Global UKON Chef's Knife (20cm Blade, Silver and Black)

What makes CROMOVA 18 steel different from regular stainless steel?

CROMOVA 18 is Global's proprietary high carbon stainless steel that contains 18% chromium for corrosion resistance plus higher carbon content than standard stainless steel. This combination creates a harder blade that holds its edge longer whilst remaining rust-resistant. The steel undergoes special heat treatment processes that create a fine grain structure, resulting in superior sharpness and edge retention compared to conventional kitchen knives.

How should I care for this knife to maintain its sharpness?

Hand wash the knife immediately after use with warm soapy water and dry completely before storing. Never put it in the dishwasher as this can damage the blade edge and handle. Store the knife in a knife block or magnetic strip to protect the blade. Use a honing steel regularly to maintain the edge and have it professionally sharpened when needed. Avoid cutting on hard surfaces like glass or stone.

What's the difference between this UKON knife and Global's classic range?

The UKON range features a thicker, heavier blade that provides 10% extra sharpness out of the box compared to Global's classic knives. The handle design is also different, featuring dual smooth and textured surfaces for improved grip control. Whilst classic Global knives have a uniform handle texture, the UKON's varied surface provides better handling security during wet conditions or extended use.

Is this knife suitable for both professional and home use?

Yes, this knife meets professional kitchen standards and is equally suitable for home cooks. Many professional chefs use Global knives in commercial kitchens due to their reliability and performance. The 20cm blade length is ideal for most kitchen tasks, from chopping vegetables to slicing meat and fish. The superior edge retention means less downtime for sharpening in busy kitchen environments.

What cutting tasks is this 20cm chef's knife best suited for?

This versatile knife excels at preparing vegetables, slicing meat, filleting fish and delicate tasks like herb chopping and garlic peeling. The 20cm blade length provides good leverage for larger ingredients whilst remaining manoeuvrable for precision work. It can handle most kitchen cutting tasks except those requiring specialised knives like bread cutting or bone work.

How do I know when the knife needs sharpening?

Signs that your knife needs attention include difficulty cutting through tomato skin, crushing rather than slicing onions, or requiring more pressure than usual for cuts. A sharp knife should effortlessly slice through paper or shave thin curls from a carrot. Regular honing with a steel can maintain the edge between professional sharpenings, which typically needed every 6-12 months depending on usage frequency.

What's the weight and balance like compared to other chef's knives?

At 259g, this knife has a substantial feel that's heavier than many European knives but lighter than traditional German styles. The weight is well-balanced between blade and handle, with the centre of gravity positioned just forward of the bolster. This balance reduces wrist fatigue during extended cutting sessions whilst providing good cutting momentum for efficient food preparation.

Can left-handed people use this knife effectively?

Yes, this knife works well for both right and left-handed users. The blade is sharpened symmetrically with a 15° angle on both sides, making it suitable for either hand. The dual-surface handle design provides secure grip regardless of hand orientation. Unlike some Japanese knives that are single-bevelled for specific handedness, this Global knife offers universal usability.