Global

*Est. $199 for three

Reviewed October 2009

Japanese cutlery

All metal
Good heft and balance
Excellent sharpness

Some find the grip difficult, even slippery
Takes some getting used to
Expensive

Where to Buy

for 199.95

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Reviews consistently give high ratings to Global Japanese-style kitchen knives. While user reviews at Amazon.com are almost exclusively complimentary and everyone says they cut well, professional reviews say Global's grip may not be in everyone's comfort zone and that cutting may involve a learning curve. The Global has a thinner, more angled blade than German-style knives. The blade and handle are one piece of heavy forged metal. Although the handle is textured, some still find the grip slippery, and there's no bolster, or lip, to separate the blade from the handle. Experts suggest trying before buying because comfort can vary. For those who want a more traditionally shaped knife, reviews say the Wüsthof Classic (*Est. $150 for three) is the best.

Cook's Illustrated magazine and ConsumerReports.org both include Global knives in hands-on tests of multiple models. We found additional reviews at Choice and Fine Cooking magazines. Owner reviews at Amazon.com are extremely positive but worth a look. Two users say their knives broke when they fell to the floor.

Where To Buy

Featured Stores	Store Rating	Notes	Total Price
	1398 store reviews	In Stock. 199.95	$199.95	See It
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Our Sources

1. Cook's Illustrated MagazineDetails/Subscribe

Seven chef's knives are rated, including the Global Forged 8.25-inch chef's knife. This detailed review evaluates heft, ease of use and handle comfort with both male and female testers. Pros and cons are listed for each tested knife.

Review: The $90 Chef's Knife Meets the $30 Upstart, Editors of Cook's Illustrated magazine, Nov. 2002

2. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

ConsumerReports.org rates almost 50 knife sets, including Global knives. Ratings are based on comfort, balance and ease of cutting.

Review: Kitchen Knives: Cutting-Edge Performance, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, June 2009

3. Fine Cooking Details/Subscribe

This guide to knife buying lists four favorites among Japanese-style knives but doesn't detail testing. Driscoll says the Global's "lack of bolster, sharply angled heel, and thin handle felt precarious to even some of its strongest advocates."

Review: How to Choose a Chef's Knife, Maryellen Driscoll

4. Choice magazineDetails/Subscribe

Choice magazine is similar to ConsumerReports.org in methodology, comparing 13 knives. While testers say the Global knife was excellent at cutting, some thought the handle was too thin or uncomfortable.

Review: Test: Kitchen Knives, Editors of Choice, Jan. 30, 2008

5. Amazon.com

About 70 owner reviews give the Global 8-inch chef's knife a very high average score, with just a few negative reviews. A couple of reviews say the knife broke when it was dropped on the floor.

Review: Global 8-Inch 20-centimeter Cook's Knife, Contributors to Amazon.com

6. Cooking for Engineers

This website explains its testing methodology in exacting detail, but testing is conducted only by one person. In this evaluation of 11 chef's knives, the Global 20-centimeter cook's knife performs best, but Michael Chu ultimately finds the MAC Mighty chef's knife more comfortable.

Review: Chef's Knives Rated, Michael Chu, Nov. 19, 2005

7. Kiplinger.com Details/Subscribe

Along with general buying advice, chef Wayne Nish discusses his specific preferences among knives. For the most part, Nish prefers Wüsthof Classic and Grand Prix knives, but he says Global knives make good slicers because of their thin blades.

Review: The Kindest Cutlery, Jane Bennett Clark, Feb. 2003