Literally Razor Sharp & Good Ergonomics
IMO Global makes the best kitchen knives, so I admit to being a bit biased in favor of Global. I ordered this paring knife to replace a Shun paring knife and a Wusthof.Received package and immediately did a shave test. This knife is literally as sharp as a straight razor. I liked the ergonomics as the other knives had small handles that made my hand cramp after about 10 minutes of use.My only knock on this is that the steel isn't as thick as Global knives I've purchased in the past. This is also true of the larger Global vegetable knife I bought together with the paring knife. I'd estimate that the old Globals were about 20% thicker than the new.I only recently purchased these, so I can't speak to how long it will hold an edge. However, I am familiar with this type of steel and will be surprised if it doesn't hold an edge well.Finally, this steel is receptive to taking an edge (ie being resharpened). I can still put a shaving edge on all of my old Global knives in less than 5 minutes, and expect it will be the same with this GS-40.My feeling is that its a better value to buy 4-5 Global knives rather than having a big set of lesser quality knives, so I think these are a good value even though they are pricey.