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So how does theGEC #14 Barlow measure up, is it too small - Before I go and buy one ?

Ogri

Ogri

Gold Member
Joined
Feb 19, 2016
Messages
716
I keep looking at the photos of the #14 barlows that are for sale on the exchange but wonder if will I be disappointed if I buy one and when I have it in my hand and it turns out to be tiny ? Would I be better off looking for a 15 or 77 Barlow ? Interested to hear your thoughts if you have one.
 
i was in the same boat as you, i like to get when the getting is good, and now is still a good time before they become scarce. however, they are about half an inch smaller than a 15 according to the stats, and pictures provided. which was enough for me to not buy one, also no clip blade
 
Ogri, for a quick idea on the in hand feel. See if you can get the handle dimensions and just sand/carve down a stick to a comparable size and see how you take to it.

I didn't think I would like a knife that was designed to fit 3 fingers, but on certain fixed blades, I love it.

What I an trying to say is that, unfortunately, only You can say whether you will like something or not...

Good luck and keep us posted.
 
it's definitely small. When I got my #14 my first impression was "damn it's small, maybe even too small" - but it grew on me and kind of like it now. I still think the #15 pattern is the perfect size, but as a secondary knife, I really like the #14.

it hand it feels a bit like holding a regular size toothbrush I'd say. Just enough to grab onto, but doesn't really fill your hand like the #15.
 
OP, what are your favorite knives? I think if we knew what you prefer, we could give you advice on whether you would like the #14.
 
There are lots of comparison photos in the barlow topics for sure. Here' a comparison that I posted in one of those topics. It compares the 14 barlow with some vintage knives of different patterns. The largest vintage knife in that photo is a junior cattle knife. The main blades are similar in length. The blade on the junior cattle is a bit more full. If you aren't familiar with vintage knives then some of the other comparison photos in those topics may be helpful... 14 vs 15 barlows... 14 barlow vs Case peanut... etc.

 
It is small, but NOT tiny. I think it is just perfect for a smaller knife, (especially the 2 blade) without being too small.
Coming from a person who likes the 77 size better than the 15. And usually prefers a bigger knife.
You could always try a boys knife to see, at about 1/3 the cost.
 
I think somewhat the opposite of others here. While it is a smaller knife it's on the big end of the small knives category. I have 3 Lick Creek Boy's Knives and have found the #14 frame to be perfectly sized for all the cutting tasks that I normally use #15, #68, and #77 sizes frames for. The knife is definitely in a class larger than my Beagle, Peanut, or Esquire.
 
25, 14, 15, and 77.

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Nicely done Alchemy! Aren't they the height at least roughly of a $bill?
Thanks, Neal
 
It seems like most folks like the size. Ive only held the single blade version but for me it was a little too small. I feel the same way about the 25.


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Great little knife with a lot of excitement around it however to me it's like the 25 I had to have one because of the excitement around them but when I bought one I quickly discovered they were just to small for me and ended up selling it on the exchange. The 14 is just a hair bigger than the 25 so even though I am a Barlow fanatic it's just too small for me.
 
r redden said:
Great little knife with a lot of excitement around it however to me it's like the 25 I had to have one because of the excitement around them but when I bought one I quickly discovered they were just to small for me and ended up selling it on the exchange. The 14 is just a hair bigger than the 25 so even though I am a Barlow fanatic it's just too small for me.
Click to expand...

indeed, the getting is good right now for these
 
I think it's a great size, Ogri. The 15 is my go-to, and the 14 doesn't disappoint (mine's not a barlow, but that's fine by me, as I prefer the lighter weight of the short bolster, and the lighter price tag.) And it's so friggin' handsome - I'm not usually a spearpoint fan, but the way GEC does the long pull spear is irresistible.

28065925660_677e189eb8_c.jpg
 
I like the size - for me the 14 size raises some thoughts about the 15 size. I love my 73s and 72s and I find them a perfect tool for pocket carry. The 15 size seems to be generally around the same dimensions, but it's noticeably thinner, and isn't as comfortable to use. I prefer to carry the 73 or 72 for all round tasks. So the larger drop down to 14 makes the choice to not carry a 73 or 72 a bit easier. The 14 offers less size and weight and appeals as a watch pocket or wallet carry knife.

One knife I used to regularly carry is an alox cadet. It rides along in my wallet and comes out to open a beer, or a package etc. I took some photos of my alox cadet alongside my only 14 and the first thought I had was the added blades of the cadet give it so much utility than the 14. Really wish GEC would produce some small multi bladed knives.

I wonder if the 14 frame may be better than the 66 frame for building a small stockman?





 
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