Oddity, tool?

[Ridgegrass]

Here's a Russell Green River Works knife/tool? Wondering if anyone recognizes it's intended function. As the last photo shows, it seems to cut with a "pull" strokeand fits the hand very nicely. Tobacco? celery cutter?? Thanks for any info. J.O'.

[Modern Slip Joints]

There was a company with a name that started with Green River, Green River Rifle Works IIRC, that made muzzle loaing gun supplies for mountain man meets so my guess is your tool was made to cut off the cloth patch flush with the muzzle after starting the lead ball. Lay the cloth across the muzzle. Pounding the ball in with your short starter creats a tight fit so the rifling will spin the ball. Lay the blade flat on the muzzle and pull it across to cut off excess cloth. That matches your impression that your knife is designed for a pull stroke. Ram the ball down with your ramrod then prime the flash pan or cap the nipple.

An Arkansaw toothpick or Bowie goes great with your costume.

[just bob]

I'm guessing it's a gutting knife and maybe used in a slaughterhouse where your hands would be covered in blood and fat. Also, could be used in a larger scale trapping operation. Contoured handle so you wouldn't lose your grip. Also guessing it's a very early version and has been replaced by something much more streamlined. I'll get my books out and see if I can find a picture. Maybe Gene would know for sure.

I looked in the 1901 catalog and also in Cole's book on skinning knives and didn't find anything. I didn't even find a knife by another maker with that style of handle. Did you know Dexter - Russell is still in business and I'd bet they'd be happy to help you if you sent them a pic. Not a common knife.

https://dexter1818.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwx ... w4QAvD_BwE

[Gunsil]

Grape harvesting knife.

[Ridgegrass]

Well, that's a range of answers. Good idea on the Dexter-Russell contact, I'll keep all posted. Thanks. O'.

[Ridgegrass]

Thanks again all. I just spoke with Kristin at Dexter/Russell. Very helpful. She let me email pics and she believes she knows what model it is and will get back to me. J.O'.

[Ridgegrass]

Just got an e-mail from Kristen, Customer Service at Dexter-Russell. She said its a "Tobacco Knife". They were available up until the sixties. I guess they could be used to harvest lots of things. The shape really fits the hand. Don't know if it came that way but both edges are equally sharp. No evidence of a thicker spine on the back. I'm going to display it near it's Hawk Bill cousins in the cave. J.O'.

[SwedgeHead]

once you know what you're looking for its a quick google "tobacco knife", 1st hit, lol.
looks like you hit right on it.

[just bob]

I would have never guessed that. Great info. Thanks for sharing.

[Ridgegrass]

Thanks Swedge. J.O'.

[cody6268]

Well,this ID's one that's been in my family for who knows how long. If I recall correctly, Granddad kept it in a toolbox. His family did grow tobacco, so this makes sense. Can't recall its use being mentioned.

I'm also curious why these appear to be sharp on both the top and bottom. I noticed that when putting an edge on the one I've got.

[Corn Creek Cutlery]

Mystery solved and is a Winner Ridgegrass!

[Ridgegrass]

By the way, Thanks to Corn Creek Tony for the knife. It's going in the cave with my other Hawks. J.O'.

That double edge would probably set off some bells at OSHA these days. It'd probably come with a ten page warning and a crash suit!

[Ridgegrass]

Here he is, hanging out with his Hawk cousins. J.O'.

[doglegg]

Here he is, hanging out with his Hawk cousins. J.O'.

It fits in perfectly.

[bighomer]

I been tole thet the boys over in Caroline and Virginia harvested thar tobaccy different from us Tennessee and Kaintuk fellers so they may have used them thar kinda knifes, I can't say.
Dark fired knives.

Burley knife.

What I used to cut burley and corn and such. Made by my grandpa out of a ole wore out crosscut saw.

[Ridgegrass]

Those are special relics. J.O'.