Russel Green River Works

[longbeachbum]

Does anyone know where I can get information about this brand? Evidently they are made in one of the Solingen factories. I don't think it's Olbertz or Boker. I've purchased two barlows, fit and finish seems good. Blade steel apparently is carbon, but I don't know if it's 1095, 1075, or what.

The only information I've been able to turn up on the web pertains to kitchen cutlery made by Dexter Russell Cutlery Company, the merged offspring of the original John Russell Green River Works company.

Thanks,

Jim

[longbeachbum]

I am now of the decided opinion that these are made by Boker. I received a red bone Russell Green River Works large stockman today. The frame and blades are identical to my Boker stockmen. The RGRW box is the same size as a Boker box and the knife is wrapped the same way, i.e. in wax paper. It also has a flaw that I ascribe to some of the newer Boker stockmen that have passed through my hands, which is flimsy walk and talk.

Having said this, I've bought two RGRW small Barlows in the past, also presumably made by Boker, and they're excellent in this regard. Very strong snap to the blades.

[El Lobo]

There were two U.S.A. made reproductions of the Russell Barlow. The 1975 version was made by Schrade...the 1998 version was made by Colonial. They have 3 feathers on the arrow...the German ones have 5 feathers, IIRC. I don't think the German ones are as nicely done. JMO.

Here is the original dude...from the now known as Dexter-Russell website. (#1)

Then, here is a 1998 Colonial/Russell Baby Barlow...sorry about the pic, it's the best I've got for now. Carbon steel, and very nice stag.....it's a nice knife. (#2)

Bill

EDITED: I think you are correct about the German knives being made by Boker, as the pin placement, nail nicks, and angled choil/kick area appear to match. Not sure where they are now assembled, however....or if they are authorized by Dexter-Russell (the 3 vs 5 feather thing). JMO.

[longbeachbum]

Thanks for the great pics Bill.

That Colonial is to die for. What gorgeous stag!!