links at LinkTr.ee/KnifeThoughts
I love Barlows. A Barlow is what ignited my interest in traditional pocket knives, and the main focus of my collecting to this day. I’m not alone; many knife enthusiasts consider the Barlow to be among the best patterns, and even non enthusiasts often know the name. But what actually is a Barlow? What makes a knife a Barlow… or not a Barlow?
One of the Best Recent Barlows, the GEC 2AB, and a Barlow Bearcat Club Slip by Lynch Leather
I Like Big Bolsters and I Cannot Lie
The defining characteristic of the Barlow pattern is an elongated bolster. More specifically, the rule is typically given as the pivot end bolster being 1/3 the total handle length. A Barlow has no end cap, or butt end bolster. The Great Eastern Cutlery Barlows (so far….) have all held true to this rule, with the following bolster to handle length percentages: #14 36%, #15 36%, #25 33%, #77 36%, #86 35%. There is also the so-called Grandaddy Barlow, which is a larger and, particularly, longer version of the Barlow. While Grandaddy Barlows have extended bolsters as compared to other similarly sized knives, their sheer size would make a full 1/3 length bolster less aesthetically appealing. That said, the large Barlows GEC has made still stick close to the 1/3 rule, with the Northwoods Madison being 31% and the Remington “The Cowboy” at 29%. Case Barlow bolsters are also around 35%. Where does the percentage cutoff lie? How short is too short? It’s tough to say, but usually easy to see. For example, the currently being released GEC #78 Bullet End Barlow doesn’t indisputably make the cut to my eye, and it is around 26%. So the most distinctive feature of a Barlow is the extended Bolster.
TL;DR? A Succinct Infographic
Big Bolster = Big Durability & Big Aesthetics
So, why the extended bolster? The answer usually given is that it results in a stronger and more durable knife. The bolster is what the pivot pin is peened or riveted into, and maybe the extra metal allows for a more secure hold by the “mushrooming” from being hammered. Alternatively, the additional metal might allow for a more rigid handle and in turn less likelihood of the knife pulling apart. By moving the cover material, usually a much less durable material than the metal bolster, away from the pivot there is less flex and therefore wear at the transition between the bolsters and cover material or on the covers themselves. A more durable knife was an important feature when the Barlow was mostly seen as an affordable working tool. The extended bolster certainly also adds an undeniably unique aesthetic. I think this visual appeal is as much a reason for the extended bolster as the durability, at least among collectors. The extended bolster calls back to the golden era of traditional pocket knives, they’re place in history, and a time when they were ubiquitous as every day tools. No matter the original intent of the extended bolster, it is the defining characteristic of the Barlow and a recognizable hallmark among pocket knife patterns.
Most of GEC’s Barlow Patterns
Variety is the Spice of Life… and Barlows?
While the extended bolster is a necessity, almost everything else about the Barlow can vary. Barlows have come in basically every blade shape (Clip Point, Spear Point, Sheepfoot, Wharncliffe, Drop Point, Spey, Razor, etc. etc.), though I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Hawkbill Barlow. Additionally, they can have a main blade and secondary, usually a pen blade, or even two full size blades. Any blades must all come from the same pivot end. Barlows can also come in several handle shapes. The most common shape is the regular jack, but a Barlow can also be a swell end jack, sleeve board jack, or even a curved jack. Sometimes you’ll see English made knives with extended bolsters on swayback handle shapes called Barlows, but that type doesn’t seem to have made it “across the pond”. The fact that most Barlows are in the shape of a Regular Jack has, in my experience, contributed to people misidentifying normal Jack knives as Barlows.
A Handmade Barlow by Sean Yaw
Barlows in Spirit… or in Name Only
With the rise in popularity of traditional pocket knives and slipjoints, and particularly Barlows, there has been a growth in the phenomenon of knives being misidentified as Barlows. I am fine with knives that have extended faux bolsters, often a different color of the same material or a different material than the rest of the handle (Micarta vs G10, etc.), being called Barlows. Are they purely traditional? No, but on that note I am also fine with knives using modern construction being called Barlows as long as they have a true extended bolster, like the Jack Wolf Knives Midnight Jack (and even the fully modern After Hours Jack!). I’m even okay with knives that just have aesthetic milling to give the appearance of an extended bolster being deemed Barlows, such as the LionSteel Slim Dom and Traditional Pocket KnivesLake Champlain Barlow. However, knives with a normal size bolster or no bolster at all just don’t pass the test for me. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon to see a knife that is vaguely shaped like a Regular Jack to be called a Barlow, especially when modern knife companies take cues from traditional patterns. I understand that definitions change, and that that is an integral part of the evolution of language, but I think it worth holding onto the distinction of a Barlow at the least having the appearance of an extended bolster.
Two Barlows in Spirit
A Barlow in Every Pocket
Now that you know what a Barlow is, I hope you decide to try one. A Great Eastern Cutlery TC Barlow brought me into the world of traditional knives, but the enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge shared by people (such as great patrons of the Barlow like Charlie Campagna, who is always sharing traditional knife wisdom such as on the Catch Bit Podcast) about this classic pattern is one of the main things that has kept me so engaged. If you find yourself hooked by the allure of this classic pattern, make sure you check out and apply to the Barlow Bearcat Club.
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I sincerely thank you for your time, support, and interest! Don’t forget to tell your friends about KnifeThoughts.com, subscribe via email, and share this article on social media. You can find Knife Thoughts on YouTube where I have hundreds of knife videos, as well as on Instagram and Facebook! You can find all my latest links at LinkTr.ee/KnifeThoughts
In case you missed them, here are the videos I published this week:
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So you’re falling down the slippery slope of traditional pocket knives, and you’ve been intrigued by the “GEC Rendezvous“. The Rendezvous is Great Eastern Cutlery‘s yearly gathering to celebrate classic knives and the people who can’t get enough of them. This article will answer your burning questions about the Rendezvous!
Why go to the Rendezvous?
There are lots of reasons to go to the Rendezvous, some of which I have written about in the past (2021, 2019). Of course, there are the special and limited edition knives that can only be purchased at the Rendezvous. There are also some vendors such as Lynch Leather, some vintage knife resellers, and of course yours truly… Knife Thoughts. That said, most people consider the opportunity for camaraderie with fellow traditional knife enthusiasts to be the main draw. There’s just something special about being at the factory that makes these incredible knives we love, and getting to spend time with other people who share our passion. Another big value of going to the Rendezvous is the opportunity to meet and talk with Bill, William, Joan Mae, Randy, and all of the great people at Great Eastern Cutlery who actually make the knives.
The 1st in person Barlow Bearcat Club meeting, on the front porch of GECBen, and several others, can’t make it this year due to Blade Show being the same weekend
Can you tour the factory?
Yes… and no. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, GEC has offered “self guided tours” through the factory. What this amounts to is the ability to walk around the factory hallway, with views into many (but not all) of the processes. It doesn’t include a guide with explanations of the process, as it did previously. To be honest, these self guided tours pale in comparison to the (often lengthy) tours that were given in the past. Still, even a self guided tour provides ample opportunity to see behind the scenes and get a good look at the knives being made.
The factory floor
How does buying knives at the Rendezvous work?
Special knives are part of the draw of the Rendezvous, so it’s helpful to know how they are actually sold. Attendees will get a ticket from GEC staff once the store opens. For those who lined up ahead of time there is often a previous informal number system (this year a Barlow Bearcat Club member made numbered brass tags), which can be exchanged for an official ticket. In past years, only five people have been allowed in the store at a time. You are allowed to enter once someone leaves and a staff member calls your ticket number. You can get another ticket once you have gone through the store, which will allow you to go in again after everyone who currently had a ticket has gone through. Once in the store, there isn’t technically a time limit, but you shouldn’t dillydally. In past years, you have only been able to purchase two knives for each trip through the store. That includes Rendezvous Special knives, SFA knives, or otherwise. That said, as mentioned below, you can only purchase one of the Rendezvous Special knives period (no matter the number of times you go through the store). It can take a while to get back around to your number for a second trip, so make sure you get a second ticket as you leave the store if you’d like a second trip and then spend some time perusing the exhibitors’ tables and meeting other enthusiasts.
The long wait (longer every year!) comes to an end
What is the Rendezvous Special knife?
The Rendezvous Special is a knife made to commemorate the Rendezvous each year. It’s made in limited quantities, not disclosed until the event begins, usually around 50 pieces. Those 50 pieces are spread across both days, with about 30 available Friday and 20 Saturday. Each attendee can only purchase one Rendezvous Special, and GEC keeps a list of who buys what knife. They are usually special in some way, like using stag or a unique shield. I have personally made a collection of these knives over the last 10 years of attending the Rendezvous, as I think they are a great representation of the special event each year.
10 years of Rendezvous Special knives
What is a Special Factory Assembly?
Special Factory Assembly knives, or SFAs, are knives put together in unique configurations for the Rendezvous. These were formerly called parts knives, because they often use leftover parts from previous runs (sometimes several years past). They can have different cover materials, blade configurations, shields, etc. and are often made in low numbers. In fact, these SFAs are considered by some to be the real gems of the Rendezvous due to their limited and unique nature. Many SFAs in recent years have been S knives, which are essentially cosmetic seconds and don’t carry the warranty. One should keep a sharp eye out when entering the store during the Rendezvous, as especially attractive SFAs can sometimes hide in plain sight.
An SFA #25 with two other patriotic GECs
How early do I have to get there to buy a Rendezvous Special knife?
Honestly, it’s impossible to know. I thought last year couldn’t be beaten, when I got there at 10:15 Thursday morning and was already the 27th place in line. But alas, I was foolish to think that people wouldn’t take it further. This year, 2024, two long time fans (and friends of mine, no negativity thrown their way here!) parked a camper outside the factory on the SUNDAY before, a full 5 days before the event. Not only that, but I’m told as of today (Wednesday, two full days before) there are over 15 people waiting. That said, last year people who got there relatively late (meaning in the early morning on Friday, say 5am or so) were able to get a Rendezvous Special because some people passed on them. It’s just not something that can be calculated in advance, but the baseline seems to have passed my reckoning. My understanding is that getting a knife is often easier on Saturday, despite the lower number available. Either way, good luck to anyone who goes for a Rendezvous Special!
The man himself, Bill, showing off a past Rendezvous Special
Should I say hello to the guy wearing a Knife Thoughts shirt?
Yes! I can likely be found sitting at a table exhibiting for Knife Thoughts and / or the Barlow Bearcat Club, talking with other enthusiasts and perusing their tables, or oogling all the great knives in the store. Please stop and say hello, introduce yourself (I’m not good at putting usernames to faces), and grab some Knife Thoughts swag! My favorite part of the Rendezvous is seeing other enthusiasts, so please help the Rendezvous be great and don’t be a stranger.
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I sincerely thank you for your time, support, and interest! Don’t forget to tell your friends about KnifeThoughts.com, subscribe via email, and share this article on social media. You can find Knife Thoughts on YouTube where I have hundreds of knife videos, as well as on Instagram and Facebook! You can find all my latest links at LinkTr.ee/KnifeThoughts
