Dexter knife with mounting slots

[PFSchaffner]

This is a 7" straight "DEXTER"-brand knife from Harrington Cutlery
(before it was Russell-Dexter, or whatever it is now), Southbridge Mass.
But I don't recognize the bayonet-mount-type slots in the back of
the knife. Anyone know what the knife, or the slots, were intended for? Some
kind of rigid back (like that of a back saw)? Some sort of extra handle
(like that of a file holder)?

[wvtools]

That looks like a leather knife.  I have not seen one with the slots before.  I have a later Russell Harrington Dexter catalog.  It has a lot of newer style knives in it, mostly kitchen and butchering, but I will look in it tomorrow morning.  It is upstairs, and I do not want to wake my wife with the creaking steps.

I also have a Hyde catalog, and I will look in it.  There was a lot of common items in the Hyde and Dexter lines.

[turnnut]

both companies were located in Southbridge Massachusetts and both made cutlery tools.

Southbridge was also home to American Optical Company.

I believe that Hyde is still operating in Southbridge.

only about 20 miles from me. Brimfield is between me and Southbridge.

google "Brimfield MA flea market"     3 times a year on rt20    thousands of dealers set up May-July-September
and buyers come from all around the world.  yes, huge traffic jams on rt20 during that time.