I have been using global knives for over 12 years now. My own set I brought 11 years ago and it's sad to hear that other people have had some knives snap in half on them, this has never happended to me. I would like to see them sell the knife blocks seperately as my block is slightly dated other than that highly recommended from my point of view.
Balance, ease of use and of course style!
Hand washing, who enjoys that?

Very disappointed by breakage. Gift so cannot provide receipt for replacement. Japanese website not helpful for international customers. Looking for a new knife set now and will not be considering global again based on experience.
nicely weighted, easy to clean (although hand washing is always a drag, but we used them so often we couldn't wait for the dishwasher anyway), schmick look.
as with other reviews rust staining and the biggest knife broke in two (set is 7 years old). It looks like the serrated knife is about to break now too.

I won't buy another of these as I broke the knife yesterday! It snapped in 2 pieces, at the thinner end where the handle starts, and the blade almost stabbed me in the foot when it went flipped. I was cutting meat off a lamb bone and the blade went through soft knuckle and snapped. I will send the parts back to Global for an explanation.
I have a 20cm cooks knife by Global, which I have used many times. Has been a good knife to have in my kitchen set (I have other brands as well).
Not heavy enough.

I am a lover of cooking and i love these knives, since i first saw them they appealed to me. I am a Pastry Cook by Trade and i know quality. They are hand made in Japan with very good steel. You can purchase with the bamboo block or stainless steal holder. I paid well under $300 new for mine on sale at Grace Brothers and it was the display model on the shelf with a further 10% off. Very happy with the product.
Very sharp, well balance, nice weight.
The home dish washer leaves rust stains on it, better to hand wash.

I would have given it the big thumbs up as I have had a couple of years use from it, however snapping in half, turns it to a zero score.
I have loved my knife, aside from the rust stains, until without warning, one day it snapped in half at the handle- I'm devastated.
It broke in half

overall my husband loves them for me i most likely would lose a finger have used the smaller ones on the odd occasion they sure do cut well and as for not putting them in the dishwasher i do think it is better for them anyway keeps them sharper
sharp
too sharp for me they go rusty in dishwasher have to be washed by hand

I love these knifes. They are so sharp, and comfortable to handle. I have allot of different brands of chefs knifes but I love these.
light weight, balanced, sharp.
Because they are so expencive I'm too scared to get them resharpened in case they are ruined.
dishwasher leaves rust stains