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 8-3/4-inch bread knife, with a scalloped edge for slicing crusty loaves, 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.

TWIN® Five Star knives are also available in a range of block sets and gift sets, to be sure that your cutlery needs are covered. A Higher Standard in Knife Construction TWIN® Five Star knives are precision forged from a single piece of exclusive-formula, high-carbon, no-stain steel under the all-new Sigmaforge standard. As a result, TWIN® Five Star knives have improved quality consistency, lasting sharpness, and perfect geometry. Sigmaforge one-piece construction also provides high precision and improved stability of the blade and steel structure, thus improving cutting-edge retention for lasting sharpness. In addition, TWIN® Five Star knives use J. A. Henckels’ Friodur ice hardening for corrosion resistance, a process that also contributes to cutting-edge retention. It's All in The Grip: The Five Star® series features high impact polypropylene handles that are permanently bonded to the knife blades without any gaps. These ergonomic handles are break-proof, sanitary, and colorfast. In addition, the super bolster provides weight, insures safety, and adds balance. Features: SIGMAFORGE 1-piece, precision forged construction: Provides perfect geometry, high precision, and improved stability of the blade and steel structure, thus improving cutting edge retention for lasting sharpness. Laser controlled edge: Is sharper and stays sharper longer. Has a more consistent blade angle. Friodur ice hardening: Maximum no-stain properties and more blade strength. Improved resistance to corrosion and pitting. Super bolster: Provides weight, insures safety, and adds balance. Full rat-tail tang: Provides a proper balance and greater strength. High-carbon no-stain steel, an exclusive J. A. Henckels formula: Non-staining, non-rusting. Hand, precision honed blade: Is sharper and stays sharper longer. Ergonomic designed handle: Safer and much more convenient in use. Polypropylene handles: Comfortable molded handles and food safe Dishwasher safe: Easy care (Although hand-washing is recommended by J. A. Henckels). Full warranty: J. A. Henckels stands behind all its knives.

Use the proper tool for the job, just like Dad always said, and for slicing bread that means a real bread knife with a serrated edge. This forged stainless-steel bread knife is made by German manufacturer F. Dick, maker of the most popular brand of knives used by professional chefs around the world. It has a hard-plastic handle with a full tang and an 8-inch wavy-edge blade, with large serrations to attack the crust effectively while still slicing neatly through the soft interior of the loaf. -Marcie Bovetz.

But it also means they are perfectly shaped and fit their handles seamlessly. And the blades' high-carbon stainless steel is identical to that of Wüsthof's premium knives, only thinner. The knife is dishwasher-safe, but hand washing is recommended to protect its edge. -Fred Brack.

Handles are also smaller, a feature those with small hands may appreciate. The steel used in the Pro S line is identical to that of the Five and Four Star lines. While this knife is dishwasher-safe, hand washing is recommended. -Fred Brack From the Manufacturer The J. A. Henckels Twin Professional S (or Pro S) knife series features trustworthy quality and classic three-rivet styling-it’s a line of knives admired by both professional chefs and home cooks of all skill levels. The Twin Pro S line contains knives for all tasks, including the following open stock knife types: parer, bread, peeling, sandwich, utility, carving, steak, chef’s, Granton edge slicer, santoku, and others. Twin Pro S knives are also available in a range of block sets and gift sets, to be sure that your cutlery needs are covered. A Reliable Standard in Knife Construction Twin Pro S knives are precision forged from a single piece of exclusive-formula, high-carbon, no-stain steel under the all-new Sigmaforge standard. As a result, Twin Pro S knives have improved quality consistency, lasting sharpness, and perfect geometry. Sigmaforge one-piece construction also provides high precision and improved stability of the blade and steel structure, thus improving cutting-edge retention for lasting sharpness. In addition, Twin Pro S knives use J. A. Henckels’s Friodur ice hardening for corrosion resistance, a process that also contributes to cutting-edge retention. An Ergonomic Handle for Easier Use J. A. Henckels’s Twin Pro S knives boast a comfortable, ergonomic three-rivet handle design that won’t wear against the hand and helps to provide control when doing any cutting task. These durable Novodur handles are perfectly bonded to the full tang on each knife for stability and durability. The impeccably balanced super bolster provides weight and adds balance for safer and more professional cutting. Features Sigmaforge one-piece precision-forged construction: Provides perfect geometry, high precision, and improved stability of the blade and steel structure, thus improving cutting-edge retention for lasting sharpness. Laser-controlled edge: Is sharper and stays sharper longer. Has a more consistent blade angle. Friodur ice hardening: Maximum no-stain properties and more blade strength. Improved resistance to corrosion and pitting. Super bolster: Provides weight, insures safety, and adds balance. Full visible tang construction: Provides proper balance and greater strength. High-carbon no-stain steel, an exclusive J. A. Henckels formula: Nonstaining, nonrusting. Precision honed: Is sharper and stays sharper longer. Triple-riveted Novodur handles: Durable, strong, and smooth, these comfortable handles are perfectly balanced. Dishwasher-safe: Easy care (though hand washing is recommended by J. A. Henckels). Full warranty: J. A. Henckels stands behind all its knives.

Made in the USA. Blade style: 8" Serrated Bread.

-Arthur Boehm.