GLOBAL in Michelin Kitchens: What Restaurant Chefs Look for in a Knife

When it comes to kitchen knives, you want to be able to trust the utensil in your hand for efficiency and balance - and this doesn’t just apply to at-home cooks.

For over 40 years, GLOBAL has been a trusted brand by professional chefs in their Michelin star restaurants. The Roux family have chosen GLOBAL for decades, not only because of the family-run dynamic, but the performance of the knives crafted.

In a 2017 interview with GQ, Michel Roux Junior was asked if he could only use one knife, what would it be? He responded simply, “A GLOBAL knife. The knives are beautiful and they feel great in the hand”.

So, let’s explore exactly what he meant by that. What are the features of our kitchen knives that impresses both top Michelin star chefs and at-home cooks alike?

Exceptional Sharpness

It may seem obvious to say, but a professional knife needs to be very sharp. GLOBAL knives use an acute 15° cutting edge producing a very sharp, precise cutting edge for clean and effortless cuts, both speeding up prep time and making it a simple task every time.

Long-Lasting Edge Retention

Not only do they need to be sharp, but they need to stay that way for prolonged use. Our blades are professionally crafted from Cromova 18 stainless steel, hardened to a Rockwell Hardness Rating of C56-58. This combination of steels means the precise 15° cutting angle remains ultra-sharp whilst also being resistant to rust staining and corrosion (as long as they are hand washed and dried).

Excellent Balance

It is said that the kitchen knife you use should feel like a natural extension of your own hand. Balance is extremely important to provide this feeling to reduce fatigue during repetitive food preparation. All GLOBAL handles are hollow and filled with sand, precisely measured to the blade type, perfectly balancing the blade and the handle.

Comfortable and Secure Grip

Professional kitchens can involve hours and hours of continuous, chopping, slicing and dicing requiring a comfortable and secure grip on the blade at all times. The distinctive dimpled handles provide a textured grip – alongside the balance, you can guarantee control on this ultra-sharp blade at all times.

Hygiene

In any cooking environment, hygiene is critical. Knives should have a smooth, easy-to-clean surface with minimal areas where food debris and possible bacteria can accumulate. GLOBAL’s seamless, one-piece stainless steel construction has smooth contours ensuring an easy and safe clean every time.

Professional chefs don’t need a knife that simply looks impressive. They need a knife that performs precisely, feels balanced in the hand, stays sharp and stands up to the gruelling demands of a professional kitchen. From the Cromova 18 construction to the dimpled, hollowed handles, GLOBAL knives tick all the boxes.

Sharpness, control, balance, comfort and consistency – simple!