About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the knife, which I received to test in August in 2022, and have used for a full month at the time of reviewing.

My take

The Global G2 Classic Chef’s Knife is an easy-to-use and versatile chef knife. The edge-hold and simplicity make it a beautiful kitchen companion for home cooks.

About the knife I own

• Model: Global G-2
• Knife type: Chef Knife
• Blade Length: 8”
• Handle Material: Stainless Steel
• Handle Shape: Ergonomic

About me

I have grown up with a love for food and high-end cutlery; at 18 years old, I began washing dishes in top kitchens in my city to learn the ropes and understand professional kitchens from the ground up. After working in dish pits, lines, and prep stations, I landed a position as a sous chef. After a time in charge, I decided cooking professionally and barking orders was not for me. So I began focusing on my personal diet and my relationship to food and the outdoors.

Test conditions

I received the G-2 on August 28th, 2022, as a sample from Global and switched it out for my everyday chef knife on my magnet at home. Now having used it for close to an entire month, I feel comfortable writing a thorough review. I use a variety of wooden cutting boards in my kitchen and have tested this knife on plastic boards as well. So far I have only done a bit of honing for tomatoes and have not yet needed to sharpen the knife after a month of cooking.

How it performs

What I was looking for

The Global G-2 is a high-quality Japanese chef knife with a modern aesthetic. I typically use more traditional-style Japanese knives, but I have enjoyed the modern feel of the Global.

Why I chose this gear

I was sent the Global G-2 as a sample, however that has not interfered with the honesty of my review. It will continue to live on my knife magnet for a bit, but has since gotten a lot less use since writing the review.

What I love about it

• Durability: Global created a durable and affordable knife with the G-2. For most home cooks, I would think only 1–2 sharpening sessions a year would be adequate.
• Versatility: I think the Global G-2 is the perfect domestic option. I no longer work in high-volume kitchens, but it works perfect for home applications. I would only be worried about the comfort of the knife over long periods of time for professionals.
• Balance: Global handles are hollow and filled with sand to match the blade weight; this allows the knife to balance perfectly in the hand.
• Weight: I typically use exclusively Japanese chef knives/gyutos since they are much lighter than western styles and the G-2 does not disappoint; it is super lightweight in the hand.
• Application: Chef knives are the kitchen workhorse: they slice, chop, dice, and whatever else needed. Typically at home, the G-2 is the only knife I will need. For most dinners that don’t require peeling or technical cutting, the G-2 will prep almost any variety of veggie and can handle lots of proteins as well.
• Handle Profile: I keep my hands and my knives dry while cutting and usually while cooking, so I haven’t had slipping issues I’ve read about in other reviews of the G-2.
• Blade Length: The eight-inch Global G-2 is the perfect length for balance and comfort.
• Quality of materials: Global knives are incredibly thoughtful and use some of the highest-quality stainless steel.
• Features: The dimpled handle is incredibly simple but offers an implied grip and hygienic handle.
• Warranty: Global guarantees any product that it sells to be free from defects in material, construction, or workmanship under normal use and following the care instructions.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Flexibility: I don’t eat or prepare meat where much flexibility would be needed, but I’ve noticed the blade to be much stiffer than my typical Japanese knives.
• Performance with Hard Vegetables: I have been making lots of Corn Ribs (popular on tiktok), and the Global does not do great and requires a lot of force when cutting the core up.
• Blade material: The only problem I have had with the material of the blade is that it scratches easily. My steel scissors scraped it in the drawer and it left a scratch on the surface.
• Ergonomics: I no longer work in high-production kitchens, but from what I have read by other reviewers and experienced is the metal handle could be difficult for long cutting sessions.

Favorite moment with this gear

Receiving and unboxing the Global is not like other knives. The packaging and style of this knife made me feel like I had been transported to the future. It’s a very cool experience considering most knives come in a box with a photo on the exterior.

Value for the money vs. other options

When comparing chef knives, the Global G-2 is next to the best value for the money. Comparable options for a non-metal handle would be either the Shun Kanso Chef's Knife 8" or the Cangshan TC Series 8" Chef Knife. Global also makes a higher-quality, forged version of this knife: the Global Forged Chef's Knife.

Final verdict

The Global G-2 is one of the highest-regarded chef knives in the world. Cooks like Anthony Bourdain and Thomas Keller recommend this knife, and I do too. Having quality tools with high-functioning details and aesthetics makes cooking fun.