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Dexter

Dexter-Russell is the American professional cutlery company based in Southbridge, Massachusetts. It traces its roots to the Harrington Cutlery Company, founded there in 1818, and the John Russell Cutlery Company, founded in 1834. Today it's the largest US maker of professional cutlery, and its knives are a fixture in butcher shops, meat rooms and commercial kitchens.

We stock the Dexter knives that earn their keep on a BBQ: the V-LO Scalloped Roast Slicer and V-LO Duo Edge Roast Slicer for brisket, the Sani-Safe Scalloped Slicer 12", SofGrip and Basics boning knives for trimming, the SofGrip Cimeter Knife 10" and Breaking Knife 10" for big primals, plus Edge Guards in several sizes, the Hamburger Turner, Grill Scraper and Pizza Rocker.

Pair a slicer with a proper board from our cutting boards range, keep the edge up with knife sharpening gear, then put it to work on our signature smoked brisket. Free shipping over $149, or click & collect in Brunswick.

11 products

Which Dexter knife for which job

  • Slicing brisket and roasts: The V-LO Scalloped Roast Slicer 30cm and V-LO Duo Edge Roast Slicer 30cm are long enough to cross a whole flat in one stroke. The Sani-Safe Scalloped Slicer 12" and SofGrip Straight Slicer 12" do the same job with a different handle feel.
  • Trimming brisket and pork: A 6" boning knife is the trimming workhorse. Pick the Straight Boning Knife 6" Flexible or Curved Boning Knife 6" Flexible for fat caps and silverskin, the SofGrip Curved Boning Knife 6" Narrow for tight work, or the Basics Wide Boning Knife 6" if you want a bit more backbone.
  • Breaking down big cuts: The SofGrip Cimeter Knife 10" and Breaking Knife 10" are butcher patterns for splitting primals, portioning ribs and steaking out a whole rump.
  • On the plancha and griddle: The Hamburger Turner is built for smash burgers, the Grill Scraper 4" cleans the flat top, and the 20" Pizza Rocker cuts a pizza in one push.

Look after the edge

Dexter's Edge Guards slide over the blade so a knife can live in a drawer or a knife roll without dulling or nicking your hand. Match the guard to the blade: 15cm x 2cm for small knives, 21cm x 3cm Narrow for boning knives, 20cm and 25cm x 5cm for wider blades. Hone before each cook, sharpen when honing stops bringing the edge back, and hand wash and dry rather than putting knives in the dishwasher.

Scalloped or straight?

A scalloped (Granton) edge has hollows that stop thin slices sticking to the blade, which suits juicy brisket and ham. A straight edge gives the cleanest cut on firm bark and cooked roasts. Most brisket cooks end up owning one of each.

FAQs

Where is Dexter-Russell based?
Dexter-Russell is headquartered in Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA, where the Harrington Cutlery Company started in 1818.

What is the best Dexter knife for slicing brisket?
The V-LO Scalloped Roast Slicer 30cm is our go-to. It's long enough to slice across a full brisket flat in one stroke, and the scalloped edge stops slices sticking.

What does Sani-Safe mean on a Dexter knife?
Sani-Safe is Dexter's commercial range built for butcher shops and kitchens, with a textured handle designed for wet, greasy hands.

What Dexter knife should I use to trim brisket?
A 6" boning knife. The flexible straight or curved versions follow the fat cap and silverskin easily, and the wide version gives more control on thick fat.

Where can I buy Dexter knives in Melbourne?
The Que Club stocks Dexter knives at 3-7 Syme Street, Brunswick, and online with delivery Australia-wide.