Offset blades solve one specific problem: on the last part of a downward cut, a straight handle puts your knuckles into the cutting board. Raising the grip above the blade line removes that entirely, and the 9-inch scalloped edge handles crust and sandwich work.
Delis and sandwich counters use offsets constantly because the cut is always taken all the way through. It also suits anyone slicing bread flat on a board rather than holding the loaf, where a straight knife runs out of clearance.
Dexter-Russell has manufactured cutlery in Southbridge, Massachusetts since 1818 and remains the oldest American cutlery maker in operation.
