Ceramic Knives Reviews

I ordered this knife in order to determine whether a larger set of Global knives was in my future. Although it's a nice knife, it's not something I feel a need to own more of. I'm an avid cook, but it comes out of my spare time, so I'm looking for comfortable knives that are easy to use and clean; this one isn't as comfortable as I'd like.

PROS: It's really, really sharp--I don't spend a lot of time honing or sharpening, and it's held an edge well for several months of steady use. Given the sharpness and thin blade, it's good for cutting firmer things than you might expect for a knife this size. It's very easy to clean--no crevices--and the steel comes clean quickly, presumably because it's so dense. The blade's a handy size, making this a true utility knife good for lots of little tasks.

CONS: The handle is surprisingly _thin_, more blade-like than I expected, and I find it uncomfortable to push down on. This is the main reason I won't buy more. As well, the handle is a wee bit short (my hands are medium-sized, not particularly large), so the grip isn't as secure as it might be. And, despite both the above, it's a bit heavy.

Overall, it's a really nice knife, easy to clean, doesn't need babying, and it's freakishly sharp. However, it's not as comfortable to use as I would look for in a whole set of knives I planned to have for many years.

I have been an avid amateur cook for 25 years and have worked with a wide variety of kitchen tools during that period. Knives that I have utilized range from the "cheap but effective" to the finest products from Henckels. But the knives I use daily are the Globals', and the one that I cannot be without is this one. Although it is designated by the manufacturer as a Utility knife, it is simply the best paring knife I have ever used, and I've gone through a lot of them. Its razor sharpness is easily maintained, it has a perfect heft and balance, and it is exactly the "right" size and shape. It just feels great. Sorry if I sound so effusive -- I am not connected with the Global Corporation in any way -- but I would recommend this knife to any serious cook who has exacting standards in kitchenware.

This is a single stone (rather than a complicated series of stones) that gets the job done better than a much more costly electric sharpener. If you wish your knives were sharper, but don't want to become a professional knife maintenance technician, it's a nice choice. I like mine.

Bear in mind that with a sharpening stone, YOU are responsible for holding the knife at the correct angle; there are no safety features; and you'll still want to use a honing steel (that long metal rod with a handle) after sharpening.

If you like high-end products crafted from the cutting-edge (literally) technology, then be sure to check out these knives. I've checked them out in person but will wait to buy them since I've recently received as gifts a Henckels set (which I like but not love). They're beautiful - and functional - work of art, but like any high-performance machine, it requires a sophisticated user who gives it proper maintenance. I just love the way its sharp blade just glides insouciantly thru tough fibers. Highly recommended for pros and enthusiasts.

EXCERPT from "Consumer Search website":
Two Japanese companies are making a big splash. Global and Kyocera make very different knives, but both are liked for their sophisticated design. Global knives (*est. $170 for three) are made entirely from the same piece of metal. The blade seamlessly tapers into a textured stainless-steel handle. Reviewers say Global knives look gorgeous and work well. Made in the Japanese style, Global knives have a thinner blade and more angled knife-edge than German or American knives. Some reviewers say this makes them sharper out of the box than other knives...
(For the full article, SEE http://stage-consumersearch.brainlink.com/www/kitchen/kitchen_knives/fullstory.html)

I bought this knife almost three months ago, and have been nothing but impressed. I am a professional chef and have used this blade almost non-stop since its arrival. Despite daily use and infrequent passes on a global ceramic steel, it still remains near razor sharp. The feel, the balance, the way the blade will hold an edge, everything about this knife is amazing. It has quickly grown to be my favorite knife, surpassing even my ceramic knife which cost me three times as much and hasn't held up nearly as well. Only complaint I have is because of its heavy weight, delicate cutting such as basil julienne (which I do frequently) are exceptionally difficult without bruising the herbs. Its possible to do the job with the knife, but not really what it was designed for either in my opinion. Every knife has its purpose, this is the best general purpose knife ive ever used.

If God's mighty Hands are big enough, He definitely uses the 8 1/4" heavyweight Global. If not He wields a mighty regular 8".

These knives appear at first like Pacific Palisades yuppie display pieces, purchased to never be used, highly crafted but without mind towards function. Nothing could be further from the truth, however; these knives mean business. Built with Japan's modern chefs in mind, they have the balance of a Katana, highest quality steel and a wicked edge. They're suitable in construction and balance for everything from sashimi to butchery.

This heavy knife (Global actually refers to the heavier knives as "forged", probably because their lighter knives have ground hollow handles) can deftly mince shallots or rip apart a chicken in the same breath. The balance is so perfect that it really feels like nothing at all in your hand.

Care and feeding are trickier than a Henckels or a carbon-steel knife; the molybenum/vandium alloy is extremely hard and hard to influence outside of a full grind. I'm using a ceramic finishing stone to hone the edge (which does slip around; a downside of the extremely acute angle of grind), and I expect that I'll have a professional grind it when needed, something I don't do with my Henckels knives.

I'm buying the lighter 8" knife as well, now that I've had my hands on it. I really think that between the two of them there's nothing you can't take down.

This did nothing but damage my expensive, attractive and beloved Global knife. Not only did it leave unsightly scratches and dull scrapes halfway (!) up the blade, it left me with a knife that was so dull it'll have to be professionally sharpened before it can be used again; it's like cutting with a butter knife.

Global knives are exceedingly temperamental, and this is certainly not the tool to use for sharpening.

Avoid at all cost.

I've only had the product for a short time but it's definitely making a noticeable change on the edge of my Global knives. I'm rather impressed.

I'm not sure how people are banging up their knives using this simple, effective sharpener. Slow down, folks. Take your time.

I own a number of Global knives, and sharpen them all using the MinoSharp with tremendous success. I've even had luck sharpening Henckel and Wusthof knives with this. I enjoy using it, and when I'm done, my knives are like new.