Global (cutlery)

Global (often written in all capitalized letters as "GLOBAL") is a brand of cutlery products made by Yoshikin of Japan. Their selection of knives are known for their distinctive one piece, molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel design. These are considered premium level products with a single knife often costing upwards of $100 (USD). Global products can often be found at specialty cooking retailers.

Compared to conventional European knives such as J. A. Henckels or Wusthof, Global knives are made from a significantly harder alloy of steel, use a thinner blade thickness, and are ground to a narrower angle. This produces an extremely sharp knife which keeps its edge longer and allows for more accurate work, but takes longer to sharpen when it becomes dull. Because of this, the manufacturer recommends using whetstones and ceramic sharpening rods as opposed to the European sharpening steel. In addition, Global knives are renowned for their surprisingly light weight and even balance, a trait achieved by hollowing out the handle during production.

Global knives have a distinctive appearance with black dimples present on the handle and on one model of their storage block. While assisting in providing a firm grip on the knife, the dimples are divisive on an aesthetic level. In addition, the handles themselves have been criticized for being too narrow, causing a slippery grip for some users.Fact|date=March 2007

Over the past decade the Global line has rapidly introduced many new highly specialized knife designs, including a tomato knife and a crab/lobster knife. They also make eating utensils.

Global knives are used by such well known chefs as Susur Lee, Giada De Laurentiis and a number of the Iron Chefs on the original Iron Chef television series. Chef Anthony Bourdain, writing in "Kitchen Confidential", recommends Global knives as a lightweight, easy to sharpen, and an inexpensive alternative to German-made knives.

In 2006, the G Series knives was placed #46 on the Japanesque Modern Committee listing [ [http://www.japanesque-modern.org/english/topics/100sen_products/j046.html The committee of Japanesque*Modern --"Japanesque Modern Collection"--:] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.yoshikin.co.jp Official Yoshikin website]
* [http://www.globalknives.uk.com/counterfeit.htm Official UK Yoshikin website] Article on counterfeit Global knives
* [http://www.sointuusa.com/brand.php?brandID=global&contentID=global Sointu] Listing of every Global product manufactured