Global GF-35 Chef's Knife (30cm, Pack of 5)

Is this knife too large for everyday home cooking?

The 30cm blade length makes this knife substantial, but many home cooks find it becomes their go-to knife once they adjust to the size. It excels at tasks like slicing large vegetables, cutting meat portions and chopping herbs in quantity. However, if you primarily cook for one or two people and work with smaller ingredients, you might find a shorter blade more practical for daily use.

How do I properly maintain the razor-sharp edge?

Regular honing with a steel rod maintains the edge between sharpenings. Avoid cutting on hard surfaces like glass or stone and hand wash immediately after use. The high-grade stainless steel holds its edge well, typically requiring professional sharpening only every 6-12 months with regular home use. Store the knife in a knife block or magnetic strip to protect the edge.

What cutting techniques work best with this knife?

The 30cm length is perfect for long, smooth slicing motions rather than chopping. Use a rocking motion for herbs and small vegetables and long draws for meat and fish. The extended blade allows you to slice through large items in single strokes, which is particularly useful for maintaining the structure of delicate foods and achieving uniform cuts.

Can this knife handle bone-in cuts and frozen foods?

Whilst the knife can handle some bone contact, it's designed primarily for boneless cuts and soft bone work like fish bones. Avoid using it on hard bones, frozen solid foods, or as a cleaver, as this can damage the fine edge. For frozen items, allow partial thawing first, or use the knife's weight to your advantage with gentle pressure rather than force.

How does the weight affect handling and control?

At 22.7g, this knife is relatively lightweight for its size, but the 30cm length requires adjustment if you're used to shorter knives. The balanced design helps control the blade tip, but initial use may feel unwieldy. Most users adapt within a few cooking sessions and then appreciate the knife's ability to handle large cutting tasks with minimal effort.

What's the difference between this and shorter Global knives?

The GF-35's 30cm blade offers significantly more cutting surface than standard 20cm chef's knives, making it ideal for large-scale food preparation. It can slice through bigger items in single strokes and handles volume cooking more efficiently. However, shorter knives offer better manoeuvrability for detailed work and are easier to store and handle for everyday tasks.

Is the seamless construction really more hygienic?

Yes, the seamless design eliminates the joints and crevices found in traditional knives where bacteria and food particles can accumulate. The smooth contours make thorough cleaning straightforward and there are no hidden areas that might harbour contaminants. This design is particularly important for professional kitchens and serious home cooks who prioritise food safety.

How should I store this knife safely given its size?

Due to the 30cm blade length, standard knife blocks may not accommodate this knife. Consider a magnetic knife strip mounted on the wall, a large knife block designed for professional knives, or a knife roll for storage. Always ensure the blade is completely dry before storage and keep it away from other utensils that might damage the edge or pose safety risks.