Dexter Russell Knife Buyers' Guide
Dexter-Russell, a leader in the cutlery industry for more than 200 years, offers a variety of knives guaranteed to meet any chef's needs. Originally formed by the 1933 merging of two established American cutlery makers, the Harrington Cutlery Company and the John Russell Cutlery Company, Dexter Russell adopted its current name in 2001. Today, Dexter Russell continues to produce high-quality cutlery in Southbridge, Mass., offering a variety of kitchen knives for professional and residential settings.
Dexter Russell designs and manufactures several different knife collections. Although they're all the same brand, each knife series is unique and possesses varying characteristics and features. Depending on personal preference or the specific task that needs to be done, knives from one collection can be a perfect fit compared to the other styles available.
Table of Contents
- Dexter Russell Knife Collections & Specs
- Discontinued Collections
- Dexter Russell Knife Types
- Other Kitchen Tools from Dexter Russell
Dexter Russell Knife Collections & Specs
Each of the Dexter Russell collections described in the following section are made in the USA and feature blades made of DexSteel™ high-carbon stainless steel. They're all individually ground and honed for a sharp edge and unique blade geometry, and they have built-in finger guards to reduce the risk of slipping and cutting yourself during kitchen tasks. Lastly, all of the knives from each of these series are made with an impervious blade-to-handle seal, eliminating any cracks or crevices where microbes and food residue can hide.
Despite all these similarities, there are several distinct differences between each collection to consider when evaluating knives. With so many aspects to compare, it can be overwhelming to keep track of all the specs and features across the panoply of knives offered from this manufacturer. To make the task easier, the similarities and differences between Dexter Russell's knife collections are covered below.
Although many different knife types are available in each collection, we'll be comparing chef's knives, a common workhorse knife found in almost every kitchen, to keep things simple.
Dexter 360®
- Made in the USA
- DexSteel high-carbon stainless steel blade
- Individually ground and honed pre-sharpened blade
- Impervious blade-to-handle seal prevents microbial ingress
- Protective finger guard reduces slipping
- NSF certified
- Color-coded handle options meet HACCP guidelines and prevent cross contamination
- Contoured, nonslip handle with polypropylene handle core and soft Santoprene™ exterior grip
- Stamped, hollow-ground blade
Knives in the Dexter 360 collection are manufactured in Massachusetts with steel sourced from within the USA. They feature ergonomically shaped handles for reduced fatigue during repetitive chopping and slicing, and the chef's knives are designed with a curved shape to enable a smooth, rocking slicing motion. Many different Dexter 360 knives are available, including paring, utility, boning, santoku, bread, and chef's knives, as well as meat slicers. Because several handle colors are available for this collection, operators can implement a color-coded system preventing cross contamination of allergens and microbes.
DuoGlide®
- Made in the USA
- Blade made of DexSteel high-carbon stainless steel
- Individually ground and honed blade arrives pre-sharpened
- Impervious blade-to-handle seal blocks microbes and food residue
- Slipping is reduced with protective finger guard
- NSF certified
- Offset, extended blade position reduces chopping strain and prevents the user's hand from touching the cutting surface
- Large, ultra-soft textured handle enables multiple grip styles
- Duo edge blade with scallops for paper-thin slices with reduced sticking
Dexter Russell's DuoGlide series features a unique shape designed to improve cutting control, prevent the user's knuckles from striking the cutting board, and alleviate wrist strain during extended use. The handle is textured for a secure grip, and it's made of an ultra-soft material for comfortable use. To enable thin, precise slices with reduced sticking, the blade features a duo edge design with indentations. Unlike some other models, this knife features an extra wide blade to facilitate the transfer of chopped ingredients into a pan or bowl.
Sani-Safe®
- Made in the USA
- High-carbon stainless DexSteel blade
- Blade is individually ground and honed for sharpness
- Microbial accumulation blocked by impervious blade-to-handle seal
- Protective finger guard for firm grip
- NSF certified
- Color-coded handle options meet HACCP guidelines and prevent cross contamination
- Textured, temperature-resistant, anti-slip polypropylene handle
The Sani-Safe collection features the widest range of tools out of all the collections, including a variety of knives as well as boning hooks, meat forks, spreaders, pizza cutters, and more. Many items from this collection are available with multiple handle colors, enabling them to be used with a color-coded system. The polypropylene handles are durable, easy to clean, and can withstand a wide range of temperatures from hot to cold. Butcher tools such as bone dust scrapers, cimeters, and cleavers also are available in the Sani-Safe series.
V-LO®
- Made in the USA
- DexSteel blade made of stainless high-carbon steel
- Blade is individually ground and honed to sharp edge
- Impervious blade-to-handle seal is sanitary and easy to clean
- Protective finger guard for slip resistance
- NSF certified
- Nonslip handle with polypropylene core and soft Santoprene exterior grip
- Dex-Tex Armadillo texture for maximum grip stability
V-LO series knives sport dual-layer handles constructed of a firm polypropylene core with a soft Santoprene exterior. Because they feature a unique Dex-Tex Armadillo handle texture, these knives combine a soft, comfortable feel with a secure, slip-resistant grip. The classic blade outline provides a familiar feel during cutting and slicing tasks, while the dual-colored, modern handle design adds contemporary flair. Users who spend extended periods of time chopping, slicing, and dicing each day may find this knife's handle more comfortable than other options.
SofGrip®
- Made in the USA
- Stainless high-carbon DexSteel blade
- Pre-sharpened blade is individually ground and honed
- Impervious blade-to-handle seal blocks bacterial absorption
- Slippage reduced with protective finger guard
- NSF certified
- Nonslip, textured handle made of soft rubber
The SofGrip series from Dexter Russell is designed with an ergonomic handle made of soft rubber. This handle is textured for enhanced slip resistance, but it lacks deep grooves that could make cleaning more difficult. Its classic, symmetrical shape is appropriate for either right- or left-handed users, and the handle features a stamped Dexter logo for decoration.
Traditional®
- Made in the USA
- DexSteel blade made of high-carbon stainless steel
- Blade is individually honed and ground for sharpness
- Microbial absorption blocked by impervious blade-to-handle seal
- Protective, slip-resistant finger guard
- Handle made of polished rosewood for a natural, classic look
- Secured with large brass compression rivets
With polished wooden handles secured with brass compression rivets, Traditional knives fulfill their name. For users who enjoy the look and feel of natural wood, this series is an attractive choice. Like all the knives covered so far, these knives are constructed with an impervious blade-to-handle seal, preventing microbial absorption.
Discontinued Dexter Russell Knife Collections
Since Dexter Russell has been manufacturing American knives for over two centuries, there are dozens of discontinued knife styles and collections. In this section, we'll be covering a few of the most recently discontinued collections that are still available for sale in significant quantities from various retailers and/or the manufacturer's website.
Due to the company's extensive history, as well as the 1933 merger, these blades may be etched with or sold under a variety of names. Older or discontinued Dexter Russell knife models may be labeled and sold under the names Dexter, Harrington, Russell, John Russell, Russell Harrington, or Dexter Russell. These identifying markers are separate from the collection or series name. For example, knives and other implements in the Sani-Safe series are sold under the brand name Dexter Russell, and their blades are etched with a "Dexter Sani-Safe" logo.
Unlike the previous section, the only common feature among the collections covered here is that they're all NSF certified. Other than that, features and specs vary widely, making it vitally important to consider each option carefully before making a choice.
Cascade®
- NSF certified
- Made in the USA
- Protective finger guard reduces slipping
- DexSteel high-carbon stainless steel blade
- Durable, full-tang construction
- Offset blade design reduces arm fatigue
- Glass-filled, slip-resistant polypropylene handle resists heat and moisture
- Curved drop handle with control bump and ribbed texture
Cascade knives can be recognized by their unique blade geometry and curved, ergonomic handle. These knives were designed to feel like an extension of the cook's hand and promote smooth, comfortable forward slicing. They feature etched blades and a serpentine, contoured handle that provides plenty of surface area for gripping.
Connoisseur®
- NSF certified
- Made in the USA
- High-carbon stainless steel blade
- Durable, full-tang construction
- Pre-sharpened, forged blade is individually ground and honed
- Wooden handle with large brass compression rivets
- Engineered rosewood infused with polymers and resin for maximum durability
Knives from the Connoisseur line combine the natural, elegant look of wood with durable, moisture-resistant polymers and resins. They feature a full-tang construction for added slip resistance and a classic, slightly curved edge that's easy to resharpen time and time again. Their shape makes them an excellent choice for chefs who prefer a pinch grip or employ a rocking cutting motion when chopping food.
Val-U™
- NSF certified
- Protective finger guard reduces slipping
- DexSteel high-carbon stainless steel blade
- Wide blade enables repeated sharpening, extending the unit's service life
- Textured, slip-resistant handle made of polypropylene
- Stamped blade
Knives from the Val-U line offer Dexter Russell sharpness at a reduced price point. These trimmed down knives sport high-carbon DexSteel blades coupled with easy-to-clean polypropylene handles. To withstand extended use in a heavy-duty commercial kitchen environment, the chef knives in this collection feature extra-tall blades that can be sharpened again and again without losing cutting power. For high-volume operations buying knives in bulk, this line is an excellent choice.
Basics®
- NSF certified
- Protective finger guard reduces slipping
- Dozens of knife styles available
- Blade made of 400-series high-carbon stainless steel
- Textured, slip-resistant handle made of polypropylene
- Hollow ground blade
Dexter Russell's Basics collection also offers knives at an affordable price point, although they tend to cost slightly more than those in the Val-U collection. Because these knives have hollow ground blades made of 400-series stainless steel, sharpening them is fast and easy. They're available with white or black handles made of polypropylene for a secure grip and quick cleaning. A wide variety of knife types are available in this collection, as well as turners, scrapers, peelers, serving spoons, and more.
iCut-PRO®
- NSF certified
- Individually ground and honed for sharpness
- Blade made of high-carbon stainless steel
- Soft Santoprene handle with nonslip texture
- Forged blade
iCut-PRO knives provide durable, forged blades at an economical price point. Made of sturdy German steel, these knives are easy to clean, maintain, and sharpen. Each unit is pre-sharpened and honed for quick use right out of the box, and products in this collection are NSF certified. The chef's knives have ergonomic handles made of soft, slip-resistant Santoprene, and their partial bolsters enable comfortable gripping without blocking honing or sharpening steels. Other products, such as kitchen shears and garnishing tools, are also available in this collection, although the list isn't as extensive as some other lines.
What Different Knives Does Dexter Russell Make?
Once you've compared the features available in each collection, it's a good idea to make a list of which kind of knife you need from each collection. Although not every knife and kitchen tool is available in each collection, Dexter Russell offers a wide range of options to choose from throughout their catalog. The identifying characteristics of several common kitchen tools are covered below, along with the best uses for each.
Dexter Russell butcher knives differ from chef's knives in a few ways. The blades are typically longer, narrower, and more curved to enable smooth strokes when removing layers of fat and skin. Some butcher knives are made with a pointed, clubfoot tip (blade geometry that's wider at the tip than then the heel), but others remain slender through the length of the blade and come to an extended, sharply pointed tip. Butcher knives are sturdy and nonflexible, and many options don't have a finger guard or bolster, preventing them from snagging on meat during butchery. Other knives and tools in this category include breaking knives, cleavers, bone dust scrapers, and meat hooks.
Dexter Russell slicer and carving knives come in a few different styles. These knives are typically long, with most options measuring 10 to 14 inches. This enables smooth slicing through large cuts of meat, such as prime rib, brisket, and ham. Some options are serrated, while others feature indentations along the blade to stop meat from sticking to the knife. Most slicers have rounded tips to prevent them from scoring or tearing the meat, but others have pointed tips for more precise slicing.
Dexter Russell cook's and chef's knives follow a generally utilitarian form, with function being emphasized over decoration. These knives are the workhorse cutting tools in most kitchens and are well-suited to a wide variety of tasks. Western- and German-styled Dexter Russell chef's knives feature a fairly wide blade, a curved belly to enable a smooth rocking motion during cutting tasks, and a pointed tip that can be used for more detailed work. Most models are sturdily built, with a thick spine that narrows toward the edge and tip.
Dexter Russell also makes Asian-styled, all-purpose knives that can be used the same way as most classic chef's knives. Dexter Russell santoku knives have a slight curve to the cutting edge and a spine that bends down to meet the bottom edge similarly to a sheepsfoot blade. These knives enable an up-and-down chopping motion rather than the rocking motion used to cut with a chef's knife.
Dexter Russell Chinese chef's knives are typically larger than a santoku and somewhat resemble cleavers, but they're not intended for heavy chopping or butchery. These knives are best suited for light meat cutting and prepping all kinds of fruits and vegetables. They're particularly useful for produce with thick, tough rinds, such as butternut squash and watermelon.
Which type of chef's knife you choose mostly depends on personal preference as well as your cutting style.
Dexter Russell boning knives may be flexible, enabling close, precise cutting around bones, or they may have a stiffer blade to tackle more heavy-duty boning tasks. The blades can be straight or curved and come in several lengths for boning cuts of meat of any size. Unlike butcher knives, boning knives aren't the best choice for breaking down large carcasses. Boning knives have narrow blades so they can fit into small spaces and cut closely around bones and sinew, and they're lightweight for maneuverability. Unlike many other knives covered here, boning knives aren't often used in an up-and-down or rocking cutting motion. Instead, they're manipulated at many different cutting angles to carve meat away from bones.
Dexter Russell paring and utility knives are smaller than chef's knives and are ideal for detailed work, such as peeling and coring fruits and vegetables or removing pits and seeds. They're also nimble and deft when making a tournee cut for vegetables, a type of cut that's difficult to achieve with larger knives. Most paring knives are between 3 to 5 inches in length, and they may have a straight, curved, or serrated edge. Utility knives are an intermediate step between a paring and a chef's knife, typically measuring from 5 to 8 inches with a shape similar to a narrow chef's knife or a stiff boning knife. Dexter Russell utility knives often are scalloped or serrated.
Dexter Russell fillet knives and fish knives are designed for processing delicate fish meat and bones with a minimal amount of waste. Fillet knives tend to be long, thin, and flexible and can measure anywhere from 6 to 9 inches. Fish knives are sturdier, much less flexible, and are designed for more heavy-duty fish processing, such as removing spines, fins, and heads. Most models measure between 4 to 6 inches. Some cooks prefer a flexible blade, while others are more comfortable with a stiff blade.
Dexter Russell clam and oyster knives tend to be small, measuring anywhere from 2 to 4 inches. They have sturdy, stiff blades that are good for prying open bivalve mollusk shells and loosening the tender meat within. Some options are sharp on just one side, while others have double-sided, symmetrical blades. Most models feature short, rounded handles that enable a firm grip while applying forward pressure to wedge the knife blade into a closed bivalve shell.
Dexter Russell bread knives make it simple to produce neat, uniform slices of bread. Unlike meat slicers, bread knives are almost always serrated or scalloped, enabling them to bite smoothly through thick crusts without tearing or smashing the bread. To span wide, round bread such as boule, miche, coburg, or cottage loaves, most bread knives have long blades measuring from 8 to 10 inches in length. Some bread knives have an offset or curved handle; this enables the user to slice all the way down to the cutting board without banging or scraping their knuckles.
Dexter Russell Chinese- and Japanese-style knives encompass a diverse range of styles, blade types, and applications. In general, Chinese and Japanese knives have thinner, harder blades than American or German knives. This means they can get sharper and stay sharp longer than a softer steel, but they're also more prone to chipping from heavy-duty use. Japanese knives are best for fine, precise slicing, dicing, and mincing of produce, herbs, seafood, and boneless meat. Like all knives, these options should never be used on a stainless steel, glass, or marble surface; doing so would damage the fine knife edge and make it blunt very quickly.
Dexter Russell knife sets and holders make it simple to obtain and safely store several knives at a time. For users who need to replace several knives or who are purchasing knives for the first time, buying a knife set can be a good way to stock your kitchen with a variety of tools at a reduced cost compared to buying each item separately. Many sets include a wooden block for accessible countertop storage, while others come with a knife roll or bag designed for knife portability and protection. When comparing knife sets, think about which tools you'll need and use the most, and then compare the different options to determine which set most closely matches your needs and preferences.
Dexter Russell Kitchen Tools
Many tasks in a commercial kitchen require cutlery beyond knives. In addition to kitchen knives, Dexter Russell manufactures a variety of knife accessories, miscellaneous kitchen tools, and spatulas. Tasks such as dividing dough, serving pie, and slicing pizza could possibly be done with a knife, but it wouldn't be efficient or safe in most cases. This melange of different tools has been designed to meet those specific needs without dulling or chipping knife blades or increasing the risk of cut injuries.
Dexter Russell knife steels and sharpeners help keep knives, kitchen shears, and other implements sharp and ready to use. Over a kitchen knife's lifetime, it'll be used dozens of times each day and will need to be sharpened and honed much more often than residential knives. Using a honing steel to realign a blade's edge is a quick way to restore its cutting power without shaving off bits of metal. When honing alone is no longer enough to restore a knife's edge, a knife sharpener can be used to grind down dull or superficially chipped metal along the blade and make it sharp again. A sharp knife is safer than a dull knife and is less likely to cause injuries, so it's important to have the tools on hand to keep your knives as sharp as possible.
Dexter Russell miscellaneous commercial kitchen products include many specialized blades and tools designed to excel at one specific set of tasks. Fruit corers make it easy to core bushels of fruit quickly without slipping and cutting yourself. Pizza cutters make it fast and simple to slice cooked pies into equal portions with minimal sticking. Dough cutters and scrapers enable bakers to move and divide dough during prep tasks. Removing the zest from a lemon, lime, or orange peel might be possible with a knife, but using a zester is much quicker and produces superior results.
Dexter Russell turners, spatulas, and servers can be used to flip burgers, eggs, and sausage on a griddle or stir eggs, veggies, or ground meat in a hot pan. Available in several sizes and with many handle lengths, turners are available for any application.
Icing spatulas are excellent for spreading smooth, seamless coats of icing on a cake, and pie servers enable users to cleanly lift a slice of pie from the pan without it crumbling. At cafeterias and buffets, serving spoons enable food to be quickly and evenly portioned onto plates. For all kinds of foodservice and hospitality needs, items in this category help simplify operation.
