Global Knives: The Best of Japanese and German Design

Global is a fairly new brand, started in the 1980s. They have some interesting features not seen in other Japanese kitchen knives, with a lot of German influence on the technology. This isn't uncommon, but in Global's case, the influence makes them a real Japanese/German hybrid. 

We look at the Global knife lines and product offerings and discuss history, design, blade quality and performance, pros and cons, who these knives are best for, and more: everything you need to know before you buy.

Global Knives Recommendation

Global knives are thin, light, and sharp. They have softer steel than other Japanese brands, making them an excellent introduction to the world of Japanese knives: they hold an edge well, but are easy to sharpen and maintain (making them the best of both worlds).

Like most Japanese knives, Global knives are not designed for hard foods, but a pleasure to use for everything else. We think they are best suited to people with small hands, as the handles are shorter and narrower than other knife brands (but try one before you decide).

Highly recommended as a sharp, high quality knife.

Global Knives at a Glance

Global makes three lines of kitchen knives, although their Classic line has subsets which we explain in the detailed reviews below. We list the Global Classic Forged lines as a separate category in the table (and in the reviews below) because it's different enough that it should be a separate category.

Somewhat confusingly, you will find all the Classic lines together on the Global website, without much explanation as to how they're different. They will even sometimes mix G and GS Classic lines together in sets. 

For this reason, pay close attention to the model numbers when buying, or you may end up with a knife you didn't want.

All Global knives are made in Japan and have a guarantee to be free from defects.

NOTE: Global also has a Ni line (see it on Amazon) that is no longer on their website, so it's probably been discontinued. The Ni stock numbers begin with "GN."