Understanding Cromova 18: The Steel Behind Every GLOBAL Knife
To fully understand your favourite GLOBAL knife, you must first understand the steel it is so masterfully crafted from. Cromova 18 – the exclusive alloy that (quite literally) makes the GLOBAL brand what it is!
What is Cromova 18?
Developed by our manufacturer, Japanese company, Yoshikin, Cromova 18 is an alloy steel. The name consists of 4 aspects which are the main elements in the alloy:
- CRO = Chromium
- MO = Molybdenum
- VA = Vanadium
- 18 = referring to the 18% chromium content
These metals come together to give GLOBAL its key characteristics:
| Metal Type | Characteristic |
| Chromium | Provides exceptional resistance to rust, staining and corrosion, perfect for home kitchens and everyday use |
|
Molybdenum |
Increases overall strength and hardness, ensuring a tough blade that won't bend or chip |
| Vanadium |
Increases wear resistance and toughness, meaning edges don't chip during heavy use |
| Carbon (0.8%) | Gives the steel a higher Rockwell Hardness rating (C56-58) ensuring a razor sharp, 15 degree edge, that retains sharpness for longer |
How does Cromova 18 compare to other Japanese Knife Steels?
Cromova 18 is designed to incorporate the perfect blend of metals to ensure an extended durability and ease of daily use. Other Japanese alternatives may use VG-10 steel, AUS-10 steel or Ginsan (Silver 3), showing different characteristics:
| Steel Type | Edge Retention | Toughness | Rust Resistance | Sharpening Ease |
| Cromova 18 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| VG-10 | 4/5 | 3/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| AUS-10 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Ginsan | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
So, why choose Cromova 18? Here are just 5 reasons...
- Excellent corrosion resistance - thanks to 18% chromium, a GLOBAL blade won't rust or corrode, even with daily use.
- Easy maintenance - restoring the blades' edge is a simple task, meaning your GLOBAL knife can last a lifetime.
- Outstanding Rockwell Hardness rating - with a hardness rating of between 56 and 58 HRC, Cromova 18 ensures a touch blade suitable for a multitude of heavy duty tasks.
- Consistent performance - even after years of continuous use in the kitchen, a GLOBAL blade consistently stays ultra-sharp at 15 degrees.
- Low maintenance - go ahead, use your GLOBAL collection daily and never worry about rusting or chipping.
Remember, hand wash, dry and frequently sharpen your GLOBAL knife and you'll have a lifelong kitchen companion thanks to the carefully crafted alloy Cromova 18.
