Global knives

[hornetrider]

Morning choppers!

We are looking to get a good quality set of knives for the kitchen, having never bought real quality knives before. I've had a bit of a search and seen the Japanese knife threads, but would be grateful if someone could give a bit of insight into relative qualities/bang for buck when it comes to knives.

We're looking to get a small set of knives with perhaps a block. I came across this set of global knives which even at the 'discounted' price is quite eye watering relatively speaking.

http://www.millyskitchenstore.co.uk/GlobalKnives30...

Is there say, sets at the £50, £100, £200 level that people could recommend?

There's also www.chefsknifestore.co.uk/chef-knifeset/london-d67... which at £140 is slightly more palateable.

Any advice or pointers for a knife newbie?

[toasty]

I was given some Global knives as a housewarming present about 15 years ago.

2 of the little knives have broken due to being dropped with possibly increased brittleness due to dishwashing.

Apart from that they've lasted well through years of abuse but then again so has the Ikea chefs knife I had before them.

I'd try a few out, Global aren't the most comfortable for me but it's not enough of an issue to change.

[IrateNinja]

Check out Robert Welch, superb knives.

I've also got a Miyabi 7000D, although that was a random impulse purchase when I was on holiday and is a fair bit more expensive but sharp as hell...

[ChrisnChris]

toasty said:

2 of the little knives have broken due to being dropped with possibly increased brittleness due to dishwashing.

I like my Globals, but I know some find them awkwardly balanced and slipery. I haven't experienced any other "quality" knives in any prolonged usage.

I dropped one that then broke, I sent it back & got a replacement. It hadn't been in a dishwasher, It was about 5 yrs old.

Beware of fakes, there are plenty out there. You can test with a magnet, the blade isn't magnetic, the handle is. (I think that's the right way round!!!.......that's got me wondering now......best go and check!!!)

[Gaz3376]

I find global handles are to slim and make my hands sore.

[hornetrider]

Hmmm, I won't buy blind then. I'll pop to JL to test drive.

[GT03ROB]

ChrisnChris said:

Beware of fakes, there are plenty out there. You can test with a magnet, the blade isn't magnetic, the handle is. (I think that's the right way round!!!.......that's got me wondering now......best go and check!!!)

I think you have that wrong...... or else the magnetic knife bar Global make wouldn't work too well!!

[jamesh764]

GT03ROB said:

ChrisnChris said:

Beware of fakes, there are plenty out there. You can test with a magnet, the blade isn't magnetic, the handle is. (I think that's the right way round!!!.......that's got me wondering now......best go and check!!!)

I think you have that wrong...... or else the magnetic knife bar Global make wouldn't work too well!!

I've just checked. The blade is magnetic but the handle isn't.

[ATG]

Got a global chef's knife about 5 years ago and one of their three wheel sharpeners. Hardly ever use another knife. It's a great jack of all trades. If I knew what i was doing with a rod, I could probably be honing it to keep it sharp rather than using the sharpener. But given it only needs a quick run through the wheels every few months, it works fine for me.

Having a properly sharp knife to use is great. Should have done it years ago.

[hornetrider]

Robert Welch look pretty good, and reduced in JL from 280 to 220...

[Scantily]

I have globals and like them, but haven't used any other premium knives. Go into a kitchen shop and try them out to see how they feel.

Nobody really needs a set of knives, most people can get away with two. Buy a good chefs knife and a paring knife and they will cover about 95% of all kitchen duties.

[hornetrider]

Well I bought these.

http://www.johnlewis.com/robert-welch-signature-kn...

Lovely weight to them, sharpener built in to the block, and magnets to keep the blade away from touching anything as they slide in. 25 year guarantee.

[NordicCrankShaft]

I bought a set of Globals as a young chef 15 years ago and at first I thought they were the dogs bks, then I started using other brands of knife. Globals are okay if you are only using a knife for the occasional bit of cutting but they are uncomfortable to use in the hand and they do not stay sharp that long, for the money they are a very poor choice and are generally looked upon in the chef world as the equivalent of a chocolate sauce pan

over the years I've used brands such as Victorinox, Dick, Wusthoff, Mac and Shun. The Shun knives are by far the best, they are comfortable, strong, stay sharper longer and look fantastic!!

I've also heard many a chef recommend the Ikea Slit bar, Damascus rolled steel series. (Yes IKEA)

[daytona365]

SABATIER.

[AndrewEH1]

hornetrider said:

Well I bought these.

http://www.johnlewis.com/robert-welch-signature-kn...

Lovely weight to them, sharpener built in to the block, and magnets to keep the blade away from touching anything as they slide in. 25 year guarantee.

I have a bunch of these knifes for about 5 years. Lasted very well and are great in the hand, enjoy them!

[wolfracesonic]

Surprised this place hasn't been mentioned: not used them myself but have seen them mentioned in previous knife threads, with good reports. Japanese Chefs Knives

[Dr JonboyG]

I have been using Global knives for almost 20 years (got the first one as a 21st present iirc) and while I am a fan, not everyone is. Some people prefer a heavier knife, and Global's handle isn't always the most ergonomic.

[Matt172]

I've got a 6 piece set of global knives, fantastic to use.

If you were thinking of getting a Japanese knife I can thoroughly recommend these guys https://cuttingedgeknives.co.uk

I bought this one from them a couple of months ago, sharpest thing I've ever used....all fingers still in tact

[carinatauk]

wolfracesonic said:

Surprised this place hasn't been mentioned: not used them myself but have seen them mentioned in previous knife threads, with good reports. Japanese Chefs Knives

I have used these guys before, excellent knives and super service. I bought a number of Hattori FH knives, painfully sharp and wonderfully balanced. I will get some Japanese steel knives next time.

I looked at a lot of the european ranges and found them to be to heavy for me. One thing to consider is that the Japanese ranges are very job specific, ie not all the knives are good with bones and the wrong type of cutting board

[Schmy]

To check if your Global is pukka go shake the handle next to your ear. There is a grain of sand in there.