Global Knives

About Global Knives

With their distinctive look, Global knives are easily recognizable and a leading brand in the world of cutlery. Global knives were developed in the 1980s by the Japanese company Yoshikin Metal Co, Ltd. Founded in the 1950s, the company was known for their hollow-handled flatware, and they wanted to apply this technology to a purely stainless steel knife series. They partnered with Japanese industrial designer Yamada Komin, who had provided the company with award winning flatware designs. Yamada considered the user as he developed the Global line, giving each knife a handle designed to help the knife perform with maximum efficiency.

When Global knives debuted in Japan, there was moderate interest. Convinced they had an excellent product, Yoshikin marketed their cutlery to the European market where the clean, modern look was immediately appealing. Soon they were being used by top European chefs, which established the line's reputation. Since that time, Global knives have gone on to win numerous design awards and are appreciated by chefs and home cooks alike for how easy they are to handle and for keeping their edge.

Global Knife Construction

What sets a Global knife apart is the stainless steel construction from blade to bolster to handle. Each knife is made from Yoshikin's proprietary CROMOVA 18 stainless steel. This formulation of stainless steel combines steel with chromium, molybdenum and vanadium to create a stainless steel that really holds an edge like a high-carbon steel, but is lighter and stain resistant.

The handles are also distinctive when compared to other knife manufacturers. Not only are the hollow designs ideal for lightness and maneuverability, Yamada Komin thought about the complete design of the knife as he developed them for Yoshikin. If you look at other knife collections, you will notice that each knife has the same handle, regardless of its use. Global considers how the knife is held as it is used, and the handles are shaped accordingly. That's why the Global paring knife handle has more of an angle compared to the Global chef's knife.

Types of Global Knives

While Global boasts of over 100 types of blade in their line, Crate & Barrel has selected the knives most used in daily kitchen tasks. Choose from our open stock collection that includes bread, paring, chef's and utility knives as well as slicers. Depending on the knife and its intended use, you can select straight, serrated and hollow-ground edges. We also have Global knife sets that bring together a collection of the most essential pieces along with a handsome storage block and ceramic sharpening rod designed to keep the Global knife edge in peak performance.

Shop our selection of Global knife sets and open-stock cutlery to experience the performance this well-designed, iconic cutlery.

Wondering what the unwritten rules of gift giving are for weddings and various wedding-related events? Crate & Barrel has you covered (in writing) with our Wedding Gift Etiquette Rules Guide and Bridal Shower Gift Etiquette Rules Guide. Learn how much to spend on wedding gifts, what type of wedding gifts to give, how far in advance to buy wedding gifts and all sorts of useful information when shopping for nuptials.