Japan’s Global knives have created quite a stir in the culinary world, challenging the old orthodoxy that a knife blade needs to be both heavy and thick, with a bolster for proper balance. In contrast, Global blades are ground and hand-sharpened to a long point, not a bevel, creating a wickedly-sharp straight edge that’s actually visible to the naked eye. They’re forged from exceptionally hard molybdenum/vanadium stainless steel, ice-tempered and hardened for corrosion resistance and an edge that lasts longer than even the highest-quality German knives. The thinner blades are also more lightweight, preventing user fatigue during long chopping tasks, while the bolster-free design eases the task of sharpening by allowing you to hone the entire blade. The slip-resistant, textured hollow stainless steel handle contributes to the knife’s light weight, and its diameter is especially suited for smaller hands. The seamless construction is hygienic and easy to clean, and the knives are individually balanced and weighted for exceptional comfort and ease of control. For anyone who’s used to chopping and prepping with a heavy monster of a chef’s knife, these nimble, maneuverable, exceptionally attractive knives will come as something of a revelation. The seven-inch santoku is an essential Japanese knife, found in most homes as well as professional kitchens. Its broad, straight blade combines characteristics of a Western chef’s knife and a cleaver. Great for chopping and dicing large quantities of herbs or vegetables, it’s the tool of choice for creating razor-thin slices of sashimi, or any other fish, meat, or poultry. Oval-shaped hollows on each side reduce friction for a cleaner cut and help release food so that it falls away from the blade. To protect its edges, hand-wash and dry this knife; use a steel for maintenance, then periodically have edges re-ground. This item is covered by a lifetime warranty. --Mary Park