Knives

The Butcher’s Standard: Precision Control with High-Carbon Performance For decades, the Dexter Traditional™ series has been the backbone of professional meat processing facilities across the United States. This 6-inch wide boning knife is not just a tool; it is a specialized instrument designed for those who demand the superior edge geometry that only high-carbon steel can provide. Unlike standard stainless steel blades, this carbon steel masterpiece allows for a thinner, sharper edge that is remarkably easy to re-hone in the heat of a high-volume shift. The 'Wide' profile of this blade provides the necessary lateral stability for breaking down larger primals, such as beef and pork. While flexible knives have their place, the rigidity of this 6-inch wide blade ensures that your cuts remain true, even when working against bone and dense connective tissue. The blade is hand-honed to a 50/50 bevel, providing a versatile cutting surface that performs consistently for both left and right-handed users. Completing the knife is the iconic Dexter Beechwood handle. Chosen for its natural durability and grip-retention, the wood is secured to the tang with compression rivets, ensuring a seamless fit that withstands the rigors of commercial use. Over time, both the wood handle and the carbon steel blade will develop a unique patina—a badge of honor that signals a well-used, professional-grade tool. Please note: as a true carbon steel blade, this knife requires immediate drying after use to prevent oxidation, a small trade-off for its unmatched cutting performance. Learn More

Precision Butchery Meets Traditional High-Carbon Performance For the professional butcher or serious home enthusiast, the Dexter Russell 6" Flexible Carbon Steel Boning Knife (Model 1376HB) is not just a tool—it is a specialized instrument. Marketed traditionally as a 'Ham Boning Knife,' this blade was specifically engineered to navigate the complex contours of pork butts and hams. Its unique value lies in the intersection of metallurgical flexibility and the legendary 'keenness' that only high-carbon steel can provide. The Carbon Steel Advantage Unlike standard stainless steel, the carbon steel used in this knife features a tighter grain structure. This allows the user to achieve a razor-sharp edge that outperforms alloy alternatives in both initial sharpness and ease of maintenance. When you are working against the flat pelvic bone of a ham, the blade’s 'springiness' becomes your greatest asset. It flexes under pressure to follow the bone closely, maximizing yield and minimizing waste, then snaps back to its original shape without permanent deformation. Professional Ergonomics & Grip Security is paramount when handling oily or wet proteins. The handle is crafted from raw Beech Wood, providing a tactile, slip-resistant grip that actually improves as it becomes seasoned with use. This is the traditional choice for high-volume processing environments where safety and hand-fatigue are constant considerations. Expert Maintenance for Lifetime Use Because this is a high-carbon tool, it requires an owner who respects the metal. Carbon steel will develop a patina over time—a badge of honor for a well-used tool. To prevent rust, the blade must be dried immediately after use. Should oxidation occur, a simple cleaning with a mild abrasive like Bar Keepers Friend will restore the finish. This is a knife built to last generations if treated with the care professional cutlery deserves. Learn More

Dexter Traditional 8 in. Wide Boning Knife is stiff and made of carbon steel with a natural hardwood handle. Stiff boning knives are primarily used for deboning chicken and other meats, but this knife has enough length to also double as a fillet knife. This knife is a very popular choice for fish-cutters that prefer a rigid blade; it is a favorite of many commercial and charter boat fishermen. Learn More

Dexter Traditional 6 in. Boning Knife is stiff and made of carbon steel with a natural beech wood handle. Stiff boning knives are primarily used for deboning chicken and other meats.  Carbon steel knives are prized for the acute sharpness they will obtain and ease of re-sharpening while maintaning with a smooth honing rod

Carbon knives can rust if not dried properly after use. If that happens just rub it with a little Bar Keepers Friend (sold with Ajax and Comet at the grocery store) and the rust will be removed. Learn more about the Care and Maintenance of Carbon Steel Knives Learn More

Masahiro TX-101 Chinese Cleaver The Masahiro TX-101 is a thin, broad-bladed Chinese cleaver for cooks who do most of their cutting with one knife. Like the traditional Chinese chef’s knife, it slices, dices, minces and juliennes vegetables and boneless meat, and its wide blade doubles as a scoop for carrying food from board to pan. At this size, the TX-101 is light and nimble enough for cooks new to the cleaver form. Features Stainless-clad carbon steel: The core is MV85 carbon steel, which takes a keen edge, holds it well and is easy to resharpen on waterstones. The core is laminated between layers of SUS410 stainless steel, so only the exposed edge requires the care of a carbon knife. Double-bevel edge: The edge is ground evenly on both sides, so it cuts straight and suits right- and left-handed cooks alike. Slightly curved edge: A gentle curve allows a light rocking motion for mincing herbs and garlic, while the long flat section handles push cuts. Rosewood handle: The handle provides a secure grip and a traditional appearance. Choosing a Cleaver The larger Masahiro TX-104 210mm Chinese Cleaver offers more length and weight for high-volume vegetable work. The TX-101 is a slicing cleaver, not a bone cleaver; its thin blade is not intended for chopping through bone. Learn More

Masahiro TX-104 Chinese Cleaver The Masahiro TX-104 is a full-size Chinese cleaver for cooks who prepare large quantities of vegetables and boneless proteins. Its long, tall blade slices, dices, minces and juliennes with long, efficient strokes, and its broad face carries a full board of prepared ingredients to the pan in one motion. Features Stainless-clad carbon steel: The high-carbon steel core takes a keen edge, holds it well and is easy to resharpen on waterstones. Stainless steel cladding covers the faces of the blade, so only the exposed edge requires the care of a carbon knife. Double-bevel edge: The edge is ground evenly on both sides, so it cuts straight and suits right- and left-handed cooks alike. Slightly curved edge: A gentle curve allows a light rocking motion for mincing herbs and aromatics, while the long flat section handles push cuts. Balanced weight: The added mass of the larger blade carries the knife through dense vegetables such as cabbage and winter squash flesh with less effort. Choosing a Cleaver The smaller, lighter Masahiro TX-101 Chinese Cleaver suits smaller hands and cooks new to the cleaver form. The TX-104 is a slicing cleaver, not a bone cleaver; its thin blade is not intended for chopping through bone. Learn More