Bear & Son Cutlery C2281 Heritage Walnut Barlow Knife, 3 1/2"

Very good craftsmanship for a classic style of pocket knife. Out of the box, It needed sharpening. But a few strokes on ceramic stones and it was slicing paper. It appears that manufacturers are not shipping folders as sharp as they can be. The blades are difficult to open. I assume this is due to close manufacturing tolerances. A little oil and usage may loosen them. In the meantime it has beautiful walnut handles and is a great addition to a collection.

First off, I am not new to Bear and Son's Knives, this one makes my 5th knife from them. I used to have a couple Barlow knives from the 70's and 80's when I was a kid, but over the years I have either lost them or they walked off. I've been eyeballing Barlow knives for a few years just wanting to add one to my collection. I wanted one either made in the USA, Germany or Japan. Like I said, I have purchased 4 other Bear and Son's knives and have been pleased. The price is right and they are made in the USA. I have countless Case knives and they are quite up to the standard of Case, but are solid knives. The other knives I purchased from Bear were sharp as scalpels brand new, this Barlow knife was very dull, wouldn't even slice a piece of paper. I took about 30 minutes, but got it where it needed to be. So, keep in mind you will need to sharpen it. Overall, for what I paid, it's one of the better knife purchases I have ever made. Give them a chance, I will probably carry this piece a couple times a week and use it like you should. This is not a show piece, this is a pocket knife that will be used and I am very happy with the purchase.

I've owned this knife for almost 2 years. Initially, the blades were difficult to open, but regular use makes them smooth and definitive. My knife was beautifully constructed, with quality wood accents and blades that stays sharp with minimal care. I grew up with a Barlow knife in my pocket. Most of them were low quality. This knife is a fantastic rendition of the original, but is far better, in quality and construction. I love it.

Knife looks nice closed but I exchanged the first one because the small blade was so stiff that it was nearly impossible to open. The grind on the large blade was not great but with a little work would have been OK. The replacement I received had the same issue with the small blade. Opening it was extremely difficult, to the point of making it not worth the effort. I almost kept it anyway but the large blade was poorly ground and very unevenly ground at the tip. That is just too many issues for a knife at this price point so I am returning the second one as well and getting a refund. Very disappointing.

Great USA made barlow

Bear and son are almost the entirely package. I have a few of their knives. Pretty happy but they do have fit and finish issues. The other thing is they come dull. I am always happy to buy American but the QC is found wanting. I look at what Buck gives you for 30 dollars and ask why can't they match the edge and finish. It aught to be better. Not a deal breaker but a little disappointed

Very nice fit and finish. It feels like quality in your hand. My only complaint is I wish more time was spent on the blades. They're not near as sharp as I would have expected, though when I personally sharpen them the knife should be exceptional. It's just from the factory, everything was great except the edge and sharpness.

* Attention to detail is excellent. * Wood scales are perfectly finished. * Carbon steel blades are polished. * Carbon steel blades are easily sharpened. * Perfect size for small whittling projects. * Both blades have half stops in the interest of safety. * Great value for the price.