Rough Ryder Classic Carbon II Barlow 18

The distinctive long bolsters on the right hand side only and simple, robust construction of the classic Barlow pattern immediately identify it as a pocket knife that is made to be used. A quick online search for its origins and history confirms the uniquely English heritage, recognised from the late 1600’s, as the working man’s daily pocket tool. Granddaddy Barlows are larger, about five inches for the closed length, usually with a single spear pointed blade, later on a clip blade also becoming common. The Barlow found ready and widespread use on land and sea, thanks to Britain’s expanding reach into colonies, industry, trade, and military prowess. Smaller, more pocketable versions of the Barlow evolved, and a secondary smaller pen blade became a popular additional feature. Rough Ryder make their Barlows with a pocket friendly three and a quarter inches closed length, completely free of any sharp corners. The design is still relevant today, and is still as practical and as sturdy as ever. Previous Barlows from Rough Ryder, one in Tortoise Shell (acrylic), one in smooth White Bone, have both been excellent users, well made and sharp out of the box, with straight centred hollow ground blades, without half stops or swedges. Rough Ryder dressed this version up with subtle blue accent liners, pinched bolsters, rugged and durable black Micarta scales, firm half stops, and swedges at the end of both hollow ground blades, which are carbon steel, instead of the more usual stainless steel. Many purists insist that even a modest grade of carbon steel, properly heat treated and sensibly maintained, will outperform many types of stainless steel. So it is perhaps not surprising that Rough Ryder has for some years now made a few carbon steel models available. The trade off for the comparatively strong joint provided by the long bolsters is not so much any additional bulk in a pocket, but rather the weight, which is noticeable, more or less on par with a Victorinox Huntsman or a Farmer (also excellent choices for a useful pocket knife). Barlows have a timeless aesthetic, giving a tangible link to the distant past, since they normally look like an antique (or perhaps even are an actual antique), are excellent for whittling, sharpening a wooden pencil, portioning a sandwich, slicing up an apple, opening letters and packages; really any of the usual little daily tasks that are readily sorted by a handy UK friendly pocket knife. As a gift for a responsible and appreciative person, this is the sort of thing that will give a lifetime of service, and be passed on to the next generation to use and enjoy.

Rough Ryder Classic Carbon 2 Barlow. Another beautiful handmade knife. I've got a Barlow model now. This has lovely pen and clip-point blades. The half snap works well when opening and closing. Feels secure. With the polished blades, nickel bolsters, brass inlays and black micarta handle this is a very striking piece. A lovely addition to any collection. I just can't believe the price. The workmanship. Each piece hand made. Not one the same. Makes each knife you own that much more special.

Always been very happy with rough Ryder but this one is really bad, had it been my first rough Ryder I don’t think I’d have ever come back for more. Lots of fapping between the springs, the big blade feels really spongy, it has no snap to it at all apart from the little blade. Looks very nice day on display but once In Hand it’s very disappointing and i can’t put that on the price because all my others are perfect. That being said I’m pretty sure I could get a replacement but I don’t have the time right now to send one back so that’s on me. Will still come back for more rough ryders just probably not this one.

Really nicely built little knife. No gaps or bumpy transitions, centred blades with no blade play and well finished scales. The blades are reasonable well ground, apart from the tip of the main blade. This has been slightly deformed and is fractionally off to one side - it is visible but doesn't impair performance. If this was priced at Case knives prices, I would have shipped it straight back, but, for around £21, I can live with it. So, not perfect, but a nice little knife anyway.

Great looking barlow , it looks and feels more expensive than it is , unfortunately the issue with this barlow having 2 blades parallel to each other makes it very difficult to access the blades, other than that i would have given it 5 star's

Received my new RR Classic Carbon II Barlow today. Out of the box the action was a little stiff and the closeness of the two blades to each other made opening difficult. This was soon resolved with a little working and some oil on the joint. Both blades are very sharp out of the box and both perfectly centered. The blade thickness on the spines makes for comfortable handling and gives strength to the blades. The half stops on both blades are excellent and give a reassuring snap when closing. The black Micarta scales are roughened for grip and feel nice in use. The matt black Rough Ryder shield is a nice understated touch as are the contrasting blue liners. The transitions are good and the rivets are nicely smoothed off. There is some slight gapping between the back spring and liners but nothing to worry about. Altogether this is an excellent little twin blade Barlow that will get a lot of use. Very good value for the price.

Great price and service. Sharp and well centred blades. This is a good all around pocket knife to use daily or to put in your collection. Looks good and performs great, a steal at the price.

Very good quality

Very nice pocket knife has a good feel in the hand.