What makes GLOBAL knives unique?
All Stainless Steel
The revolutionary all stainless steel construction of GLOBAL knives delivers a seamless Japanese knife with smooth contours to eliminate food and dirt traps offering the ultimate in safety and hygiene. A ground breaking design that continues to be popular with professional chefs and home cooks around the world.
Cromova 18
GLOBAL knives are made from the finest stainless steel material. The blades utilise Cromova 18 stainless steel which is ice tempered and hardened to Rockwell C56-58. Cromova 18 holds a razor sharp edge longer than any other steel and resists rust, stains and corrosion for a durable knife thta is a long lasting investment for any kitchen.
Edge Sharpness
The most important feature of any knife is its edge, and the GLOBAL edge is truly its signature. GLOBAL knives’ edges are ground steeply to a point making an acute angle. This is in contrast to Western or European knives that use a bevelled edge. The straight edge results in a dramatically sharper knife which stays sharper for longer.
Balance
GLOBAL uses a hollow handle filled with just the right amount of sand to create a perfect balance between the blade and the handle while remaining lightweight. GLOBAL uses this method rather than using a full tang and a bolster to balance the knives as it is more precise and so that a bolster doesn't hinder cutting and sharpening.
What makes GLOBAL knives worth the investment?
THE DESIGN
GLOBAL knives are a combination of Japanese philosophy, innovation and functional design as well as traditional craftsmanship and sword-making techniques of Japan.
The Japanese tradition of making knives dates back to the 13th century when shokunin (someone who approaches their work as a spiritual path, striving for perfection, focus, and mindfulness in every task) forged swords for the samurai. The Global Knives are built on this legacy. Learn more about the GLOBAL Story.
The GLOBAL knife design is inspired by the Japanese goldfish. With its smooth body and wide tail, it moves gracefully through the water – a soft, smooth movement that balances the physical irregularities of the form. The art of doing just this – balancing asymmetrical irregularities – is a philosophy that originally stems from ancient Zen aesthetics. In GLOBAL knives, this is expressed in the balance between the blade and the handle, where great care and precision are taken to achieve full equilibrium. Combined with Japanese craftsmanship and tradition, the design creates the soul of the knife – a balance between design, function, and heritage.
The design of each GLOBAL knife range is slightly different, discover the GLOBAL Classic design, or the thicker blades and longer handles of GLOBAL NI, the 10% sharper GLOBAL UKON knives or the individually hammered and ultra strong GLOBAL SAI design.
THE KNIFE MAKERS
GLOBAL knife makers follow the Japanese shokunin philosophy. They believe craftsmanship is a call, reflection is a constraint and skill a condition. Everyday is a day of improvement and every year is a new recognition, a new horizon, an improved technique. Every knife is a gift. GLOBAL knife making is an honour, the same day after day, the same movements, the same dedicated goals and the same perfection. The goal is always improvement, not to be the best but to create the best.
The Steel
The unique hardness of the blades comes from the composition of CROMOVA 18. It optimises and enhances the blade against wear and gives the steel a special resistance against rust and corrosion. Learn more about GLOBAL knife maintenance.
THE SHARPENING
The knives are checked over and over again to maintain the level of quality and sharpness that you expect from a Global Knife. Each knife is individually sharpened by hand to ensure that the quality is always of a superior level. Learn how to maintain the ultra-sharp cutting edge with the GLOBAL Knife Sharpening Guide.
THE HANDLE
The GLOBAL knife handle is iconic. GLOBAL is one of the most well-known Japanese knife brands famous for the minimalist stainless steel design and black-dimpled handles which give the distinct, instantly recognisable style. The textured handle offers a secure grip that is perfectly weighted with sand for balance and comfort.
What makes a good knife design?
A good knife design balances functionality, ergonomics, aesthetics, and material quality to create a tool that is effective, comfortable, and visually appealing. What design details actually matter when choosing a kitchen knife? The main factors to look out for when choosing a good knife are:
1. The Blade Edge: The angle and sharpness of the blade edge affect the cutting performance. A steeper angle creates a sharper edge for precise cutting, whereas a shallower angle has a blunter edge for more heavy duty tasks.
2. The Material: High carbon steel creates a harder, shaper blade but is prone to rust and can be brittle. Stainless steel offers better rust resistance and less maintenance. GLOBAL’s Cromova 18 stainless steel is a high carbon stainless steel combining the benefits of both metals.
3. The Handle Design: A well designed handle provides comfort and control, reducing fatigue during prolonged use. The shape and texture should fit the hand securely and prevent slipping.
4. The Balance & Weight: A good knife should feel balanced in the hand, with weight distribution that enhances control and reduces fatigue.
5. Construction Quality: The construction method affects the knife’s strength and durability from the choice of materials for the blade and handle to a full tang construction where the blade extends through the handle to reduce the risk of breakage and separation.
6. The Aesthetics: A knife's visual appeal can enhance the user experience. Design choices in form, finish, and embellishments contribute to its overall beauty, making it not just a tool but also a piece of art.