Like many have said, this was my first knife. But they were made in America and carbon steel back then (80’s). Such a cool little knife, that gets the job done.
Originally, Barlows werer sold pretty much blunt for two reasons. 1. it helped keep the price down, and 2. because they assumed that whoever bought one would put an edge to their own liking on it anyway. Imagine if companies did that now... the howls of displeasure would be deafening ( They expect me to sharpen my own knife ? The bastards ! ), lol.
zednotzee7 up into the early 1990's it was common for American made knives like Camillus to be sold dull bc people knew how to sharpen. That practice died off thankfully.
I believe they were referred to as penny knives then. The reason there arent many surviving pocket knives from those days is because they were used until their usefulness ran out. They'd pretty much be steel toothpicks by the time they were done. The bigger belt knives costed more and rarely were bought with handles on them. So the barlow and penny knives were cheaper to buy and use.
A great choice for a “first knife” for a young person. Many brands make a Barlow pattern knife. The Imperial is a classic brand which usually offers good fit and finish. Getting and keeping an edge depends on the actual steel used in the blades. The Barlow fits well in the pocket of your favorite pair of work jeans. - Tennessee Smoky
Got a soft spot for these old Barlow knives. They have a bit of military history too. We had what was (still is?) called a minimal survival kit (SRU-16/P) that we packed into back style parachute packs or g-suit pockets, depending on the aircraft being flown. Among other little goodies like a button compass, matches and fishing gear etc there was also a small pocket knife, usually of the small Stockman variety. But since the government sourced stuff from so many different manufacturers I would come across a Barlow in one of these dating back to around the Vietnam era every once in a while. I still have one or two floating around the house somewhere.
I picked up an old Imperial Toothpick at a garage sale for 25 cents recently. It was manufactured in Providence, Rhode Island, so it's fairly old. The Imperial Knife Co., once the largest knife company in the US, eventually merged with Schrade Cutlery Co., I was surprised to learn that Schrade got its start in the 1890s by manufacturing a switchblade knife, the Press Button Knife.
These are still practical and well designed in 2021. But they were practical in Victorian as well when almost everybody packed one or several as utility knives
WeAllJuggleKnives And the suicide hotline and they will claim they saw a student cutting themselves just because they have a knife on them. Fricking libs am I right
@@WeAllJuggleKnives How times change...lol...I remember back pre-highschool some of us had the Buck 110's on our belt...all because of Dukes of Hazzard...lol...but it was a small country school...I'm sure it was different in the city. Thinking how fortunate we were to live those times....as compared to today.
This is a boy's knife. That's why they don't sharpen it super sharp. My first knife as a cub scout was an Imperial Barlow. Back in the 60s, they used to have a card covered with these at the counter at the hardware store for a buck apiece. They were essentially disposable. Imperial was a super cheap line. I like the ones with the saw cut handles a little better than the smooth handled ones. Also, older ones will have real bolsters, not just a shell bolster that attaches at the top.
Thanks for the great video of my all-time favorite knife ! I really enjoyed it. The "secret of the Barlow" is and has always been, it's an inexpensive but high quality general purpose knife. One thing I've seen that is universal is how they take and hold an edge.
I have a 50+ year-old Barlow given to me by my father new. I am in my mid-60s now. It still snaps. It is branded as an "Old Crafty" by Craftsman tools, but I have traced it to Schrade. Great blade still. I never take blades to the wheel like many of my friends on kibbutz and in the building trades do to their knives. Just gentle whet stone, and leather stropping. Takes an edge, and keeps it. Never do heavy work with it, but it has opened a lot of feed sacks, and whittled a lot of sticks. Now it just keeps an ageing beach bum occupied. My only regret is that Victorinox never made a true Barlow with their proprietary steel (though some early Soldier Knives with wood or that brown celluloid are almost Barlows). Carbon blades are a bit labour intensive when you live by the sea. I have an Imperial (Rhode Island) fisherman's style, also about 50 years old and going strong. Just the fake paper-thin mother-of-pearl came off, that said "souvenir of Alaska" on it. AH! Back when cheap knives were still good knives. Some modern Barlow "presentation" replicas are absolute crap--but not all. Just priced over the moon. Especially after postal fees and duty when we see them in Israel. Thanks for your reviews--still among the best for blades.
Great video thanks. I found a knife on a junk hauling job that looks just like the one in you video. It is a Sabre Ireland Barlow knife. Great little knife.
If you use this knife as a wood carver / whittler, it holds an edge just fine. Keep a leather strop on hand tho. I've used them for years and have sold carvings all over the nation, there all you need. The 280OT is better though,(7cr17) steel.
Forgot to add that these knives hold a good edge for carving / whittling. Just keep a leather strop on hand. Imperial and Schrade knives have gotten my wife and I through some hard financial times. Been whittling since a small boy. I'm 59 yrs old now.
I ended up with a Barlow knife from. a nice person on EBay who I asked if they had a slip joint knife. He found one and sent it to me and I was surprised, it had brass liners and looks the boss and I did not pay a lot for it, $15 Australian Dollars, but remember everything here in Australia is more expensive.
@@gavocrazy They do, but you're looking at $70 and up. My grandaddy would roll over in his grave if he could see the prices of a Barlow these days, especially when he used to get them for just a few dollars off the cardboard display that hung on the wall behind the counter at the local feed store.
one of the first knives i had in the 1950's. i think i found it in the woods--wish i could find it--somebody else might have found it those same woods. there were no stainless pocket knives in those days and all our blades rusted and developed great patinas by ceaseless mumbly peg sessions (throwing the knife to stick in the dirt). what a time we had before President Kennedy was elected, and then the cuban missile crisis, and finally.....
Only had one in my life. Exactly like yours. Gas station/hardware store type nothing fancy. Imperial Ireland. I’m 41. Probably got it around 13 or 14 from a hardware store in Maspeth Queens, for like 3.99. It became my edc in the late 90’s/early 2000’s and it unfortunately became a self defense tool on a subway over 20 years ago. Cut some guy trying to fack me. I’m repulsed by the memory and want to avoid legal shait although the statute of limitations has passed but it’s a great mauling piece according to your situation, you can dissect an attacking rapist to bits with a 3 dollar barlow. Mine one and only now still resides in my fishing kit and is still pristine. Never sharpened or oiled it. Still not a spot of rust.
I was searching for a good Barlow knife that would not cost me alot and thanks to your review I just ordered one. By the way how is the retention of the blades. Thanks bro!
What kind of steal does this knife have or does it not say what steal is used for the blades and if so do you have any speculation on the steal that they use is it more of a hi Corbin steal or a stainless steal? Sorry for the bad grammar and spelling I'm not very good at reading and righting and English is not my country's national language I'm from Israel 🇮🇱 and we speak primarily Hebrew keep it up your channel is very informative and funny on occasion wen you add a joke in the video
All of the Barlow knives that I have ever gotten have been very poor quality "give away" "promo" knives. Glad to see that they do make some good knives as well.
We use these at work for trimming flash off plastic. I'm not impressed with this knife. Steel is soft needs constant sharpening. Handle scales fall off with use. Play developing after a short time. This is not a hard use knife and there are many better choices out there. While it may look good that's about it. Invest in cheap Buck or Kershaw.
anyone else have any trouble getting imperial knives to sharper. my old timers, bucks, swiss army, and antiques get a razor finsish these imperials will not sharpen! HELP GUYS!
I have three of these at 5 bucks a pop. If you're looking for a collector's item, don't go any further. This ain't it. BUT if you want a knife with a super-sharp blade to drop in your pocket and go to work and, oh, by the way, you might lose it and "oh well," get this knife.
no jig pattern on handle, made from Chinese steel... no shield with Barlow on it... eh, good enough for 8 buck. I prefers my Klein tools Barlow electrician.
Like many have said, this was my first knife. But they were made in America and carbon steel back then (80’s). Such a cool little knife, that gets the job done.
Originally, Barlows werer sold pretty much blunt for two reasons. 1. it helped keep the price down, and 2. because they assumed that whoever bought one would put an edge to their own liking on it anyway. Imagine if companies did that now... the howls of displeasure would be deafening ( They expect me to sharpen my own knife ? The bastards ! ), lol.
zednotzee7 up into the early 1990's it was common for American made knives like Camillus to be sold dull bc people knew how to sharpen. That practice died off thankfully.
I believe they were referred to as penny knives then. The reason there arent many surviving pocket knives from those days is because they were used until their usefulness ran out. They'd pretty much be steel toothpicks by the time they were done. The bigger belt knives costed more and rarely were bought with handles on them. So the barlow and penny knives were cheaper to buy and use.
So that explains why Tom Sawyer's Barlow wouldn't cut anything.😄
I love how this captures the essence of the barlow knife throughout history.
Dirt cheap, solid workhorse. An every man's knife. Really cool!
I've had two of these both times scales have fallen off really annoying but so cheap
A great choice for a “first knife” for a young person. Many brands make a Barlow pattern knife. The Imperial is a classic brand which usually offers good fit and finish. Getting and keeping an edge depends on the actual steel used in the blades. The Barlow fits well in the pocket of your favorite pair of work jeans. - Tennessee Smoky
My first knife was an old Barlow my grandpa gave me. Always had a fondness for em.
Got a soft spot for these old Barlow knives. They have a bit of military history too. We had what was (still is?) called a minimal survival kit (SRU-16/P) that we packed into back style parachute packs or g-suit pockets, depending on the aircraft being flown. Among other little goodies like a button compass, matches and fishing gear etc there was also a small pocket knife, usually of the small Stockman variety. But since the government sourced stuff from so many different manufacturers I would come across a Barlow in one of these dating back to around the Vietnam era every once in a while. I still have one or two floating around the house somewhere.
I picked up an old Imperial Toothpick at a garage sale for 25 cents recently. It was manufactured in Providence, Rhode Island, so it's fairly old. The Imperial Knife Co., once the largest knife company in the US, eventually merged with Schrade Cutlery Co., I was surprised to learn that Schrade got its start in the 1890s by manufacturing a switchblade knife, the Press Button Knife.
These are still practical and well designed in 2021. But they were practical in Victorian as well when almost everybody packed one or several as utility knives
That was the very first knife I owned. Took to my 5th grade class for show and tell.
Now they'd call a SWAT team LOL
WeAllJuggleKnives
And the suicide hotline and they will claim they saw a student cutting themselves just because they have a knife on them. Fricking libs am I right
@@WeAllJuggleKnives dont forget prison time
That's funny the same Knife was my 1st New one and I took it to show and tell
@@WeAllJuggleKnives How times change...lol...I remember back pre-highschool some of us had the Buck 110's on our belt...all because of Dukes of Hazzard...lol...but it was a small country school...I'm sure it was different in the city. Thinking how fortunate we were to live those times....as compared to today.
This is a boy's knife. That's why they don't sharpen it super sharp. My first knife as a cub scout was an Imperial Barlow. Back in the 60s, they used to have a card covered with these at the counter at the hardware store for a buck apiece. They were essentially disposable. Imperial was a super cheap line. I like the ones with the saw cut handles a little better than the smooth handled ones. Also, older ones will have real bolsters, not just a shell bolster that attaches at the top.
Thanks for the great video of my all-time favorite knife ! I really enjoyed it. The "secret of the Barlow" is and has always been, it's an inexpensive but high quality general purpose knife. One thing I've seen that is universal is how they take and hold an edge.
I have a 50+ year-old Barlow given to me by my father new. I am in my mid-60s now. It still snaps. It is branded as an "Old Crafty" by Craftsman tools, but I have traced it to Schrade. Great blade still. I never take blades to the wheel like many of my friends on kibbutz and in the building trades do to their knives. Just gentle whet stone, and leather stropping. Takes an edge, and keeps it. Never do heavy work with it, but it has opened a lot of feed sacks, and whittled a lot of sticks. Now it just keeps an ageing beach bum occupied.
My only regret is that Victorinox never made a true Barlow with their proprietary steel (though some early Soldier Knives with wood or that brown celluloid are almost Barlows).
Carbon blades are a bit labour intensive when you live by the sea. I have an Imperial (Rhode Island) fisherman's style, also about 50 years old and going strong. Just the fake paper-thin mother-of-pearl came off, that said "souvenir of Alaska" on it. AH! Back when cheap knives were still good knives. Some modern Barlow "presentation" replicas are absolute crap--but not all. Just priced over the moon. Especially after postal fees and duty when we see them in Israel.
Thanks for your reviews--still among the best for blades.
Cool video. A quick flashback on a knife available to us as a kid but still lives on today.
This brings back some great memories! Thanks.
I bought one in 75...then 5 years ago....good knife..cleaned many pan fish with it...good vidio.
Just got a Boker two blade Barlow with a sheepsfoot main. Great size. Easy to see why it's so popular. Thanks for the review.
They sharpen quite well
Great video thanks. I found a knife on a junk hauling job that looks just like the one in you video. It is a Sabre Ireland Barlow knife. Great little knife.
If you use this knife as a wood carver / whittler, it holds an edge just fine. Keep a leather strop on hand tho. I've used them for years and have sold carvings all over the nation, there all you need. The 280OT is better though,(7cr17) steel.
Forgot to add that these knives hold a good edge for carving / whittling. Just keep a leather strop on hand. Imperial and Schrade knives have gotten my wife and I through some hard financial times. Been whittling since a small boy. I'm 59 yrs old now.
I ended up with a Barlow knife from. a nice person on EBay who I asked if they had a slip joint knife. He found one and sent it to me and I was surprised, it had brass liners and looks the boss and I did not pay a lot for it, $15 Australian Dollars, but remember everything here in Australia is more expensive.
This will require sharpening, but still well worth the $8!
Nice i just got my first Barlow. Ithaca New york made in USA. :) think its the same price
We , my brothers and I , got them all the time and in carbon steel for 2 bucks 50 + years ago !
50 years ago I didn't exist!
I wish they still had carbon steel usa made barlows
@@gavocrazy They do, but you're looking at $70 and up. My grandaddy would roll over in his grave if he could see the prices of a Barlow these days, especially when he used to get them for just a few dollars off the cardboard display that hung on the wall behind the counter at the local feed store.
I bought a dozen or more from a flea marker dealer. I gave some to my friends and workers who did something for me. Just bought 3 more from Amozon.
I love slip joints, but barlows have never really done much for me. But lately, they've really been growing on me. That's hard to beat for the price.
one of the first knives i had in the 1950's. i think i found it in the woods--wish i could find it--somebody else might have found it those same woods. there were no stainless pocket knives in those days and all our blades rusted and developed great patinas by ceaseless mumbly peg sessions (throwing the knife to stick in the dirt). what a time we had before President Kennedy was elected, and then the cuban missile crisis, and finally.....
I have an older one of those the plastic handles broke and it dulls very quickly but it also sharpens easy
I love slip joints, wish more were made with a hole for keychain carry.
Only had one in my life. Exactly like yours. Gas station/hardware store type nothing fancy. Imperial Ireland. I’m 41. Probably got it around 13 or 14 from a hardware store in Maspeth Queens, for like 3.99. It became my edc in the late 90’s/early 2000’s and it unfortunately became a self defense tool on a subway over 20 years ago. Cut some guy trying to fack me. I’m repulsed by the memory and want to avoid legal shait although the statute of limitations has passed but it’s a great mauling piece according to your situation, you can dissect an attacking rapist to bits with a 3 dollar barlow. Mine one and only now still resides in my fishing kit and is still pristine. Never sharpened or oiled it. Still not a spot of rust.
Picked one up for 5 bucks. Definitely a workhorse.
Where was this made?
3cr is a soft steel notice the 278 on the blade. The are rugged but to soft to hold an edge long
Love the barlow,and no kidding about the back of comic books,and magazines having to get money orders and everything took 6-8 weeks from everywhere
I ordered the mini Roman Army figures from the back of a comic book, they were awesome.
@@WeAllJuggleKnives I did the same!...lol
Sup bro hope and pray all is well with u and your family just ordered this beautiful knife great video and keep up the great work
I recommend you do a review of the smith and wesson hrt tactical boot knife. I really want to see its uses
Had one growing up in the 80s in Philly. No clue what happened to it
oldie but goodie. and a proven design
I got one this week, but the slipjoint on the small blade is so strong, that I can't open the small blade, without breaking my finger nail.
I love your channel. It keeps me sane xD
You’d better like sharpening. 3cr13mov is not known for its edge retention.
I paid 6 dollars for the Barlow Imperial I have now and it's great.
I carry a Barlow often here in the U.K. Legally, but I do also have a grand daddy Barlow which is much larger, not legal carry in the uk
What did you sharpen it on
I was searching for a good Barlow knife that would not cost me alot and thanks to your review I just ordered one. By the way how is the retention of the blades. Thanks bro!
It retains them well, they won't swing open accidentally.
@@WeAllJuggleKnives I think he meant edge retention.
What kind of steal does this knife have or does it not say what steal is used for the blades and if so do you have any speculation on the steal that they use is it more of a hi Corbin steal or a stainless steal?
Sorry for the bad grammar and spelling I'm not very good at reading and righting and English is not my country's national language I'm from Israel 🇮🇱 and we speak primarily Hebrew keep it up your channel is very informative and funny on occasion wen you add a joke in the video
Thanks! The steel is 3Cr13 Stainless.
WeAllJuggleKnives tank you I was hoping for that
Sorry, I meant does the knives have a good snap on it.
It does not really make the snap sound very well, unlike the pricier slipjoints.
i got one of these in a mystery box not a fan the pen knife blade was a nail snapper! but like you say the price i can forget about it
The backspring on it was still new. Apply 3in1 oil to the joint and work it until it gets easier.
Nice I remember those
Say Heah Is, I have a vintage Schrade made in the U.S.A. Its a Barlow with 2Blades. But on mine the Bolster is engraved.,,.
Nice, beautiful und cheap. That's perfect.
Yup it's another WAJK inspired purchase. Just ordered the yellow sodbuster. And maybe more!
Excellent! Enjoy, bro!
All of the Barlow knives that I have ever gotten have been very poor quality "give away" "promo" knives. Glad to see that they do make some good knives as well.
Classic...My Best Brother
I just ordered it for $5.95!
Score!
This was my first pocket knife.😎
Mano Doa Uma Faca Pra Mim ?
We use these at work for trimming flash off plastic. I'm not impressed with this knife. Steel is soft needs constant sharpening. Handle scales fall off with use. Play developing after a short time. This is not a hard use knife and there are many better choices out there. While it may look good that's about it. Invest in cheap Buck or Kershaw.
anyone else have any trouble getting imperial knives to sharper. my old timers, bucks, swiss army, and antiques get a razor finsish these imperials will not sharpen! HELP GUYS!
I'm glad I do now about this thanks I gota git one for 8$ that's pocket change
I have three of these at 5 bucks a pop. If you're looking for a collector's item, don't go any further. This ain't it. BUT if you want a knife with a super-sharp blade to drop in your pocket and go to work and, oh, by the way, you might lose it and "oh well," get this knife.
swag
no jig pattern on handle, made from Chinese steel... no shield with Barlow on it... eh, good enough for 8 buck. I prefers my Klein tools Barlow electrician.
Apple pie is also English, 14th-century, SORRY
Thanks for watching!
Just bought one at a pawn show for $10 jokes on me I guess😂
3cr is weak. On the other hand should be easy to sharpen. Can’t expect better at $8.
My thoughts exactly