Even the most minimalist chef requires a few essential kitchen tools, one of which is undoubtedly a high-quality set of knives. The late culinary icon Anthony Bourdain disliked large knife sets, arguing that most people need just a few kitchen knives. In his memoir Kitchen Confidential, he recommended keeping just a paring knife, serrated knife, and chef’s knife on hand — the latter of which is especially important for daily kitchen tasks like slicing and dicing.
While many pros recommend German brands like Wüsthof, Bourdain was partial to Global’s Japanese-made chef’s knife. Read on to learn why, and grab yours while it’s 37% off at Amazon.
Global 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
Amazon
In his 2000 memoir Kitchen Confidential, Bourdain said that he and many of his fellow chefs were “retiring their Wústhofs and replacing them with lightweight, easy-to-sharpen and relatively inexpensive vanadium steel Global knives, a very good Japanese product that has — in addition to its many other fine qualities — the added attraction of looking really cool.” Once you see the knife’s sleek blade and dimpled metal handle for yourself, you’ll understand what he meant.
According to the Daily Meal, Bourdain doubled down on his recommendation of this knife at the 2017 premiere of his documentary Wasted: The Story of Food Waste, saying, “As a starter chef knife, the Global is pretty good for a first-timer. It’s also beloved by other professionals.”
Of the 30 chef’s knives we tested, this 8-inch Japanese knife was our favorite lightweight option. With its paper-thin blade, we found it great for precision and control, making it an excellent choice for slicing tomatoes, onions, and more.
The Global’s blade is slightly longer and thinner than most traditional chef’s knives, which we found made it a great multipurpose knife ideal for a wide variety of kitchen tasks. It’s shockingly easy to clean. Since the knife is made from a single piece of steel, there are no seams or divots for food to get stuck in.
Still not convinced? Amazon shoppers have been singing its praises for years, too. This Global knife has over 2,500 perfect ratings and an average rating of 4.8 stars. That’s a lot of happy home cooks.
According to Bourdain, the 8-inch Global chef’s knife is great for beginners and professionals alike, and it’s on sale at Amazon at the lowest price we’ve seen all year. Shop now to save 37%.
More Chef’s Knives to Shop:
Victorinox Fibrox Pro 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
Amazon
Imarku 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
Amazon
Henckels 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
Amazon
Mercer Culinary 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
Amazon
Cuisinart 8-Inch Stainless Steel Chef’s Knife
Amazon
At the time of publishing, the price was $100.