What Is the Difference Between Global Knives?

Global cutlery has brought forth various ranges of kitchen knives known for their unique qualities. In comparison with other knives, global blades are made of steel from handle to tip. Most global knives reviews highlight their ultramodern, industrial look as a result of this feature.

Today, we’ll look at the four different collections of global knives and the features that set them apart. We’ll also discuss a few traits they have in common to help you decide which collection best suits your culinary requirements.

The Common Denominator Between Global Knives

Like any decent knife collection in the modern era, global knives are made in Japan and are born from Japanese culture. That introduction alone should give you a good idea as to the quality of these blades. A stainless steel alloy known as CROMOVA 18 is used to forge these knives into exceptional cutting and slicing tools.

Unlike collections offering varying degrees of blade thickness and thinness, the global set is more one-dimensional. Its blades are thinner and have a flatter, straighter edge than the beveled ones you often see in Western-influenced knives. You know what they say about thinner blades: they are both sharper and easier to sharpen.

These are the two most essential qualities to look for in kitchen knives. Strike a balance between them in your collection, and you should have a relatively smooth culinary experience moving forward. Another feature to note in these blades is their sand-filled handles, which allow for the ideal slip-resistant grip.

A Collection of Global Knives

As mentioned previously, there are four different types of global knives holding their individual collections. In this section, we will focus on the pièce de résistance of each collection to give you a clearer picture of the distinctiveness of each.

The Global Classic

The classic is what immediately comes to mind when someone mentions “global knives.” It is the pioneering knife and the original design on which all global collections are based on. The knife remained the same in all aspects since manufactured in the mid-1980s.

True to form, the classic maintains sharpness longer than its counterparts both in the same and in different collections. Its hollow handle, for some reason, is also more balanced and relaxed on the grip.

That said, despite most of its features standing the test of time, the knife’s very specific set of qualities might not extend beyond the traditional culinary setting. Intentionally, that’s what other global collections are for.

The Global NI

Included in this collection is the latest global knife to date. Like the rest of the blades in this category, the knife takes inspiration from innovative Asian culinary culture. While thin compared to other blades outside of the global range, it possesses a thicker edge than other global knives.

The knife’s spine is more rounded to provide more comfort and grip control, and its weight is a little on the heavier side.

The Global SAI

Japanese knives have always been heavy on historical narrative, especially since a considerable part of their production is founded upon tradition and culture. Whether one acknowledges it or not, as influential as these knives’ functionality is the culture, tradition, and history behind them. You get a considerable dose of each in the SAI global collection.

This collection conjures up images of Samurais, sword fighting, and medieval to early-contemporary Japan’s ways. It’s not a surprise that such a storied narrative should factor into one’s culinary prowess. After all, a level of intimacy and emotion is required to prepare dishes and serve them.

An SAI knife is highlighted by seven aligning dots spanning across the lower section of the knife’s handle. These dots represent the Samurai’s moral codes and principles. Furthermore, the three-ply blade forged from none other than the CROMOVA 18 core is unique to this collection. The blade gives you the aesthetically pleasing hand-hammered finish to top it all off.

The Global UKON

Sitting right in the middle between traditional and contemporary is the UKON series. Among the most versatile of the bunch, there isn’t much this set of knives can’t accomplish. CATRA testing for cutlery has deemed the leading edge UKON collection ten percent sharper than its counterparts out of the box.

Thus, if you’re neither a traditionalist nor contemporary purist in cooking, the more neutral UKON should be right up your alley. Every chef needs a bit of flexibility, so you’ve undoubtedly made a wise choice.

The Global Set for Your Needs

While each global knife collection has strengths and weaknesses independent of the other, chances are you won’t need anything more than the set that works for you. That’s because you’re either one or another type of chef in most cases. And if you’re a chef who loves to experiment or integrate different culinary styles into your craft, the UKON collection should be more than ready to meet your needs.