This knife series reflects our history like no other. It combines the experiences of the past with the knowledge of the present: The year 1778 is the founding year of the Friedr. Dick company in Esslingen. It was in this year that Friedr. Dick realised his vision of a company, resolutely turning a long-cherished dream into reality. Some time later in 1893, Paul Friedr. Dick had the dream of a multi-layer steel that could combine the advantages of carbon steel with the positive properties of stainless steel.
But in the rush of planning for participation in the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, the preparations for which fully occupied all employees, the idea of three-layer steel temporarily disappeared into a drawer. This ingenious innovation was almost forgotten, but Wilhelm Leuze, great-grandson of the commercial councillor Paul Dick, took up this vision of a chef's knife in the present day and gave life to this product idea.
Special grinding for excellent sharpness – polished cutting edge
Double X VG12 three-layer steel – advantages from two worlds, hardness 61° HRC
Made in Germany
Each knife is unique – hand-sharpened and polished
Optimum balance
High quality plum wood handle
The core of this chef's knife consists of a wafer-thin layer of high-alloy Double X VG 12 carbon steel. This makes cutting particularly efficient and considerably lengthens the life time of the cutting edge. This keeps the knife sharp for longer and the cutting edge needs to be resharpened less often. The development work on the 1778 knife series combined the technical advantages of carbon steel with those of a harmless, food-safe, stainless, high-alloy steel. The cutting core of the knife that is based on a special formula contains ingredients like cobalt, manganese and molybdenum, guaranteeing a smoother texture and thus ensuring finer and more even cutting. This special steel was embedded in two layers of stainless steel. This skilfully combined the advantages of both steels.
All of the knives in the “1778” series are sharpened and whetted by hand. The handles and cutting edge of each and every knife are forged by hand by F. DICK specialist craftsmen and inspected in accordance with Friedr. Dicks' high quality. Each knife is a unique specimen solely because of its handle that is made of selected plum tree wood.
Cutting and cooking will become a weightless pleasure thanks to the extremely thin and sharp cutting edge. The knives are perfectly controllable, fit well in your hand, create a pleasant feeling when cutting and produce a stunning, clean cut. Perfectly balanced and ultra-sharp – working with the 1778 knives becomes a fascinating experience.
The valuable knives of the 1778 series deserve very special attention and care in maintenance. Properly cared for, each of these knives will be a friend for life. For long-term protection, the blade and the natural wooden handle should be lubricated with a good, food-safe oil from the kitchen (e.g. olive oil). Under no circumstances should the knife be put in the dishwasher. Otherwise, the extremely fine cutting edge will become slightly bent and lose its optimal cutting performance. In addition, the handle is made of natural wood and is by no means dishwasher-safe. Ideally, you should rinse your knife with clean water immediately after use and then clean it with a soft cloth and dry it.
You can find more information and useful tips on how to care for, store and sharpen your knife here.