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Best Japanese-Style

Global 8-Inch Chef's Knife (G-2)

Global's G-2 is the knife that introduced a generation of home cooks to Japanese-style blades — frighteningly sharp, featherlight, and distinctive with its all-steel dimpled handle. CNET called it one of the best Japanese-style chef's knives you can buy at an approachable price.

$100-$130
Pros
  • Scary-sharp edge straight out of the box, typical of Japanese-style blades
  • Lightweight and nimble — significantly lighter than German knives
  • Distinctive all-stainless steel construction with no handle attachment points to fail
  • CNET's top pick in original testing and held its position across retests
Cons
  • All-steel handle can feel slippery for some users, especially when wet
  • Lightweight feel is a dealbreaker for cooks who prefer a heavier knife
  • Requires careful maintenance — hard steel chips more easily than German blades
Why we recommend it

For cooks who want a true Japanese experience without spending $300+, the Global G-2 is the move — it's been a top pick for years and the edge it holds will make you rethink everything you knew about sharpness.

CNET

This chef's knife took the top spot in our original round of knife testing and it has held up as one of the best Japanese-style chef's knives you can buy -- and at an approachable price.