This isn’t a Top Ten List. It will hopefully give you a better idea of the kitchen knife market and provide some useful tips. Each knife is unique because each knife was made by a Japanese knifemaker, visit website. They typically cost $120 to $170. (Please don’t gasp! They will last for at least 30 years.

Global 7 inch Santoku

Global revolutionized the way we cook with knives in 1980s. A series of high-performance knives that are fashionable and affordable were created. They are light with a razor-sharp blade and similar to traditional Japanese knives. In terms of blade design, they are closer than Japanese to Western tradition. Japanese Hybrids is what I call them. They blend one tradition with the other.

Global is the modern brand for knives. The knives have a pebbled-steel handle and are made from pure steel. Global places the perfect amount of handle hollow to give the knives a balanced look. Global knives are not made from forged blades. They are made from high-quality steel that’s been heat and temper treated to improve its quality.

The G-48 is the perfect model for people who want speed but are mobile. Its straight, straight santoku santoku can still be used to grab chopped celery. Global also stocks Western-styled chef’s knives. G-2 or G-6 are options.

I am proud to own this Santoku. I save it for slicing. It works great!

Mac MTH80 – Professional Series 8” Chef Knife, With Dimples

MAC knives have a prominent place in the kitchen knife market. Pros know a lot about them, thanks to famous chefs Charlie Trotter (and Thomas Keller), who recommend them as the best kitchen knife. There is a good chance that they have not heard of them.

Global knives were designed and manufactured in Japan. Global knives are not as sleek and as sharp as Global, but they are more likely to be razor-sharp than Global. They aren’t as heavily machined or forged like Global.

MTH80 Professional Macs’ main product line is MTH80 Professional. It is the most widely known because it offers the best sharpness for your money. It feels more German-style because of its thin, welded-on edge and the extra weight. Gourmet Mag described a MAC Blade as “the difference” between a small car, and a racecar. Give it a try!

( Note: You shouldn’t confuse the MTH80PROFESSIONAL with TH80 –Chef Series 8″ Cook’s Knife With Dimples. It is a lower priced model, at $40 or less.

Shun Classic 8 inch Chef Knife

Global and Shun, two well-respected Japanese brands, are in the U.S. Shun Classic, Shun’s most popular line, is extremely appealing and sharp. They are manufactured in Seki, one of the best knife-making centres in the world (alongside Solingen Germany).

The blade’s beautiful, wavy form is only the beginning. The edge is composed of 32 layers of softer, 16-layer-high steel. Rockwell 61 described it as a strong metal. It maintains a 16° edge for a very long time.