"It's unbelievable – a dream come true," said Paxton, the world No18 from Exeter, after his maiden WBT title success in his first final.
Paxton reached the final without dropping a set – despatching defending champion Mervyn King in the previous round.
The final was truly a game of two halves. Harlow, the 2010 world champion from Ely, overwhelmed Paxton in the first set, building up an astonishing 11-0 lead before the Devonian replied.
But, with the jack now in Paxton's hands and longer jack lengths his preferred option, the Exonia club star took control in the second set – scoring in the first three ends before Harlow managed a single, then winning the set by an eight-shot margin.
Paxton held his nerve to win the first two ends of the tie break to celebrate his historic 2-11, 10-2, 2-0 triumph.
"I was just happy to come back the way I did in the second after losing so heavily in the first. And while Greg was exceptional in the first set, I felt I didn't play too badly - so I just knuckled down in the second and took my chances," said Paxton afterwards.
Harlow agreed that both players had played well: "You know a player of Rob's calibre is always going to come back at you. I played too many short bowls in the second set and Robert stamped on them."
Paxton was finding it difficult to savour the moment: "It still hasn't really sunk in – yet I've been dreaming of this since I first qualified for a WBT event in 2006!"
Currently ranked 18 in the world, Paxton was forced to qualify for the event which ensures a first round place only for the world's top 16.
"I've heard it's put me provisionally up to seven in the world rankings – and I've still got the worlds (in January) to go," continued Paxton. "But hopefully I've done enough for a top 16 place next season.
"And I can now look forward to playing in the Premier League next year – and that's fantastic!"
RESULTS: The Co-operative Funeralcare Scottish International Open, Perth, Scotland
Final:
[Q] Robert Paxton (ENG) bt [3] Greg Harlow (ENG) 2-11, 10-2, 2-0
