Global Small Utility Knife (12cm, Scalloped Blade)

What makes the scalloped blade different from regular serrated knives?

The scalloped blade features rounded indentations rather than sharp teeth like traditional serrated knives. This design cuts through tough exteriors whilst preserving soft interiors better than standard serrations. The scalloped pattern creates air pockets during cutting that prevent food from sticking to the blade. This makes it ideal for tomatoes, bread and citrus fruits where you need clean cuts without crushing.

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

Hand wash immediately after use with mild detergent and dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots and corrosion. Never put it in the dishwasher as this can damage the blade edge and handle finish. Store in a knife block or magnetic strip to protect the blade. The Cromova 18 steel holds its edge well but can be resharpened using Global's recommended Minosharp or Global Sharpener when needed.

Is this knife suitable for cutting meat as well as vegetables?

Yes, this utility knife handles both meat and vegetables effectively. The scalloped blade works well for slicing cooked meats, particularly those with tougher exteriors like roasted chicken or pork. For raw meat preparation, it excels at portioning and trimming tasks. The 12cm blade length provides good control for detailed work whilst being long enough for most cutting tasks in home kitchens.

What does the sand-filled handle actually do?

The sand filling creates perfect weight distribution by counterbalancing the blade's weight. Without this, the knife would be blade-heavy and difficult to control during precise cutting. The sand is precisely measured and sealed inside the hollow handle to achieve optimal balance. This design reduces hand fatigue during extended use and provides better control for detailed cutting tasks compared to solid or lightweight handles.

How long does the blade stay sharp with regular use?

The Cromova 18 steel and convex edge design maintain sharpness significantly longer than standard kitchen knives. With proper care and regular use, expect 6-12 months of excellent cutting performance before resharpening is needed. The high carbon content creates a harder blade that resists dulling, whilst the 15-degree convex edge geometry wears more slowly than traditional V-shaped edges. Professional kitchens often use Global knives for years with periodic resharpening.

Can this knife handle frozen foods safely?

Whilst the Cromova 18 steel is extremely hard and durable, using any knife on completely frozen foods risks chipping the blade edge. Allow frozen items to thaw slightly before cutting. The knife handles semi-frozen foods well, such as partially thawed meat or firm frozen vegetables. For best results and blade longevity, avoid cutting through bone or completely frozen solid items that could damage the precision edge.

What's the difference between this and the other Global utility knives?

Global offers four 12cm utility knife variants with different blade edges. This scalloped version excels at bread and thick-skinned fruits. The plain edge version works best for general cutting tasks. The half-serrated combines smooth cutting with serrated capability. The full serrated version handles very tough materials. All share the same Cromova 18 steel construction and sand-filled handle design but serve different cutting needs.

Is this knife worth the investment compared to cheaper alternatives?

The Japanese craftsmanship, premium Cromova 18 steel and innovative design justify the investment for serious cooks. Cheaper knives typically use softer steel that dulls quickly and lacks the precision engineering of Global's convex edge geometry. The seamless construction and balanced design provide superior performance and longevity. With proper care, this knife can last decades whilst maintaining its cutting performance, making it cost-effective long-term compared to repeatedly replacing inferior knives.