Green River Americas Oldest Knife New Skinning Set

Russell Green River knifes are classics dating back to the 1800s. The blades are made of high-quality carbon steel and flat-ground for ease in sharpening and cutting One of the trapper’s most essential tools, the knife helped him skin animals for food and for their pelts. The logo of J. Russell and Co./Green River Works of Massachusetts, stamped on the blade of many a mountain man’s knife, became an icon of the western fur trade. There was something very personal about a trapper’s favorite knife, and he often named it or endowed it with a personality. An attachment like this makes sense when one considers the importance of such a tool in the wilderness. The phrase "up to Green River" entered the American lexicon meaning something well constructed or very well done The reputation of the knife generated various sayings such as "Give it to em up to the Green River", meaning to stab a foe up to the handle where "Green River Works" was stamped, or "Done up to Green River" meaning to do something to the fullest extent possible. . A favorite among the Mountain Men, Green River knives were originally made in Greenfield, Massachusetts by J. Russell. The factory was started in 1832-34 to make butcher and kitchen knives. Close to 60,000 Russell Green River knives per year were shipped to the West for several years. Among the most popular is the Green River Hunter, Buffalo Skinner and variations used by the American mountain man. Green River knives have been in production for more than 170 years. The quality and affordability that made them all the rage on the American frontier still provide great value today. $11.57 and up everyday over at KaTom WRSE.