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How to Collect Old Barlow Knives

Before collecting Barlow knives, individuals should realize that the term ̵6;Barlow knife̵7; can mean two things̵1;either a type of pocketknife that has a teardrop shaped handle where one or two blades are attached and a metal bolster, or a knife made by the Barlow Company beginning in 1930. Barlow-style knives have been mentioned in books such as ̶0;The Adventures of Tom Sawyer̶1; and are considered to be collector̵7;s items. There are a few ways to begin collecting Barlow-style knives.

Instructions

- 1
  Learn what Barlow-style knives look like. The early Barlow knives were rough and large, with a handle made out of bone and a blade from carbon steel. View photos of Barlow-style knives at Barlow-Knives.
- 2
  Find Barlow-style knives of the greatest value by searching for John Russell Barlow knives. The John Russell Company was the first company to manufacture Barlow knives and the knives are stamped with a mark that has an ̶0;R̶1; through it on the bolster (the area on the knife between the handle and the blade).
- 3
  Look for old-fashioned Barlow-style knives as made by the actual Barlow Company. The company no longer produces Barlow-style knives but did in the 1930s, and these knives have some collector value due to being Barlow-style knives from the Barlow Company itself.
- 4
  Find old-fashioned Barlow knives online at websites such as JaysKnives and eBay. Look in antique stores and consignment stores. Ask other knife enthusiasts for tips on how to locate Barlow-style knives in your area.
- 5
  Purchase a copy of the ̶0;American Premium Guide to Knives and Razors: Identification and Value Guide̶1; online or borrow a copy from your local library. This book will provide information on how to collect, care for and sell antique knives, such as a Barlow-style knife.

Other Collecting