The California Column
John Russell - Green River knives
John Russell, after earning a
fortune in the cotton industy returned to his home state in 1832 where he established a
factory that
made chisels and axes. In 1834 he started to produce knives. In 1836 he moved
to a new factory and established the "Green River
Works" along the Green River. In 1840 he
began the production of simple hunting knife. The reputation and popularity of
the knife
increased and the "Green River Knife" became of favorite of buffalo hunters, trapers,
Indians, etc. Through the 1840's and 1850's
over 700,000 "Green River Knives" were shipped to
the west. Russell retired in 1863 and in 1868 the factory was relocated to
Turner Falls and
renamed the John Russell Cutlery Company.
Early blades were stamped J. Russell & Co. American Cutlery. After the establishment of the
Green River Works in 1836, knives
were stamped J. Russell & Co. Green River Works. Period knives
tend to have a 5 pin pattern (in the form of an X) securing the
handle to the knife.
Kits are available from several sellers - Crazy Crow; Track of the Wolf;
and Texas Knifemakers Supply - being three examples.
Assembled knives, much like period Green River knives, may still be purchased from
Sheffield Knives in England. If you choose
to buy a
assembled knife from Sheffield Knives please choose one of the
19th Century Butcher Knives or the 6 inch Skinning Knife.