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Dexter-Russell 25 THE GREEN RIVER KNIFE Ever the astute businessman, Russell kept his eye on market needs and demands. In 1840, more and more people were moving to the West and Russell took note. He speculated – correctly so – that Americans heading into the Wild West would require sturdy hunting knives. us was born the Green River Knife, a durable tool preferred by both settlers and Indians. Fables proclaimed this knife to be the best in the West; the popularity of the Green River Knife was largely responsible for the continued success of the Russell Cutlery Company. (See page 65 for more details) In 1846, as Russell ramped up production of the Green River knife, railroads enabled the company to deliver its popular products cheaper and faster and spurred a dramatic increase in business. To satisfy growing demand, the company nearly quadrupled the number of operators in its workforce, jumping from 80 to 800 in 1850. However, always mindful of payroll costs, Russell began replacing some local workers – he thought they were too demanding – with immigrants from Germany and England who would accept lower pay and work longer hours. e company continued to maintain high standards in both workmanship and materials though, and the value of Russell's products increased 60 percent in annual production value from $250,000 to just over $410,000 during this time. CIVIL WAR BOON AND NEAR BUST e company again contemplated expansion as customer demand increased and the impending war portended a flood of new orders. However, the current physical plant would not be able to accommodate the necessary renovations. But once again, a series of natural and manmade disasters put any expansion plans on hold. Fires were a major concern. Several blazes ravaged the building, destroying a house and barn adjacent to the factory, as well as the woodcarving and polishing shops. An 1858 blaze caused $1,000 worth of damage; the company had no insurance at the time. To add to the company's woes, personal tragedy struck when John Russell's brother, Francis, died from a ruptured blood vessel in 1850. Although outwardly unaffected by these combined tragedies, Russell slowly sank into depression and retired from active business in 1862. Between 1861 and 1865, the Civil War helped boost the cutlery industry in this country. During this time, tariffs and military blockades prevented European imports from reaching American shores. Domestic cutlery companies, including the John Russell Manufacturing Company, took advantage of a prime opportunity to manufacture and sell their goods. Russell increased production, boosting revenues, and the company paid shareholders the highest dividends in its history. Act of Incorporation and by-laws, 1868