Russell Harrington Cutlery Company: Product and History Overview
The Russell Harrington Cutlery Company does not manufacture marine plumbing hardware. There may be a misunderstanding due to their products being sold alongside plumbing components in marine supply catalogs. This company is actually the oldest and largest manufacturer of professional cutlery in the United States. They specialize in high-carbon stainless steel blades designed for the corrosive saltwater environment. Their catalog features specialized tools like fillet knives, oyster shuckers, and net cutters rather than valves or pumps.
A Short History of the Company
Henry Harrington founded the Harrington Cutlery Company in Southbridge, Massachusetts, in 1818. This was the first professional cutlery company established in the United States. John Russell founded the Green River Works in 1834 to produce high-quality chisels and axes. These two historic American companies merged in 1933 during the Great Depression. The merger created the Russell Harrington Cutlery Company to consolidate their manufacturing expertise. The organization officially changed its name to Dexter-Russell, Inc. in 2001 to honor its primary brand names.
Marine Industry Focus
The company produces professional-grade knives that are staples on commercial and recreational vessels. Their blades use a proprietary DEXSTEEL® high-carbon stain-free steel to resist rust. Many models feature Sani-Safe handles which are slip-resistant and antimicrobial for safety on wet decks. They manufacture specialized tools for processing catch including clam knives and fish turners. Their rugged deck knives are specifically designed for cutting heavy-duty rigging and nets. You will often find these tools in the "Deck Hardware" or "Galley" sections of marine retailers.
Product types
- Fillet knives
- Oyster knives
- Clam knives
- Net, twine & line knives
- Utility net knives
- Paring knives
- Butcher knives
- Cook’s knives
- Knife sharpeners
- Sheaths / scabbards
- Cut-resistant fillet glove
Materials / technologies / attributes
- DEXSTEEL / Dexsteel stain-free, high-carbon steel blades
- Slip-resistant and textured handles
- Polypropylene Sani-Safe handle
- Soft rubber SofGrip handle
- DEXGRIP ambidextrous handle on Dextreme
- Impervious blade-to-handle seal
- NSF Certified
- Made in USA
- MicroGard antimicrobial coating on fillet glove
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history behind the Russell Harrington Cutlery brand?
Russell Harrington Cutlery is the successor to the two oldest cutlery manufacturers in the United States: the Harrington Cutlery Company (founded in 1818) and the John Russell Cutlery Company (founded in 1834). The companies merged in 1933 to form Russell Harrington Cutlery, combining decades of American craftsmanship to produce specialized knives for the fishing, meatpacking, and foodservice industries.
What makes DEXSTEEL® different from standard knife steel?
DEXSTEEL® is a proprietary high-carbon, stain-free steel formulated specifically for professional use. It is engineered to provide a superior balance between edge retention and ease of re-sharpening, ensuring that the blades remain sharp through long hours of demanding maritime or kitchen work while resisting rust and corrosion.
How do Sani-Safe® and SofGrip® handles differ in application?
The Sani-Safe® series features a textured, slip-resistant polypropylene handle designed to withstand high and low temperatures with an impervious blade-to-handle seal for maximum hygiene. The SofGrip® line is designed for ergonomic comfort, using a soft rubber grip that reduces hand fatigue and stress-related injuries like carpal tunnel, making it ideal for repetitive filleting or processing tasks.
What types of specialized fishing knives are available?
The product line includes various task-specific tools such as Dextreme dual-edge fillet knives for different fish species, Sani-Safe clam and oyster knives, net/twine/line knives, and the unique "Cut & Gut" tool which features a semi-flexible fillet blade on one end and a gutting scoop on the other.
Are these knives manufactured in the United States?
Yes, the vast majority of Russell Harrington (Dexter-Russell) products are manufactured in the USA at their facility in Southbridge, Massachusetts. This allows the company to maintain strict quality control over the grinding and honing processes that create their signature "ultimate edge."
How should I maintain my high-carbon steel knives to prevent damage?
To maintain the integrity of the blade, knives should be washed and dried immediately after use—never allowed to soak in water. While many handles are NSF certified and sanitary, hand washing is recommended to preserve the edge and prevent the steel from reacting to harsh dishwasher detergents or extreme heat cycles.