What is a Barlow? The Enigmatic Pocket Knife Pattern Revealed

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 Knives Lake 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

GEC Rendezvous FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

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.

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

The Cotton Sampler; Obscure Pattern with an Unclear History

One of the most engaging aspects of traditional slipjoint knives is the myriad of unique patterns that have been made, and a great example can be found in the Cotton Sampler. The Cotton Sampler is a relatively little known and sparsely made pattern that has, like many traditional patterns, an obscure history. In this article I’ll discuss some of the pattern’s variations, possible background, and current versions.

Companion Video!

Description

There are two distinct blade shapes and corresponding handle shapes that have been given the name “Cotton Sampler”. One type of Cotton Sampler has a backward curved handle, like a swayback, (though some versions have a straight frame) and a hefty straight edged blade with a straight spine and abrupt angle toward the tip. This type looks very similar to a typical harvester or sailor knife, but often with an even taller blade. The other, more unique, type has a forward curved handle and a blade that deserves its own sentence to describe. The blade on this type has a long unground ricasso, often around an inch long, between the kick and the edge itself, which curves abruptly toward a small clipped tip. It makes for a blade that looks like a squatter spay shape with an unground extension from the handle. While both these shapes have been called Cotton Samplers, today the term is almost exclusively used for the latter style.

Schatt & Morgan Example of the Swayback Type

History

So, what’s the story behind these interesting knives? Well, it seems the pattern shapes themselves likely predate the name. The first style described above is just a slight variation of an ancient pattern that can be found in the earliest Sheffield pattern books (and likely much earlier, as some Roman knives have similar designs). It’s a classic agriculture pattern well suited for the pull cuts prevalent in those uses. On the other hand, the second style is less typical. The earliest example with this unusual blade shape can be found in a 1903 Schatt & Morgan catalogue, but isn’t identified as a Cotton Sampler. It actually has a rounded unground area, rather than the flat type seen on later examples, that is heavily reminiscent to finger choils on modern knives (at least to my eyes). Considering that a knife of the same shape in a 1938 Maher & Grosh catalogue is identified as a “Skinning Knife”, I think it is likely that this version of the Cotton Sampler pattern started as a sportsman’s knife and was later repurposed for agricultural use. That said, I have seen an explanation of the unusual blade shape proposed in several places. Apparently the tall blade with abrupt edge is used to cut into a bale of cotton and act like a spoon to extract a sample (hence the name), and the flat unground area is used to rub the cotton fibers to somehow ascertain the quality of the product. While it’s not my place or intention to claim what is or isn’t fact in this notoriously murky realm of knife history, I find it likely that the previously described use evolved to fit an already existing pattern and then that use influenced the evolution of the pattern itself.

Schatt & Morgan 1903 Catalogue

Availability

Unfortunately, the Cotton Sampler is not one of the more widely available patterns. Queen made both versions over the years before going out of business. Great Eastern Cutlery has made the latter version I described but, like most of their patterns, it has become highly collectible and difficult to find since 2013 (the only time it was made). The only company I’m aware of that offers an array of widely available Cotton Samplers is Rough Ryder.

AMKCA Club Knives

Conclusion

My interest in the Cotton Sampler pattern was piqued by an unexpected addition to my collection. I attend the Allegheny Mountain Knife Collectors Association club, and one of the members has been a supporter and a huge asset to my journey into vintage traditional knives. He knows I am a GEC enthusiast and collect the AMKCA club knives, so he offered to sell me his favorite of the club knives at a fair price. It happened to be the 2013 GEC #74 Cotton Sampler. I agreed happily, both because it’s a great knife unlike anything in my collection and because I appreciated that he thought of me when he decided to sell the knife. I have enjoyed getting to know this pattern through my example and to display it with my other AMKCA knives. While I haven’t been able to find as much historical information on the Cotton Sampler, I’ve still enjoyed getting to know it. I hope you’re able to check out this unique pattern also!

GEC’s Interpretation of the Cotton Sampler

Sources

History of the Cotton Sampler on BladeForums

What is Cotton Sampling on BladeForums

Cotton Sampler Pattern on KnifeMagazine

Cotton Sampler Question on AAPK

Cotton Sampler Mini Review on BladeForums

Great Eastern Cutlery Production Totals

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

Waynorth Cutlery T Shirts Available from Knife Thoughts!

A while back, the news came out that Great Eastern Cutlery would not be manufacturing any more SFOs (special factory orders) in the future. While I knew that they weren’t taking new dealers for a while, I was surprised to hear that there wouldn’t be Special Factory Orders for the typical dealers and producers. In particular, I was concerned that Charlie Campagna wouldn’t be able to continue his new Waynorth Cutlery brand.

Waynorth Cutlery #93 Lambfoot for Charlie Campagna, 1 of 27

Charlie has produced many of the most popular GEC knives. From TC barlows to Harness Jacks, Charlie’s designs have helped propel GEC to its current stratosphere of popularity. Recently Charlie created his own brand in Waynorth Cutlery. “Waynorth” is what Charlie uses as his online screen name, particularly on BladeForums. A few knives were made under Waynorth Cutlery, with only the #93 Lambfoot and #86 Black Jack having the Waynorth tang stamps.

I’m sorry, but I can’t guarantee you’ll look this stylish in your Waynorth Cutlery shirt.

I personally have been a fan of Charlie and his designs throughout my time as a GEC enthusiast. My first GEC was a TC barlow, and getting to talk with Charlie and see his collection was always a highlight of the yearly Great Eastern Cutlery Rendezvous. So one of my first thoughts when I realized GEC might not make any more SFOs for Charlie was wondering how I could help keep Waynorth Cutlery active.

Framed “OIL THE JOINTS”

The idea came to me to create some non-knife gear related to Waynorth Cutlery. I contacted Charlie to see if he would be alright with me producing some shirts with his Waynorth branding. We had a great conversation wherein he let me know that I had his blessing to go forward with the idea. Fast forward through several months of trying different ideas and designs, till a fellow GEC enthusiast offered to create digital illustration facsimiles of the Waynorth tang stamps. They turned out incredibly great, in my opinion, and I went ahead and set them up for purchase. I had used print on demand services previously both for Knife Thoughts and my normal job, and I am happy with the quality and service provided by Printful.

Mockup of the dark version front

So, I’m happy to say that Waynorth Cutlery shirts are available now on Knife Thoughts! There are two versions; one in black heather with “OIL THE JOINTS” unframed as on the tangs, and the other in heather dust with “OIL THE JOINTS” framed with an outline. I think both options look great. The Bella + Canvas shirt is soft, comfortable, and fits well to my preferences.

Mockup of the dark version back, with unframed “OIL THE JOINTS”

These are not priced to make a huge profit on each shirt, but a portion of the profit from each will go directly to Charlie. I think these offer a great way to show your enthusiasm for Waynorth Cutlery, Charlie, and GEC. So, if you’d like to pick up a Waynorth Cutlery shirt for yourself, go to this link or to the Shop tab in the top menu. I hope you enjoy the shirts and I’d love to hear your thoughts on them!

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

Great Eastern Cutlery Laser Etched #23 from 2006; A Case of Misunderstood Origins?

There has been a Great Eastern Cutlery knife that I’ve always wished I could get, but never thought I would. It was a particular #23 Pioneer Trapper from the first run of knives GEC made in 2006 with smooth white bone covers laser etched with “GEC” and oak leaves (the oak leaves to match the Great Eastern Cutlery brand’s acorn shield). I always understood these to be a small run within the overall first run made at GEC’s inception, and the first knives that went to consumers. A picture of a paper had been circulated online that designated the knife as being a small run of 25 knives given to friends and family. It also is the first knife that had laser etching on the handle, which GEC has done a few times since. On top of all of those things that made it special from a collector’s standpoint, I also just like the smooth white bone and laser etch from an aesthetic standpoint.

These knives never seemed to become available until, for some inexplicable reason (cough the insane secondary market??? cough) the last month of 2020. In less than a week I missed two: one on eBay because it sold for more than I could bid, and one on AAPK because it sold before the buyer got back to me with pictures showing the condition. So I posted in search of it, and within another week had multiple offers to my great shock and excitement.

I took one of the offers and was really happy to finally have a true grail in my collection. That said, I did sell a couple knives to help with the transaction including the 2006 #23 from the below video. Also, the knife has some gaps between the backsprings and center liner, but I’m happy with the deal because it’s still a great knife and I knew about the gaps because the seller was upfront about them. After getting the knife, I decided I wanted to get the full scoop on its history and reached out to Great Eastern Cutlery.

Unfortunately, their reply wasn’t what I had hoped. They said “there really is no story to it”, it wasn’t made for friends and family, and he doesn’t recall a paper going with the knife. I was relatively deflated by this news, and decided to do some digging to find the paper I had seen posted in relation to the knife. As you can see below, the actual paper is not related to this specific knife but looks to be a general advertising flyer from the early days of GEC. It does have a handwritten note from Ken Daniels, once co-owner, that claims it is part of a 25 knife run given to friends and family. Unfortunately, since it’s not anywhere close to an official document and from someone who left GEC early, I don’t think it can be taken as reliable information. So it seems that the history of this knife was not what I had believed, and it provides a good lesson to not always believe what you hear on the internet.

This knife was a grail for me for a long time, and I won’t deny that I’m disappointed it doesn’t hold the history and significance I had thought. I also am disappointed that the 2006 #23 I sold to buy it was actually, presumably, an earlier made knife (due to its serial number and how they did serialization in the first run). They also said that they would prefer not to fix the gaps because they would have to mark it as repaired and “it is worth more the way it is”. While I understand that that’s true, I am not sure I wouldn’t rather it be made perfect for my own enjoyment even if it had to be marked as repaired and lose value. That said, the knife is still a great piece. I enjoy the laser etch, and have always loved GEC’s smooth white bone. It will also go better with my 2007 #73 in Casein than my previous 2006 #23 did. So although it’s not what I had hoped, it’s still a knife I’m happy to have in my collection.

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