Global G-2 8-Inch Chef's Knife

Designed by Komin Yamada in 1985, the Global G-2 broke every convention: one-piece stainless steel construction, a hollow handle filled with sand for balance, and a razor-thin Cromova 18 blade hardened to 56-58 HRC. It's lighter than any German knife and sharper out of the box than most Japanese knives at twice the price. The dimpled handle is polarizing — you either love the grip or hate it — but the cutting performance is undeniable. It made Japanese knife design accessible to the Western market.