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Home | All Kitchen Knives | Dexter 8.75” Chef Knife Carbon Steel 1960-90 s

Dexter 8.75” Chef Knife Carbon Steel 1960-90 s

$168.00
$168.00
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Vintage Dexter forged carbon steel chef knife, with a distinctive Dexter shape. Drop-forged, then hand-forged and hand-ground carbon steel made in Massachusetts by the venerable Dexter company.

This knife had been sharpened a little and thinned, but is still very full, with plenty of blade left. It had seen some neglect and rust, which was removed during the thinning, leaving some scattered pits. The blade is nice and straight, and the handle is free from damage. 

This knife is a great example of the interface between industrial production and skilled handwork, hand forged after drop forging springy steel that holds an edge well and sharpens super easily, and the fine hand-ground blade is impossible to make without skilled smiths and grinders. It's characteristic blade shape, wide & full bellied with a flat heel, and the thin, convex ground springy steel is a unique Dexter style.


All-around Use

Can handle almost any kitchen task.

Light Butchery OK

Safe for use around bones.

Carbon Steel

Reactive blade.

Convex Grind

Super smooth cutting feel.

Ambidextrous

Suitable for all users.

Chef's Knife

A chef’s knife is an all-purpose kitchen knife designed for chopping, slicing, and dicing a wide range of ingredients. Its curved edge supports rocking cuts, while the pointed tip handles detail work. It’s the core knife in most kitchens for general prep.

Listed Length: 10"
Total Length: 359mm
Edge Length: 8 3/4"
Heel Height: 1 7/8"
Spine Thickness: 3.35mm
Weight:
Orientation: Ambidextrous

Blade Type:
Steel Type: Vintage Carbon
Steel Hardness (HRC): 56-58?
Maintenance: More Attention
Handle Type: Western
Handle Material: rosewood

  • This is a reactive carbon steel knife.
  • Hand wash and towel dry after use. Do not air dry or place in the dishwasher.
  • Expect oxidation (color change, staining, spotting) with use.
  • Prolonged exposure to moisture or food debris will cause rust; remove any rust with a light abrasive.
  • Use only on a quality wooden cutting board.
  • Do not use on hard surfaces like bamboo or plates.
  • Don't twist or scrape the edge on the cutting surface to avoid early dulling and edge damage.

Dive Deeper

Medium - Western Carbon

We recommend hand sharpening on whetstones to a low-medium finish starting around 400 and progressing to around 1000 grit with a monodiachrome strop finish. Gentle use with steel honing rods work well for as-needed edge maintenance. Avoid pull-through sharpeners and non-water-cooled mechanized sharpening. If you have to use a honing rod to be able to use the knife comfortably, it's time to sharpen the knife.

Sharpening Supplies

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Vintage Carbon

Carbon steel was the standard for working knives well into the 20th century but it's difficult to know which particular alloys were used on each knife. It sharpens easily, takes a fine edge, and responds directly to the hand that uses it. Its composition varied by maker and region, often undocumented, but its performance was consistent and trusted. Patina and maintenance were part of its nature, accepted as the cost of superior cutting feel.

About Dexter Russell

Southbridge, Massachusetts, USA

Founded in 1818, as the Harrington Cutlery Company, and merging with the John Russell Cutlery Company in 1834, Dexter-Russell is the largest and oldest U.S. knife maker still doing business today. They continue to make a large selection of old-school carbon steel butcher knives and tools, as well as the ubiquitous white handled kitchen standbys. They are located in Southbridge, Massachusetts.

See All Dexter Russell