Global knives have a smooth contour and seamless, all stainless construction that eliminates food and dirt traps. Global knifes are forged in Japan from CROMOVA 18 Stainless Steel, a blend of 18 percent chromium for good stain resistance plus molybdenum and vanadium which gives excellent edge retention. High tech from tip to handle, Global knives from Japan created a sensation when they burst onto the world's culinary stage as an alternative to traditional European-style cutlery. Blades are made of hard molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel and "face-ground" with a long taper rather than a short bevel so edges remain sharp longer than even the best high-carbon stainless-steel knives. Edges also are ground at a more acute angle than traditional European-style knives and arrive from the factory razor-sharp. Although Global also makes a "heavyweight" line for cooks who prefer hefty knives, its original knives-of which this 5-1/2-inch knife for precisely slicing and chopping vegetables is an example-have thinner blades and are lighter than traditional European-style knives. Global also dispensed with bolsters on its original knives to reduce weight. Balance is achieved by injecting a precise amount of sand for a particular blade style into a hollow handle. To ensure balance is continuous, the sand flows inside the handle as a blade is maneuvered. A finger notch between blade and handle provides safety. Stainless-steel handles are Global's most striking feature. They're molded to fit the hand and dimpled to resist slipping. Smaller around than many European-style handles, they're easy for small-handed cooks to grasp and seamless for sanitation. Global recommends using a ceramic sharpener or a diamond steel instead of a metal sharpening steel for its knives, supplemented by a synthetic whetstone, a ceramic whetstone, or a Shinkansen sharpener. Global also makes a Sharpening Guide Rail so blades can be honed on a whetstone at the proper angle. Global knives should be hand washed to protect edges. They carry a lifetime warranty against defects and breakage. -Fred Brack.

All LamsonSharp knives are covered under the Sharp For Life program. All LamsonSharp knife owners can have their knives sharpened by the craftsmen who made them, for life. Every open stock LamsonSharp forged knife also comes with its own LamsonSharp KnifeSafe - a durable, easy-to-care-for, nontoxic, food grade, clear polypropylene sheath. The Knifesafe sheath is dishwasher safe and features tabs that clamp tight, and rubber pads that hold the knife securely in place for safe storage and transportation. Lamson & Goodnow, the makers of LamsonSharp knives, have been handcrafting cutlery since 1837 in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. Lifetime warranty. Made in the USA. Blade style: 5" Kullenschliff Santoku.

The Knifesafe sheath is dishwasher safe and features tabs that clamp tight, and rubber pads that hold the knife securely in place for safe storage and transportation. Lamson & Goodnow, the makers of LamsonSharp knives, have been handcrafting cutlery since 1837 in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. Lifetime warranty. Made in the USA. Blade style: 5" Kullenschliff Santoku.