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Comment by Jan Carter on May 5, 2016 at 13:22

Syd,

It was fantastic to have you with us!  The knife world may be small but it is filled with the best of people !

Comment by Syd Carr on May 5, 2016 at 9:39

JJ, my visit wasn't a cure all, but at the same time it did wonders for my ability to cope with the situation. I will always remember Jan & Donnie's kindness; so welcoming, so "salt of the earth" stuff. Wonderful people. Very glad to now be a part of their world.

Comment by Syd Carr on May 5, 2016 at 9:21

Thanks Ron, but that place is so big four hours isn't really enough time. I'm going back today on my way west. The place covers as much space as a small mall. Going to get a 2016 graduation knife for one of the kids at the 22-student school the non profit I help run supports.

I was thinking of a lanyard or something on the handle, but I'm very happy with it as it is if I never get a "round tuit".

Off to visit my god daughter and a friend in Alabama.

Comment by J.J. Smith III on May 5, 2016 at 9:17

Sounds like your visit with Donnie and Jan was just what you needed, Syd, AND a visit to SMKW to top it off.
Safe travels...

Comment by Ron Cooper on May 5, 2016 at 2:20

Syd, thanks for sharing your first knife making experience as well as your stay with Miss Jan and Donnie. That's what I call real southern hospitality. Pop in for a visit and leave with a new knife that YOU made and a song in your heart. I mean, really! It just doesn't get much better than that!

I'm glad that it helped to remind you that--despite the dark clouds that hang heavy over this trip--the sun is still shining behind those clouds. And, speaking of sunshine. That knife you made is smokin' hawt kewl! I love the way you shaped the handle. Of course, with my love of lanyards, my first thought was how I would drill a hole near the end of the handle and attach a cool lanyard to give it a big personality bump. But, don't get me wrong, it's very cool just the way it is. Especially with that sheath that Donnie gave you. It looks like a perfect fit!

4 Hours at SMKW! You're lucky they didn't try to charge you rent for staying so long! lol

Onward and upward, my friend!

Comment by Syd Carr on May 5, 2016 at 0:34

First I must thank Jan & Donnie for hosting me yesterday, they opened their home to a beaten down man, and lovingly helped breath new life into him. Donnie set up his forge and helped me make my very first hand-made knife. Though I flubbed the first attempt by letting the steel cool too much while banging away, the second attempt came out great. We took an old horseshoe and turned it into a very cool knife, a favorite subject for Donnie, (who is a master knife maker). What a hoot, and what a therapeutic exercise for me. I had just tearfully left my gravely Ill sister really not knowing what to do next or where to go. Both Jan and Donnie knew I needed both a diversion and a safe place to regroup, and they provided that place. I marveled at the knife collection they have, I didn't know so many "Holy Grail" knives could exist under one roof but remarkably they do. Both of them are virtual encyclopedias of knife history and lore, and they seemingly know every heavy hitter, current and past, in the knife industry. Donnie even manged to find a leather sheath for my new knife, so I left this morning with a song in my heart and a new knife on the seat next to me. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and to me that funny looking knife evokes the best of love and giving, and will be one of my most treasured possessions for the rest of my days..

After I left I made a journey to Smoky Mountain Knife Works in Sevierville, TN, and all I can say is "WOW"!! It REALLY IS the world's largest knife store. Believe me when I tell you, they have EVERYTHING, and I mean everything. You simply cannot get a feel for the place unless you see it. Not only is it the best knife store anywhere, it is also one of the best looking, and best run retail stores I have ever seen. I told Jan that the owner must be a master marketer, and she readily agreed. Do yourself a favor and go to SMKW if you ever have the chance, it is quite literally breathtaking. I spent over four hours there and I'm sure I only saw a portion of what is under that roof. The historical displays alone are worth a visit, especially if you are a collector of knives. They have many many one-of-a-kind knives from nearly every manufacturer there is, (or ever was), and it is hard to believe that so many of them exist in that single location, (same goes for Jan & Donnie's place actually).

The last photo is the knives I've "collected" so far on this strange sad journey, hopefully I'll pick up more as I travel west, but even if I don't I think I've done pretty well considering the circumstances. Today I snagged a couple of Colt's, one for me and one for my daughter, (take a guess which one is for her), and I picked up a Case Carhartt Double-Dyed Synthetic Handle Wharncliffe Mini Trapper for myself also. The Carhartts are being discontinued, so it was a chance to get a Case knife at a discount that I couldn't resist.

On to Alabama tomorrow to see my god daughter, so the journey continues. Any good knife stores in Alabama, (or estate sales w/ $2 pocket knives)?

Comment by Syd Carr on April 30, 2016 at 18:31

Thanks Ron, I could really use a good omen considering what I have been dealing with in the last 6 weeks, (maybe I should buy a lotto ticket today?). Yours is absolutely beautiful, it truly is a "nice survivor". Hopefully with a little elbow grease mine will look almost as good eventually. I have to agree about your assessment of the model, though rough, mine is a fine example of US industrial prowess. I've read a few posts on the forums that maintain that the steel used on vintage Robesons held a superior edge, and judging by how quickly mine took an edge I think I have to agree. I saw a few on the bay with bone handles, but yours and mine are the only I have seen with "ordinary" sawcut Delrin, (or whatever the handle material is). Thanks for the historical info, I assumed 50's-60's; looks like my instincts were correct.

This one comes in a close second as my favorite Barlow, (my NIB 1990's Buck Grandaddy Barlow is in the #1 spot, but I don't carry that one...this one will get used). Thanks again.

Comment by Ron Cooper on April 30, 2016 at 18:01

Syd, indeed, that is a wonderful score! I own that same Robeson Barlow and I consider it to be one of my finest knives. Mine came to me about 5 years ago in an Ebay auction that I won. It is in mint condition and if I recall I only paid $17 for it? Here is mine...

This Barlow is circa 1965 to 1977 and until you posted a picture of yours I had suspected that the sawcut scales on mine, due to its' pristine condition, had been painted? Now I know that's it's just a really nice survivor and that the handles are original. So, thank you for posting the pictures of yours. And congratulations, too, on finding one of these great older Robeson Barlows! I would consider that a great omen for the remainder of your trip.

Comment by Syd Carr on April 30, 2016 at 14:44

Thanks Jan, you'll get to see it in person soon. The more I play with it the more I realize how well it was made. It feels heavy in the hand, (always a good sign), both blades are centered, both half stops are there. Just sharpened it up and it took an edge quite nicely. It must have been owned by a painter as I've found not only paint but dried putty on the handle.

See you soon.

Comment by Jan Carter on April 30, 2016 at 14:27

Nice find on the Robeson!

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