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Dick
In Stock
Commercial Chef Knife | 21cm Kitchen Knife | Precision Stainless Steel Blade | Dick DP579
£144.46
/ exc vat
£173.35/ inc vat
- X50CrMoV15 Steel Blade
- 58 HRC Hardness
- Unique Birch Handle
- 21cm Blade Length
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Product Overview
Stepping up your culinary game starts with the right tools, and this Dick Vivum chef knife 21 cm is the quintessential workhorse for any serious kitchen. Crafted by a legendary German brand, this knife is engineered for professionals who demand precision, balance, and reliability. It combines a razor-sharp, high-carbon steel blade with a uniquely grained birch handle, offering performance that you can both see and feel.
This is the perfect all-rounder for professional chefs, passionate culinary students, and anyone who understands that a great knife is the heart of the kitchen. From dicing mountains of veg for a busy service to finely slicing herbs for a garnish, its 21cm blade is versatile enough for nearly any task. The Vivum series is specifically designed to provide exceptional comfort and reduce fatigue during long shifts, making it a truly ergonomic choice.
Forget knives that dull quickly and feel clumsy in your hand. The Dick Vivum is an investment in efficiency and quality. It’s a tool that feels like a natural extension of your arm, ready to tackle prep work with effortless grace and precision. Experience the difference that true German craftsmanship makes in your daily routine.
Key Features and Benefits
- X50CrMoV15 Steel Blade: Resists rust and stays incredibly sharp for longer.
- 58 HRC Hardness: Delivers fantastic edge retention, meaning less time sharpening.
- Unique Birch Handle: Provides a comfortable, secure, and non-slip grip.
- 21cm Blade Length: A perfectly versatile size for dicing, slicing, and chopping.
- German Engineering: You can count on its exceptional quality and durability.
- Slightly Curved Edge: Makes rock-chopping herbs and veg feel wonderfully smooth.
- Lightweight at 178g: Helps to reduce hand fatigue during long prep sessions.
- Easy to Resharpen: Keeps your knife in peak condition with minimal fuss.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Dick
- SKU: DP579
- Blade Length: 21 cm / 8.2"
- Blade Material: X50CrMoV15 Stainless Steel
- Handle Material: Birch Wood
- Rockwell Hardness: 58 HRC
- Weight: 178g
- Colour: Brown (Handle)
Expert Review and Insights
The Dick Vivum is a real pleasure to work with. It has that classic German knife feel – solid, balanced, and utterly reliable. But the unique birch handle gives it a warmth and character you don't find in standard composite handles. The balance is spot-on, making it feel nimble and responsive for a knife of this size. It’s a tool that feels like it’ll last a lifetime.
Sophie Brooks – Chef Tools View Profile →
- Pro: Incredible edge retention means less time spent on the whetstone.
- Con: The beautiful natural wood handle requires hand-washing and care.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
'The Northern Quarter Grill' in Manchester decided to overhaul their kitchen tools. Their team of chefs were struggling with inconsistent, dull knives that slowed down prep for their popular brunch and dinner services.
"We were constantly having to stop and sharpen our old knives, which was a real bottleneck during a busy service. The Dick Vivum knives hold their edge so much better and feel fantastic to use. The team is happier and prep is flying."
Ben Carter – Head Chef
By standardising their primary knives, the kitchen successfully reduced its average vegetable and protein prep time by over 15%.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Before first use, give the knife a gentle wash with warm, soapy water.
- Always dry it immediately and thoroughly with a soft cloth to prevent water spots.
- Find a safe home for it, like a knife block, magnetic strip, or blade guard.
- Take a moment to get used to its weight and balance before tackling a big job.
Keeping It Going
- Always hand wash. Never, ever put a quality knife in the dishwasher.
- Hone the blade regularly with a sharpening steel to keep the edge aligned.
- To preserve the beautiful birch handle, occasionally rub it with a little food-safe mineral oil.
- Only use wooden or plastic chopping boards to avoid dulling or chipping the blade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this knife suitable for a professional kitchen?
A: Absolutely. The Dick Vivum cooks knife 21cm is designed for the rigours of a commercial environment, from its durable steel to its ergonomic handle.
Q: What is X50CrMoV15 steel?
A: It's a high-quality German stainless steel alloy. The 'X50' denotes the carbon content for hardness, while 'CrMoV' refers to chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium for corrosion resistance and toughness.
Q: How should I sharpen this knife?
A: For best results, use a whetstone or a professional sharpening service to create a new edge. Use a honing steel regularly for day-to-day maintenance.
Q: Is the wooden handle slippery?
A: The natural grain and shape of the birch handle provide a very secure grip. However, for maximum safety, always work with dry hands.
Q: What does 'HRC 58' actually mean for me?
A: It refers to the blade's hardness. A rating of 58 is the sweet spot for kitchen knives, offering excellent edge retention without being so hard that it becomes brittle.
Q: Can the Dick 21cm chef knife go in the dishwasher?
A: We strongly advise against it. Harsh detergents and high heat can damage the fine blade edge and the beautiful natural wood handle over time.
Q: Is this a 'full tang' knife?
A: Yes. The steel from the blade extends all the way through the handle, which provides superior strength, stability, and balance.
Q: What is the best surface to cut on with this knife?
A: To protect the fine edge of your German chef knife 21cm Dick, always use a wooden or a high-quality, non-abrasive plastic chopping board.
The Dick Advantage: A Legacy of German Precision
Choosing a Dick knife isn't just about buying a sharp blade; it's an investment in over 240 years of German manufacturing excellence. The Vivum series embodies this heritage, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern metallurgy. This isn't a disposable tool you'll replace next year. Its robust, full-tang construction and superior hardened steel mean fewer sharpening sessions, less wear and tear, and a consistent, reliable performance day in, day out. For a professional kitchen, that translates to lower long-term costs and chefs who can work with absolute confidence in their most essential tool. This knife is a trusted partner in a high-pressure environment, built by a brand that professionals across the globe have relied on for generations.
Explore more from DickWhat Does 58 HRC Hardness Really Mean for Your Kitchen?
Ever wondered what the 'HRC' number on a knife means? It stands for Rockwell Hardness Scale (Part C), and it's a measure of how resistant the steel is to being dented or deformed. Think of it like the durability rating for your blade. A knife with a 58 HRC rating, like this Dick Vivum, has been heat-treated and cooled in a very specific way to make the steel incredibly hard. For a busy chef, this translates directly to a blade that holds its razor-sharp edge for much, much longer. It’s the difference between a tool that needs constant attention and one that’s always ready to perform, saving you time and frustration during service.
Who Should Buy This?
- Restaurant Chefs: The perfect all-rounder for daily prep, from finely dicing onions to portioning meat with precision.
- Culinary Schools: An ideal knife for students, offering professional quality and durability for learning essential skills.
- Butchers & Delis: Effortlessly slices through cured meats and trims cuts thanks to its sharp, durable German steel blade.
- Gastro Pubs: A reliable workhorse for kitchens focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients that require lots of chopping.
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