This Historic American Brand Reinterprets a Classic Pocket Knife From the Early 1900s

This rugged reimagining of a classic knife pattern brings modern materials and heritage together seamlessly.

Knife with a stainless steel blade and a handle combining black textured material with wood grain finish.

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By Hayley Helms

Published October 15, 2025

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Updated October 16, 2025

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The barlow knife design predates the settling of the New World — yeah, it’s that old, according to this video covering the history of the storied folder.

It is the first known knife to use the slip-joint locking mechanism and the first knife that could conveniently be stored in a pocket, unlike the ubiquitous fixed blades of the time.

Two folding pocket knives with black and tan handles on a yellow cloth next to a brown leather sheath embossed with "CASE XX". — The Crossroads Series updates timeless Case designs with modern materials and improved performance.

Even George Washington carried a barlow. (His featured a mother-of-peal handle and a small pen blade.)

As part of its popular Crossroads Series, Case Knives is releasing a brand-new take on the very old knife design, mixing modern materials with classic functionality.

Meet the Case XR Barlow

The XR Barlow is Case’s rugged reimagining of a classic early 1900s pattern.

Featuring a clip point blade made from CPM S35VN stainless steel with a satin finish, the XR Barlow measures 5.88 inches tip to tail: 2.5 inches go toward the blade, while the handle is a comfortable 3.88 inches.

Folding pocket knife with a stainless steel blade and a handle combining black textured and light wood sections. — The XR Barlow’s torque screw assembly allows for easy disassembly for cleaning, maintenance, or repairs.

The handle material is Richlite, a durable, sustainable composite constructed from layers of paper and resin. The Case XR Barlow utilizes pure black and tan Richlite with elongated black G-10 bolsters and black G-10 liners for extra durability.

Those iconic elongated bolsters imbue the knife with extra strength and balance, and using G-10 here adds to that strength without weighing down the lightweight 1.3-ounce design.

Adding to its functionality, the nail nick cutout allows for right or left-handed opening. Torque screw assembly adds extra strength and reliability.

Folding knife with a two-tone handle in black and tan and a partially visible stainless steel blade. — Strategic inclusion of G-10 in the bolsters and liners adds to the strength of this timeless every day carry knife.

No self-respecting barlow knife would be complete without slip-joint action, but the XR Barlow modernizes the familiar mechanism thanks to precision machining and upgraded materials.

Adding to its homage to America’s historical love of the barlow, each Crossroads XR Barlow is crafted in Bradford, Pennsylvania.

Availability and pricing

The XR Barlow is available for limited pre-order through select Case dealers, with full distribution beginning early November.

Folding knife with a stainless steel blade and a handle combining black textured material and wood grain finish.

Case Knives Crossroads XR Barlow

$100 at BladeHQ

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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