Original Green River skinning knife, value, question?

[CaptTripps]

I have what looks like an original Green River skinning knife. I can make out what looks like a

(J) Russell & Co
Green River Works

It has a 6" blade, looks old, but in pretty good shape. Sharp as hell. 5 pin handle. My questions are, what is it worth? And also, the handle is starting to loosen. How much will I hurt the value if I wrap the handle with copper wire? I'd like a repair that will look like it could be original. I am not a collector and will use it off and on for skinning deer, etc. I found it in a bin at a local church sale, $1. How did I do?

 

[Ron James]

Don't know with out clear close up pictures, they do make reproduction " Green River " knifes for just a few dollars.

 

[CaptTripps]

I'm 99% sure this is original. I've seen photos online of the repros. Has a lot of wear and great looking patina which I understand, can be faked. Also has what appears to be a diamond patter of some kind beneath the Green River on the blad. I'll try to post some photos later tonight.

 

[rcmodel]

Without seeing how loose the scales are?

I would suggest you pick up a bottle of Hot Stuff CA at any hobby or craft store.

http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...hesives/hot-stuff-instant-glue-prod13081.aspx

It will wick under the loose scales and set up instantly.

And I guarantee they wont be loose anymore!!

rc

 

[hso]

How much will I hurt the value if I wrap the handle with copper wire?

That would wreck it.

Post a pic of the entire knife, the lettering, the handle.

Which of these does it resemble? http://www.crazycrow.com/green-river-knives

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

Does it have rivets or pins holding the scales?

 

[AJumbo]

Today's Green River knives aren't repros, they're the real deal. I own five, and they are among my best knives. Copper wire might be about as bad a choice for a handle treatment as you can get. Just re-set the pins, repairs don't get much more period-corrrect than that.

 

[CaptTripps]

Sorry guys, I have not been able to get pictures yet. Probably today when I have some free time. It looks like the Buffalo Skinner 6". The blade measures 5 3/4 and the handle is 4 1/2". The scales are pinned, 5 total and they look like steel or maybe brass. There are 2 angled relief cuts/bevels on top of the forward and rearward most pin locations, not extending all the way until the end of the handle. Great looking knife, has a nice sweep and shape to its entire self. I would love to know the history of it.

 

[CaptTripps]

Alright guys, here are the photos I promised, what do you all think?

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

Good to see the photos. Yes that is an old one.
I have it's (well worn down by sharpening) twin down stairs. There is one at the steamboat Arabia museum in Kansas City that was recovered from the wreck that looks exactly like yours too.
I'd say you did VERY well getting it for a dollar.

 

[AJumbo]

Yes, for a dollar, you got all kinds of knife. My primary skinning knife is this very one, with antler handles courtesy of Dad. I own three other GR knives, and they get a lot of use. Not as much as this has seen, maybe, but your knife may be 100 years older than mine. Good find!

 

[CaptTripps]

Thanks guys, I kinda knew it was an older one. Any idea as to value? I see on Ebay, the older ones are anywhere from 35-100$. I'm not planning on selling it, just curious. I can only daydream about its history, did it go west to skin buffalo, then come back, or was it used on a farm here in PA? Neat piece of history anyways.

 

[Deltaboy1984]

Looks just like one I got years ago at an Estate sale. I just put it up and never messed with it.