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's original knives have thinner blades and are lighter than traditional European-style knives, Global also makes a European-style heavyweight line for cooks who prefer hefty cutlery-like this 8-1/4-inch chef's knife, whose broad blade is as thick as a traditional European knife's. Global also dispensed with bolsters on most of its knives, including this one. Most Global knives have hollow handles, but the handle on this knife is solid. 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 the seamless construction between handle and blade is more sanitary. This knife's wedge-shaped handle is particularly well engineered for grasping securely with a relaxed hand. 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 set 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.

• Precision-forged blades of Wusthof's own high-carbon stain-resistant steel alloy. • Skillfully honed by hand and laser-tested for a flawless edge that lasts longer and is easy to resharpen. • Computer-controlled grinding and polishing perfect the tapering from back to edge and tip to handle. • Permanently bonded to the extended tang, handles are ergonomically molded with a pebble-grained texture for a comfortable, no-slip grip. • Made in Solingen, Germany.

This perfectly proportioned handle has been created with a new open flow to accommodate each individual hand while improving convenience and safety for the user. The TWIN® Five Star line contains knives for all tasks, including the following open stock knife types: parer, bread, sandwich, carving, chef’s, santoku, and others. 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.

This steel is hard enough for Global knives to keep their edge for a long time but soft enough so that it is not too difficult to sharpen the knives. The CRO in CROMOVA 18 stands for chromium and the 18 is the percentage of chromium in the steel. This high percentage of chromium contributes to Global's good stain resistance. Care should be taken to keep your Global knives stain and rust free. The MO and VA in CROMOVA 18 stand for molybdenum and vanadium. These two elements give a knife good 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's original knives have thinner blades and are lighter than traditional European-style knives, Global also makes a heavier-weight line for cooks who prefer hefty cutlery-like this 8-inch vegetable knife, whose broad blade is as thick as a traditional European knife's and is ideal for precisely slicing and chopping vegetables. Global also dispensed with bolsters on most of its knives, including this one. Most Global knives have hollow handles, but the handle on this knife is solid. 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.