Global G-2 8-Inch Chef's Knife

Designed by Komin Yamada in 1985, the Global G-2 broke every convention with its one-piece stainless steel construction and a hollow handle filled with sand for perfect balance. It is 25% lighter than the Wusthof Classic Ikon and sharper out of the box than most Japanese knives at twice the price. The Cromova 18 blade, hardened to 56-58 HRC, delivers razor-thin precision for tasks like slicing salmon or dicing shallots. The dimpled handle is polarizing—you either love the grip or hate it—but the cutting performance is undeniable, making Japanese knife design accessible to the Western market.