If you are looking for the best kitchen knives, you have come to the right place. People usually go with either Japanese or German blades when it comes to knife brands. The Japanese knives are generally considered best of all, especially in sharpness, durability, and user-friendliness. That said, there are many brands of Japanese knives, with Shun and Global being two of the most popular.
Shun and Global knives are quite different from each other. In particular, their forging and manufacturing methods are quite different, but both brands are well-respected and trusted for functional kitchen knives.
Keep reading if you are looking for an excellent Japanese kitchen knife but don’t know whether Shun or Global is the better option. This article creates a side-by-side comparison of the two to determine which brand is better for you. Let’s take a closer look at both Shun and Global knives to see what they are all about, and by the end of it, we will have hopefully helped you come to a decision.
Table of Contents
Shun Knives
Loosely translated, the term Shun means the peak of perfection, and we have to say that Shun lives up to the name. The Kai Group is the parent company behind Shun knives, and the company started in Seki, Japan, well over 100 years ago.
Although this brand of knives has been very popular in Japan and Asia for over 100 years, the brand was only introduced to the Western market 20 years ago. Shun knives are well known for having very sharp edges, being very lightweight, and of course, it’s a well-known fact that Shun knives are handmade by some of the best Japanese knife artisans.
It’s all about combining old-school quality and craftsmanship with modern technology to create not only some of the most functional and best-looking knives around. Shun knives are known for featuring a combination of precision, performance, and aesthetics.
Global Knives
Global is a knife and cutlery brand that got its start in 1954 with the Yoshida Metal Industry. In 1985, Yuzo Watanabe founded Global Knives as a brand. The first Global kitchen knife was made in 1983 by famed Japanese industrial designer Komin Yamada.
Global as a brand stands out because it produces dozens, if not hundreds, of knives and many other types of kitchen cutlery. What stands out about Global Knives is that all knives are handcrafted by professional and knowledgeable craftsmen.
Global knives are unique in appearance, as they are designed to be very compact, combined with a recessed handle covered in black dots. Global Knives at this time has many different collections or lines of kitchen knives, and they’re all razor-sharp.
Let’s make it crystal clear to you with a simple comparison table between Shun and Global for better understanding.
Let’s have look at the Special features of Shun vs Global knives Side by side
Shun knives are razor sharp with an edge angle of 16degree
The knives have superior edge retention with a hardness Rockwell rate of 61
Shun knives are produced following both the forged and stamped method
Shun handles are made of Micarta, Polypropylene, Pakkawood, Thermoplastic
The Shun knives come with full tang and full or half bolster
Global knives are also made Japanese-style in Tsubame, Japan
Global knives require three parts to be built, one is the stamped blade, a handle with two sides that perfectly match.
Global has its own produced blade steel named CROMOVA18 where 18 refers the chromium percentage in it.
The MO and VA indicate the molecules molybdenum and Vanadium that altogether create the best blades
Global knives are dramatically sharp with 17degree sharp angle
Global knives have 56 to 58 hardness Rockwell rate
The Global knives are only stamped
The Global handles are handcrafted with black dots or dimples
The Global knives are full tang and the blade steel runs from the tip to the bottom of the blade
Here are the Common Features We can found at both Shun and Global Knives
Like the Global knives, Shun knives are also designed and crafted mixing the tradition and culture altogether
Both the Global and Shun branded knives are made in Japan
Both the brands construct seamless knives
Like the Global knives some of the Shun knives are hand-hammered or made following the stamping process
Like the Shun knives, the Global knives are also made of high carbon steel alloy that is high in quality
Like the Shun brand, the Global knife brand is also well-respected
As Shun knives are lightweight, well-balanced and flexible so are the Global knives
Both the branded knives are handcrafted by the skilled artisans
What are the Good Things about Shun and Global Knives according to User’s Experience? [Most Important part I guess]
For the evil sharp and super thin blade the Shun knives are made for cutting, chopping, peeling and most importantly slicing
Shun knife handles are made of high-quality material and resistant to rough temperature and water
Shun knives have a smooth , sleek and elegant look with high-end features
Shun knife blades are made of expensive high quality steel and durable enough
Global knife blades are also thin and hard and accurate for all-purpose cutting, chopping, slicing and all
For the black dimple features in the handle the Global knife handles are ergonomic, handy and feels great on grip
Global knives are also unique to look at and from their tip to end, they are made with the same steel product
Global knife blades with CROMOVA18 steel are highly qualitative and also affordable
Some issues should be aware of before choosing any Shun or Global Knives[ Don’t miss this]
For the extreme sharpness a Shun knife require re-sharpening frequently
For the very thin blade feature Shun knives seem more fragile, hence, a robust building might help it
Shun knives are expensive
The knives are not dishwasher safe
Global knives also require sharpening repeatedly
Not that much sharp like other Japanese made knives
Global knives may seem smaller to larger handed people
Hand wash is suggested every time
Which kind is better between the Shun and Global [I choose Shun check Why]
Shun and Global brands produce common products and both the companies are famous worldwide for their incredible knife production. Though both of them are established Japanese brands yet, there are extensive different features and production methods.
Shun knives are considered the best for its best representation of the Japanese-style look. The company never compromises with the quality of the building material. From the blade steel to the handle components all are made with the best possible material.
As the material quality comes with the best grade, the Shun knives are way too pricy. Again, a chef’s knife from the Shun classic or premier knife lines would be the best choice for all-purpose use. With a thin yet sturdy building feature, a Shun knife is everyone’s dream to have.
On the other hand, Global knives also do not lag behind.
With an extraordinary appearance, a Global knife is uniquely designed. The knives are sleek and modern. The extremely handy feature of the knife will do everything you want without wanting much pressure from you.
Though a Global knife is not the thinnest or sharpest one yet, it has a great price value. The knives also empower a great deal of edge retention. They are way comfortable for use and made ensuring all convenience possible.
Overall, if you want an extremely lightweight and fatigue-free knife then Global knives are highly recommended. With a low price, the global knives will last long. Then again, if you are looking for the real class in a knife the Shun will give you its best.
With better edge retention and an incredible patterned blade surface, a Shun knife will bang all your satisfaction level in moments. Following the 100-steps method, Shun knives can never be made wrong.
Shun vs. Global: Which is Best for You?
So, when it comes down to it, you have a choice to make. If you are looking for a very high-quality kitchen knife made with quality materials but still features that traditional Japanese look, then Shun is probably the better brand to go with.
Now, if you are looking for a very sharp kitchen knife, has good edge retention, is well balanced, comfortable to use, and excels at virtually all kitchen cutting and chopping tasks, then Shun is the way to go.
Keep in mind that Shun knives are costly, so they are generally best for professional use. However, if you are looking for the utmost quality and functionality, you will be hard-pressed to find something better than a Shun knife.
With all of that being said, it’s not like Global knives are bad, not in the least, particularly when you consider that the prices are very fair.
This is one reason Global knives are so popular – they still have good features, great functionality, and a relatively high level of quality. In addition, they are comfortable and lightweight and come at a reasonable price. So, if you want a good knife without the high cost, Global is the way to go.
The Verdict
It really all comes down to that if you are looking for the utmost in quality and money is of no concern, try Shun knives. However, for a quality knife on a budget, Global is the way to go.
