Global is known as one of the top cutlery brands in the world. They are known for their unique design and durability. And two of their most popular collections are Global Sai and Global Classic.
The question may arise in your mind: what is the difference between these two knives? Also, what are the similarities?
In this Global Sai vs Classic review and comparison, we will go through every detail of these two collections. And you will be able to measure these knives in terms of material, construction, design, and affordability.
Quick Overview: Global Sai vs Global Classic
If you are in a hurry, then you can go through this quick overview to get an idea about this whole global SAI vs global classic review and comparison.
The main differences between classic and SAI knives are:
1. Global Sai has a hammered finish on the top half portion of its blade. But Global Classic has a plain mirror finish throughout its whole body.
2. Global Sai knives are stamped. Same for most of the knives in the classic series, but there is a classic forged mini-series.
3. The handle of the sai has a longer, curved ergonomic shape with seven black dots. Whereas classic handles are more straight and the whole handle is covered with 9 rows of the slip-resistant dimple.
4. Global Classic is more lightweight than the Global Sai knives.
5. Classic and Sai knives have almost the same price, but the Global Classic is a little bit more affordable and has a larger collection than the Global Sai.
Both knives are made by the same knife maker, so it is normal to have similarities between these two lines of knives. Mentionable similarities between these two knives are:
1. Both knives are made with the same CROMOVA 18 stainless steel.
2. Global Classic and Sai both feature stainless steel handles.
3. Both collections feature straight ground edges with 10 to 15 degrees of cutting angle. And they retain their edge for a long time.
4. Sai and Classic both feature Rockwell hardness of 56–58, which is tough.
5. Global provides a limited lifetime warranty for all of their knives.
Comparison Table: Global Classic vs Sai
| Global Sai | Global Classic | |
| Where it’s made | Seki, Japan | Seki, Japan |
| Blade Material | CROMOVA 18 | CROMOVA 18 |
| Blade Construction | Stamped | Stamped, except for the Classic forged mini-series |
| Blade Design | Hammered Finish | Plain finish |
| Handle Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Handle Design | Ergonomic handle with 7 dimples | Straight handle with dimples covering the whole handle |
| Edge Grind | Straight | Straight |
| Sharpness ( Edge angle) | 10 to 15 degrees per side | 10 to 15 degrees per side |
| Rockwell Hardness | 56-58 | 56-58 |
| Edge retention | Long-Lasting | Long-Lasting |
| Warranty | Limited Lifetime | Limited Lifetime |
| Price | More Expensive ( Check Price on Amazon) | Less Expensive ( Check Price on Amazon) |
Differences Between Global Classic vs Global Sai
In the quick overview part of this comparison, the differences between these two global knives were described briefly. Now let’s talk about those differences in detail.
Differences 1: Blade Design
When it comes to design and shape, these two collections have a noticeable difference. Global Sai features a hammered-finish blade. The top half of the blade is hammered finished, and the bottom half is plain finished. This hammered finish creates a small air pocket that prevents food from sticking while cutting.
On the other hand, Global Classic knives have a plain finish throughout the whole body. That gives it a shiny look.
Global classic balde is straight whereas in sai you will find more curves at the top portion. Moreover, you will find the global logo on one side of the balde in both knives.
Differences 2: Blade Construction
Mainly knives can be categorized into two types. One is stamped, meaning the knife is cut from a single sheet of metal. Others are forged; these knives are crafted from a steel block and given a shape.
Both Global Classic and Sai knives are stamped. But there is a mini-series of the global classics that is known as Classic Forged. These knives are crafted by forging a steel block.
Differences 3: Handle Design
Though both knives feature the same handle material, they have totally different designs.
Global Sai features a slightly longer, curved ergonomic handle. These curves fit comfortably in the grip. There are 7 signature black dot dimples on the handle of the sai that represent the seven samurai codes of honor and morality.
On the other hand, Global Classic features a more straight-rounded handle. The whole handle is covered with black dimples, and there are a total of nine rows. These dimples help to make the knife slip-resistant. Global Classic has more dimples on the handle, making it more slip-resistant and safe than Sai knives.
Differences 4: Weight
Both of these global knives are pretty lightweight and easy to use. But if there is a specific comparison between them then Global Classic knives are more lightweight than sai knives.
So, if you are used to using a super lightweight knife, then a global classic is a better option for you. But both knives have proper weight distribution, so they ensure fatigue-free work for a long time.
Differences 5: Price
As Classic and sai both are two high-end knives of global their price may look a little bit high.
When there is a comparison between Global Classic Vs Sai, then Global Sai is a little bit pricy. On the other hand, global classics can be called a proper combination of affordability and quality.
Differences 6: Product Offering
Both Global Sai and Global Classic offer a wide range of knives. For example, both lines have chef knives, santoku knives, and knife sets.
| Knife/ Set | Global Sai | Global Classic |
| chef’s knife | Available | Available |
| Santoku knife | Available | Available |
| Nakiri Knife | Available | Available |
| Kiritsuke knife | Not Available | Available |
| Boning fillet knife | Not Available | Not Available |
| Asian cook knife | Not Available | Not Available |
| Slicing Knife | Not Available | Not Available |
| Bread Knife | Available | Available |
| Utility Knife | Available | Available |
| Paring Knife | Available | Available |
| 3 piece knife set | Available | Available |
| Steak knife set | Not Available | Available |
Similarities Between Global Classic and Global Sai
We have gone through all the differences between global sai vs classic knives. Now let’s talk about the similarities of these two global knives.
Similarities 1: Blade Material
The blade core of both knives is made from high-grade CROMOVA 18 stainless steel. This steel is exclusively designed for Global knives and knife sets.
There is a proper combination of chromium, carbon, vanadium, and molybdenum in Cromova 18. The high chromium content produces a uniquely corrosion-resistant knife, and carbon increases the hardness. Moreover, molybdenum and vanadium help to retain the highly durable and razor-sharp edge.
Similarities 2: Handle Material
The handle is the most unique part of Global knives. Unlike most other Japanese knives, which feature a wooden handle, Global knives feature stainless steel hands filled with fine sand.
Stainless steel has more longevity compared to knives with wooden or resin handles. To ensure proper balancing, each hollow handle is filled with sand. This sand flow ensures continuous balance while using, as mentioned before in this global sai vs classic comparison.
Similarities 3: Edge Grind
A beveled edge is common for most kitchen knives, but Global uses straight-angled edges for most of their knives. Both global sai and Classic feature a straight slanted edge that enhances the blade’s sharpness a lot.
In the beveled edge, the blade comes down at a slope and then angles into a point right before the edge. But on a straight edge, there is no gradual slope. The edge goes straight into a narrow sharp point.
The straight-edge blade remains sharper for a long and doesn’t get dull so quickly.
Similarities 4: Edge Angle and sharpness
There are some debates other than the specific angle of Global knives. However according to the company’s customer service representatives, both Global SAI and Classic are shrapnel to a 10 to 15-degree angle at each side.
With this sharpness, these knives can cut through anything like butter and make your kitchen work a lot easier.
Similarities 5: Blade Hardness
The edge retention of a knife depends on the hardness of the knife. Whereas the hardness depends on the blade material and crafting process.
Both the SAI and classic knives are meticulously crafted from high-quality Cromova steel, as highlighted in our comprehensive global classic vs global SAI review and comparison. This premium steel composition guarantees unwavering hardness for both knife variants, setting the foundation for their exceptional durability and cutting performance. So, both SAI and classic have a hardness of 56 to 58 on the Rockwell scale.
Similarities 6: Edge Retention
When it comes to global knives you won’t need to sharpen the knife so often. As both classic and sai have tough hardness they retain their edge for a long.
Similarities 7:Clean and Maintenance
When it comes to the cleaning of a Japanese knife it is always preferred to hand wash only. As the full body of global knives is made with stainless steel it is better to dry them properly before storing them.
For storing you can use a knife block or extra sheath. Never put these global knives in a drawer without any sheath that can cause an accident.
Similarities 8: Where it’s made
Global has a history that connects to the centuries-old Japanese knife-crafting tradition. They have been crafting knives since 1985 holding their standard.
Global Classic and Sai both are made in Niigata, Japan. So, you will find a combination of tradition and modern technology in each knife
Similarities 9: Warranty
All Global knives come with a limited lifetime warranty. For any kind of manufacturing defect, you can use their warranty service. Same for Global Classic and Global Sai knives. But this warranty service doesn’t cover after-use damage.
Conclusion
You may have got a clear idea about the differences and similarities between these two global knives from this global classic vs SAI review and comparison. Now it’s time to decide which global knife is best for you.
If you want a knife with a hammered finish with nonstick quality then Global SAI is a better choice. But if you want a knife with a plain finish then Global Classic is a better choice.
Global Sai features a handle with curves and an ergonomic shape. On the other hand, Global Classic has a straight-rounded handle. Moreover, the global classic handle has a more black dimple that makes it more slip-resistant.
Both SAI and classic have extreme sharpness, hardness, and long-lasting edge retention.
Global Classic is a little bit more lightweight than Global SAI. But both knives have proper weight distribution.
Finally comes affordability and price. As both knives are two high-end knives of global the price may seem a little high but both of them value for money. Global Classic is a little bit more affordable than SAI series knives.
So, if you want a knife at a more affordable price then go with a global classic. But if you want a knife more unique look and features then Global Sai is for you.
If you want to read a particular review about these two knives then here is the full Global Sai Review and Global Classic Review.
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