Global Ukon Range 6-Piece Knife Block Set (Silver, CROMOVA 18 Steel)

What makes CROMOVA 18 steel different from regular stainless steel?

CROMOVA 18 is Global's proprietary high carbon stainless steel blend that contains 18% chromium for superior corrosion resistance. The high carbon content allows for sharper edges that maintain their sharpness longer than standard stainless steel. This exclusive material is harder than conventional knife steel, typically measuring around 56-58 HRC on the Rockwell scale, which means it can achieve and hold finer cutting edges whilst remaining resistant to staining and rust.

How does the 15-degree cutting angle compare to other knives?

The 15-degree cutting angle is significantly sharper than most Western knives, which typically feature 20-22 degree angles. This acute angle means each side of the blade is ground to 15 degrees, creating a total edge angle of 30 degrees compared to 40-44 degrees on Western knives. The sharper angle requires less force to cut through ingredients and creates cleaner cuts with less cell damage, particularly noticeable when slicing delicate items like herbs or ripe tomatoes.

Are these knives suitable for dishwasher cleaning?

Whilst CROMOVA 18 steel is technically dishwasher-safe due to its stainless properties, hand washing is strongly recommended to maintain optimal performance. Dishwasher detergents can be harsh and the high temperatures may affect the blade's temper over time. Additionally, knives can knock against other items during the wash cycle, potentially damaging the precision-ground edges. Hand washing with warm soapy water and immediate drying will preserve both sharpness and appearance.

What specific tasks is each knife designed for?

The 3.5-inch paring knife handles detailed work like peeling, coring and trimming. The 6-inch serrated utility knife cuts through items with tough exteriors like crusty bread or tomatoes. The 7-inch santoku excels at chopping vegetables, slicing meat and general prep work. The 8-inch chef's knife is the workhorse for most cutting tasks including dicing onions and breaking down proteins. The 9-inch bread knife's serrated edge cleanly slices through crusty loaves without crushing the interior.

How often do these knives need sharpening?

With proper care and normal home use, Global UKON knives typically maintain their factory sharpness for 6-12 months before requiring professional sharpening. The CROMOVA 18 steel's hardness and the precision 15-degree edge geometry contribute to excellent edge retention. However, frequency depends on usage patterns, cutting surfaces and maintenance. Using proper cutting boards (wood or plastic, never glass or stone) and regular honing with a steel can extend the time between sharpenings significantly.

Can left-handed people use these knives effectively?

Yes, Global UKON knives feature symmetrical blade geometry that works equally well for both left and right-handed users. Unlike some Japanese knives that have single-bevel edges favouring one hand, these knives have double-bevel edges ground equally on both sides. The handle design is also ambidextrous, with the dual surface texture providing secure grip regardless of hand preference. The balanced weight distribution ensures comfortable use for all users.

What's included with the modernist knife block?

The set includes five knives and one modernist knife block designed specifically for this collection. The block features precisely sized slots for each knife, ensuring secure storage and easy identification. The contemporary design complements modern kitchen aesthetics whilst protecting the blade edges from damage. The block's compact footprint maximises counter space efficiency whilst keeping all knives easily accessible during food preparation.

How does the 10% extra sharpness improvement work?

The 10% sharpness increase in the UKON range comes from refined manufacturing processes and improved blade geometry. Global enhanced their grinding techniques to achieve more consistent edge angles and finer surface finishes. The steel composition was also optimised to allow for sharper initial edges whilst maintaining durability. This improvement is measurable through standardised sharpness testing and translates to noticeably easier cutting performance straight from the box compared to previous Global knife ranges.