the class-o-matic

from the department of less is more

The Barlow Knife

Origin: Alabama, USA

Price: $42

• 3.5" (closed), 6" (open)
• Two blades of high carbon stainless steel 
• Nickel silver bolster
• Rosewood handle

Resting on a dresser or nestled safe in the pocket, the timeless Barlow is guaranteed to occupy a place of pride.

With its thick bolster and steady tear drop handle the Barlow knife has, for centuries, been the elegant workhorse of the American farm, camp, and workshop. The Barlow was first deployed in 17th Century Sheffield, England but by the time it hit shores stateside it quickly grew to be the tried and true staple of the American knife maker's catalog, and was hence venerated in traditional folk songs, lore, and even the writings of the great Mark Twain: "Mary gave him a bran-new Barlow knife worth twelve and a half cents; and the convulsion of delight that swept his system shook him to his foundations." (from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer).