The story of Dexter knives began on June 18, 1818, when New England craftsman established Harrington Cutlery in Southbridge. Originally, Harrington manufactured specialized tools such as surgical equipment and shoe knives, alongside finely crafted firearms.
By 1970, Dexter-Russell had captured approximately 40% of the US commercial kitchen knife market. Competitors like and Ontario Knife focused on hunting or consumer lines, but Dexter stayed with meatpacking plants, restaurants, and institutional cafeterias.
Key innovations of this period:
As of 2010, Dexter-Russell employed about 150 people in Southbridge – a fraction of its 1950s peak (over 600) – but remained profitable.