Dexter knife

[ThorinNNY]

I`ve got what appears to be an old skinning knife. Overall length is about 10 1/2 inches. The blade is curved so the tip is about 1 3/4 inches higher than the handle.It`s got a number , 3576R DEXTER marked on it.
I made a sheath for it.
I was wondering whether that design is much use if needed for self defense, or is it strictly limited to processing meat? Thanks.

 

[Slamfire]

The J Russell knives never were purely fighting knives, though Mountain Men killed enough Indians (and mountain men) with the things, that one can say all the patterns would be lethal if cut with one. One book I read made the claim that the butcher knife was the most popular prior to the gold rush, you can imagine what one of those would do in someone if it was "up to the Green River" in their guts.

I looked up your pattern, such looks like a version of the Green River Buffalo skinner. As such, it is primary a meat knife, though the wide curve may make one think of scimitars.

I used a Buffalo Skinner removing the hide from a deer, and I can say it is a most excellent, well designed knife for that.

The J. Russell company has gone through many name changes, last I remember were Dexter-Russell, now it is on the web as Dexter.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dexter-Russell

This page has pictures of all the original Green River knife patterns:

http://www.crazycrow.com/green-river-knives

 

[ThorinNNY]

Thanks,slamfire. Mine sure looks like the knife you pictured.

 

[Double_J]

I do not know much of your exact knife, but I know that over the years I have used a LOT of Dexter/Dexter-Russel knives. They are extremely good for the price point, and sometimes even better than the price point. Keep it sharp and clean, it should last you a long time.