Global Classic 8" Japanese Chef's Knife (G-2) review

The Global G-2 is the easiest knife on this list to recognize: an all-steel chef's knife with a dimpled handle that Global's US distributor calls its best-seller and has sold since 1985. Designer Komin Yamada gave it a hollow handle filled with sand to set the balance, and the dimples are there for a secure grip even with wet hands. The knife is handcrafted in Niigata, Japan, and the edge is ground to a steep, acute angle meant for tomatoes, herbs and breaking down a chicken. It ranks eighth because the distributor's page does not publish the steel grade, hardness or weight, so we could not score it as highly on documented quality, and at $149.95 it costs more than Misen. The steel handle also divides cooks: some like the single-piece feel, others find it slippery or hard compared with wood or plastic. We compared documented features and published prices and did not run cutting tests.

Who it is for

cooks who want a light all-steel knife with a distinctive look

Price

$149.95 on globalcutleryusa.com as of November 2026.

classic 8" japanese chef's knife sale price $149.95 sku: g-2
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• 8 in chef's knife sold since 1985
• Designed by Komin Yamada and handcrafted in Niigata, Japan
• Dimpled steel handle for grip, even with wet hands
• Hollow handle weighted with sand for balance
• Edge ground to a steep, acute angle

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Sold by the official US distributor, which handles warranty support
• Strength: One-piece look with no handle seams or rivets
• Strength: Global's best-selling knife, per the distributor
• Weakness: $149.95 costs more than the $124.00 Misen
• Weakness: The page does not publish steel grade, hardness or weight
• Weakness: An all-steel handle feels very different from wood or plastic, so try one first

Key facts

• Price: $149.95
• SKU: G-2
• Made in: Niigata, Japan
• Handle: Dimpled steel, sand-weighted
• Sold since: 1985

Where it ranks

Global Classic 8" Japanese Chef's Knife (G-2) is No. 8 in our Best Kitchen Knives verdict.