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Barlow

Case Barlow Knives

The Barlow is one of the oldest pocketknife patterns in existence, defined by a long, elongated bolster that no other Case pattern shares — a silhouette Case has built at its Bradford, Pennsylvania factory since 1889. The Crossroads XR line rebuilds that historic frame around CPM-S35VN stainless and modern handle materials like Dymalux wood, Burl G-10, and Richlite, while the classic lineup still carries it in Tru-Sharp stainless and Carbon Steel across bone, BoneStag, and Buffalo Horn handles.

Every Crossroads XR Barlow uses screwed-together construction you can service yourself, and several carry a special Cut of the Month tang stamp marking a defined, limited run. The classic lineup keeps the pattern's traditional pinned build and nail nick opening, including dedicated anniversary and tribute editions.

It's a pattern collectors seek out specifically for that long-bolster look, and a genuine piece of American cutlery history you can still carry every day. Every Case Barlow is made in the USA and backed by Case's Limited Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty.

What is a Cut of the Month release?Case's Crossroads Cut of the Month program releases a specific Crossroads XR handle/finish combination for a single calendar month, stamped with that month's unique tang mark, then retires it — once that run sells out, it will not be repeated.

Call 888-225-9775 — we carry the Case Barlow daily and can help you pick the right steel and handle.

Authorized Case DealerLimited Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty on every Barlow.
Made in Bradford, PA Since 1889The long-bolster pattern that defines the Barlow silhouette.
CPM-S35VN, Tru-Sharp SS or Carbon SteelChoose your steel.
Same or Next Business Day ShippingShips from Columbia, Louisiana. Questions? Call 888-225-9775.

The Case Barlow Buyer's Guide (2026)

What sets the Barlow's long bolster apart, and how to choose the right steel and build.

The Barlow: Case's Long-Bolster Classic+

The Barlow traces back to 17th-century England and became one of the most common pocketknives in early American history, carried by everyone from farmers to Mark Twain's Tom Sawyer. Case has built the pattern at its Bradford, Pennsylvania factory since 1889.

Its defining feature is the long, elongated bolster at the blade end — noticeably longer than the bolster on any other Case pattern — which gives the Barlow its unmistakable silhouette in the pocket or on a display shelf.

The Crossroads XR Line: CPM-S35VN and Modern Construction+

Crossroads XR Barlow models keep the pattern's long-bolster profile while rebuilding it with a CPM-S35VN stonewash blade and modern handle materials — Dymalux laminate wood, Burl G-10, or Richlite — in place of traditional bone. Several releases carry a Cut of the Month tang stamp marking a defined, limited production run.

TipCrossroads XR models use screwed-together construction with Torx hardware instead of a pinned build, so you can disassemble, clean, oil, and reassemble the knife yourself.
Choosing Your Steel: CPM-S35VN vs. Tru-Sharp SS vs. Carbon Steel+
SteelEdge RetentionMaintenance
CPM-S35VN (Crossroads XR)Best in the lineupLow, strong corrosion resistance
Tru-Sharp Stainless Steel (SS)Good, easy touch-upLow, strong corrosion resistance
Carbon Steel (CS)Excellent, takes a fine edgeHigher, needs oiling to prevent rust

CPM-S35VN on the Crossroads XR line offers meaningfully better edge retention and corrosion resistance than Case's standard Tru-Sharp stainless, while Carbon Steel suits carriers who prefer a traditional blade they can resharpen to a very fine edge.

Handle Materials: Bone, BoneStag & Buffalo Horn vs. Crossroads Composites+

Classic Barlow handles run smooth and jigged bone in colorways like Mahogany and Gray, 6.5 BoneStag for a mottled antler-style look, and jigged Buffalo Horn for natural variation no synthetic can replicate — each paired with nickel silver bolsters and an oval script shield. Crossroads XR models swap those for Dymalux wood, Burl G-10, or Richlite with contrasting G-10 bolsters.

Anniversary and Collector Editions+

The Pocket Worn 30th Anniversary Barlow (55233) pairs a pre-tumbled Mahogany Bone handle with a blade etched "POCKET WORN 30th ANNIVERSARY," while the Crossroads XR line's Cut of the Month releases are each tied to a single calendar month and tang stamp, then retired once that run sells out.

Pinned vs. Screwed Construction+

Classic Barlow models use Case's traditional pinned construction, the same build method the pattern has used for generations. Crossroads XR models instead use screwed-together construction with Torx hardware, which lets you take the knife apart for cleaning and oiling without factory service.

Barlow Specs at a Glance+
SpecDetail
Blade2.45–2.5 in Clip Point or Spear Point; select models add a Pen blade
Steel OptionsTru-Sharp SS, Carbon Steel, or CPM-S35VN (Crossroads XR)
ConstructionPinned (classic) or screwed-together (Crossroads XR)
Closed LengthApproximately 3.30–3.38 in
WeightApproximately 1.9–3.37 oz
BolsterSignature elongated Barlow-style, nickel silver or G-10
WarrantyCase Limited Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty
Price Range$75.99–$114.99

Case Barlow: Frequently Asked Questions

Answers from Knifeworks' team on the Case Barlow.

What is the Case Barlow?+

It's one of the oldest pocketknife patterns in existence, built by Case at its Bradford, Pennsylvania factory since 1889 and known for a long, elongated bolster no other Case pattern shares.

What is the Crossroads XR line?+

Crossroads XR is Case's modern rebuild of the Barlow, using a CPM-S35VN blade and contemporary handle materials like Dymalux wood, Burl G-10, and Richlite, built with screwed-together construction instead of the classic pinned build.

What's the difference between CPM-S35VN, Tru-Sharp stainless, and Carbon Steel on the Barlow?+

CPM-S35VN, used on the Crossroads XR line, offers the best edge retention and corrosion resistance. Tru-Sharp stainless is the classic low-maintenance option, and Carbon Steel takes a very fine edge but needs regular oiling to prevent rust.

What is a Crossroads Cut of the Month release?+

Each Cut of the Month is a specific Crossroads XR Barlow handle and finish combination released for a single calendar month and stamped with that month's unique tang mark. Once that run sells out, it will not be repeated.

What's the difference between pinned and screwed construction?+

Pinned construction is Case's traditional build method, requiring factory service for disassembly. Screwed-together construction, used on Crossroads XR models, lets you take the knife apart yourself to clean, oil, and reassemble it.

What warranty comes with the Case Barlow?+

Every Case Barlow carries Case's Limited Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty.

Where is the Case Barlow made?+

It's made in the USA at Case's factory in Bradford, Pennsylvania.

What handle materials does the Case Barlow come in?+

Classic Barlow models come in smooth and jigged bone, 6.5 BoneStag, and jigged Buffalo Horn, each with nickel silver bolsters. Crossroads XR models use Dymalux wood, Burl G-10, or Richlite with G-10 bolsters.

Authorized Case Dealer · Since 1889

Find Your Case Barlow

Ships same or next business day from Columbia, Louisiana, backed by Case's Limited Lifetime Manufacturer's Warranty. Call 888-225-9775 with any questions.

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