Let’s Set Your Table Podcast

Ep. 11 - Knives that Last a Century: Dexter-Russell

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It’s not often that a professional knife is passed on as an heirloom, but that’s the case for Dexter Knives which are guaranteed to last a lifetime. They are American-made knives that have been around for 205 years. When brands promise a lifetime guarantee, they usually haven’t been around for centuries - but this brand walks the talk. 

Tune in to discover how Dexter Knives makes knives for chefs who need them and use them all day long. You’ll get an insight into their go-to-market strategy and the principles that guide their manufacturing process. 


Guests from this Episode:

Alan Peppel, President & CEO - Dexter

Andrew Peppel, Marketing Manager - Dexter

Chef David Leathers, Owner, Foodsmith


This episode was recorded during the National Restaurant Show in Chicago.  


What we discussed: 

(00:11) Episode overview 

(02:42) How was the National Restaurant Show in Chicago?
(04:33) How Dexter makes superior knives (3 steps)
(07:13) Why heat treatment matters
(08:57) The real reason Dexter has over 2500 products
(09:59) Go-to-market strategy
(12:34) Biggest marketing challenge 
(14:34) Their fan club?
(16:16) Why professional knives are different
(19:46) Foodsmith: Running a fine-dining mobile restaurant, Chef David Leathers comments on Dexter Knives

 

3 things to remember: 

  • To make a great knife (a) start with great steel, (b) heat treat it correctly, (c) then grind the right edge. Different uses require different cutting edges.
  • Heat treatment gives knives the hardness and grain structure that it needs - not only to be strong but to withstand resharpening.
  • Dexter Knives believes in providing the right item, made the right way, at good value for professional use. This is a great ethic to have for any operator/owner in the food space.

    • Links: 

    Dexter Helpful Resources:

    Foodservice Catalog

     

    The Hode Group Chicago Showroom: hodegroupshowroom.com

    The Hode Group Corporate Website: hodegroup.com


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