Rosecraft Otter Creek Barlow
To those who could afford one, a Barlow knife would nave been a familiar item to folk living in the 17th century. It would therefore seem appropriate, to see how this modern iteration compares with the original. The standard of fit and finish is exemplary on the modern knife, but so it should be on a piece costing as much as it does. A perfectly centred blade, an absolutely even flat grind on both sides and a razor sharp edge straight out of the box. The basic carbon steel of old, replaced by D2 , which will hold an edge much longer and is almost corrosion resistant. The liners and bolsters are both made from a single piece of stainless steel which should ensure long life and the introduction of a stop pin enables the knife to snap shut with a satisfying click and keeps the edge well clear of the strong backspring. A half stop on opening and closing gives an additional sense of security. There is a bear paw print tastefully etched on to one f the bolsters and the blade is inscribed with Rosecraft on one side with D2 plus model code on the other. A good move was to stick a removable plastic China label on the blade, which I of course took off immediately! Now there is no way of knowing where the knife was manufactured. It could have been the U.S.A or Sweden, both much more high status than from the Worlds most populous nation! Everything is sturdily constructed and the rounded ends of the closed knife plus slim shape, enable it to slip unobtrusively into a jeans pocket, causing minimal wear to the material. My only gripe is that the blade could have been a full 1cm longer and still be a UK friendly item. A totally non threatening design that could be carried almost everywhere.
