History ?

Posted by Wayne G. Barber

After attending a presentation on the village of Bridgeton, Rhode Island in the 1800's this week I listened to a statement of a three year old Knife manufacture that was in business and later burned to the ground without a trace of their wares. After doing some research I just wonder if this successful cutlery company moved  to nearby Massachusetts and started over ?

Cutlery Company

The Harrington Cutlery Company was established in 1818, in Southbridge, Massachusetts by Henry Harrington, a New England craftsman and inventor. The Harrington Cutlery company was the first cutlery manufacturing company established in the United States. Harrington manufactured surgical equipment, shoe knives and firearms. Some of his firearms are on display at the Old Sturbridge Village Museum in Sturbridge, MA. In 1884, Harrington introduced the Dexter trade name. Named after one of his sons, Dexter Harrington, the Dexter line of kitchen and table cutlery became known for its high quality in American homes and restaurants.^[1]

John Russell Cutlery Company

The John Russell Cutlery Company was established in 1834, in Greenfield, MA by John Russell. Russell built his water powered factory on the banks of the Green River. He first produced chisels and axe heads, but as the company grew, he began to produce large quantities of high quality hunting knives to supply the needs of the American frontier.^[2]

Russell Harrington Cutlery Company[edit]

In 1933, the Harrington Cutlery Company and the John Russell Cutlery Company merged to form the Russell Harrington Cutlery Company. The newly formed company was relocated to its present location in Southbridge, Massachusetts.^[3]

Dexter-Russell, Inc.

In 2001, the company changed its name to Dexter-Russell, Inc. to reflect its history.^[1]