If you are looking for a full steel body high-end chef knife then you must have come across the knives of Global. Global is a well-known cutlery brand in the global market. And they have a large collection of knives among them two popular collections are Global Sai and Global Ni.
A question may arise in your mind that which one is better or which one is perfect for my need? Let’s go through this global sai vs ni comparison and review to know more about these two knives. And let’s find which knife is better for you and what are their similarities and differences.
Quick Overview: Global knives Sai vs Ni
If you are in hurry then go through this whole global sai vs global ni comparison then you can go through this quick overview.
Here are the main differences between Sai and Ni global knives.
1. Global Sai has a hammered finish on the top half portion of the blade. On the other hand, Global Ni has a plain mirror finish on the blade.
2. Global Sai features a usual chef knife blade design. Whereas in global ni knives there is an extended portion at the top edge that gives it an aerodynamic look.
3. Handle of sai has an ergonomic shape with curves and there are 7 black dots. Global Ni has a more square shape with two lines of dimple.
4. These knives have almost the same weight but Sai knives are a little bit more lightweight.
5. Sai knives are a little bit more pricy than Ni collection Knives.
Both collections are made by the same knife maker so it is normal to have similarities between them. But in these cases, similarities are more than differences.
1. Both Ni and Sai knives are made with CROMOVA 18 stainless steel.
2. Both knives feature stainless steel handle filled with fine sand.
3. Like most other high-end global knives these two collections feature 10 to 15-degree cutting angles.
4. Global ni and Sai both knives feature 56-58 Rockwell hardness that is tough hard.
5. Global provides a limited lifetime warranty for most of their knives.
Comparison Table: Global Ni vs Global Sai
| Global Sai | Global Ni | |
| Where it’s made | Seki, Japan | Seki, Japan |
| Blade Material | CROMOVA 18 | CROMOVA 18 |
| Blade Construction | Stamped | Stamped |
| Blade Design | Hammered Finish | Plain finish |
| Handle Material | Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel |
| Handle Design | Ergonomic handle with curves and 7 dimples | Straight handle with 2 rows of dimples |
| 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 |
Difference Between Global Sai vs Ni
In the quick overview part of this global knives sai vs ni comparison, the differences between these knives were briefly described. Now let’s talk about them in detail.
Differences 1: Blade Design
When it comes to shape and design these two global collections have a noticeable difference. Global Sai knife features a hammered finish blade. On the top half portion of the blade, it has a hammered finish and the bottom portion has a plain mirror finish. The hammered finish creates small air pockets. These air pockets prevent food from sticking while cutting.
On the other hand, Global Ni knives have a plain finish through the whole body. That plain finish gives the knife a shiny look.
Global Sai has a plain shape. At both the top and bottom, there is a curve to the tip. Whereas Ni features a unique shape. You will find an extended portion at the top near the tip of Ni. That expanded portion gives it a unique feel.
Differences 2: Handle Design
Both knives feature the same handle material but they have different designs and shapes.
Global sai has a slightly longer ergonomic handle. It has more curves in the handle those curves fit comfortably in the grip. You will find that there are 7 black dots or dimples on the Sai handle. Those 7 dots mainly represents the 7 samurai codes of moral and honor. Moreover, these dimples help to make the knife more slip-resistant.
Global Ni has a more straight handle compared to Sai knives. It also features an ergonomic handle that has a slight angle at the bottom. Ni knives handle has more dimples. Actually, there are two lines of black dots on global ni knives. So, Ni knives are more slip-resistant when there is a comparison between Global Ni and Global Sai.
Difference 3: Weight
Both of these global knives are pretty lightweight and easy to handle. But if there is a perfect and specific comparison between Global ni vs global sai then global ni knives are more lightweight than Sai.
So, If you are used to using a knife of average weight then both knives are perfect for you. But, if you are used to using an extra lightweight knife then global ni is for you
Differences 4: Price
Both Sai and Ni are two medium-range knives of Global but compared to knives of other brands both of them are high-end knives. They have an almost close price range.
When there is a comparison between global knife ni vs sai, global sai knives are a little pricier than Ni knives. On the other hand, Ni knives are more affordable.
Differences 5: Product Offering
Both Sai and Ni lines offer a wide range of knives and knife sets. For example, both collections have chef knives, santoku, and different knife sets.
| Knife/ Set | Global Sai | Global Ni |
| chef’s knife | Available | Available |
| Santoku knife | Available | Available |
| Nakiri Knife | Available | 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 Sai and Global Ni
Till now in this global sai vs ni comparison, we have gone through all the differences between these two global knives. Now let’s talk about the similarities.
Similarities 1: Blade Material
Like most of the high-end knives of global, the blade core of both of these knives is made from high-graded CROMOVA 18 stainless steel. This steel is exclusively designed and used for Global knives. They have made a patent for this stainless steel.
Cromova 18 is a proper combination of different components like Carbon, Chromium, Vanadium, and Molybdenum. The high amount of carbon increases the hardness of the knife and the chromium component adds corrosion resistance to the knife. And Vanadium and molybdenum help to retain the edge sharp and makes the knife durable.
Similarities 2: Blade Construction
Mainly knives are categorized into two types one is stamped knife another is a forged knife. Stamp knives are made from a single sheet of steel on the other hand-forged knives are crafted from a steel block.
Global sai and ni both knives are both stamped knives. They are crafted from a single piece of a Cromova steel sheet.
Similarities 3: Handle Material
The handle is the most unique part of global knives that makes them different from other knives. Unlike most chef’s knives which features wooden or resin-based handle, global use stainless steel handle
Generally, stainless steel handles are more durable and retain longer than handles made with wood or resin. To ensure proper balance hollow handles are filled with fine sand. The sand flow ensures a balance of the knife while using as mentioned in this global ni vs sai comparison before.
Similarities 4: Edge Grind
After handle material, another unique feature of global knives is their edge grind. For most of the common kitchen knives, the beveled edge is used. In beveled edge, the balde comes down at a slope and then suddenly angles into a point before the edge.
But Global knives features straight edge grind. On a straight edge, there is no gradual slope and the edge goes straight into a sharp point of the edge.
Both global ni and sai features have straight slanted edges that enhance their sharpness a lot. Moreover, straight edge balde remains sharper for long and doesn’t become dull that easily.
Similarities 5: Sharpness and Edge Angle
Both of these Global knives feature razor-sharp cutting edge like high-end Japanese knives. Ni and Sai, both of these knives features 10 to 15-degree cutting angle at each side.
With this sharpness, both of these knives can cut through anything smoothly. And you won’t need to create pressure while cutting at all.
Similarities 6: Balde Hardness
We have discussed the hardness of Cromova steel already in this global knives sai vs ni.
Edge retention of a knife depends mainly on the hardness of the component and the making process. As both of these knives are made from the same durable steel they are rock solid hard. And take a lot of pressure while working. On the Rockwell scale, both of these global knives feature 56 to 58 hardness.
Similarities 7: Edge Retention
This quality of knives depends on the hardness of the balde. As these knives feature tough hardness they also retain their edge for a long. You won’t need to worry about sharpening them so often.
Similarities 8: Clean and Maintainance
When it comes to the cleaning of knife it is always preferred to handwash only. And as global knives are fully made with stainless steel they need to be dried properly before storing.
And never put your knife in the drawer without any sheath it can cause harm to you or damage your knife. So, you can use a sheath or knife block for your global knives
Similarities 9: Where it’s made
Global knives have years of old history. They are crafting knives since 1985 following centuries of Japanese knife-making tradition.
Global Sai and Ni both collections are crafted in Nigata, Japan. That’s why you will find the mix of modern technology and tradition in each piece of the knife.
Similarities 10: Warranty
Global knives come with a limited lifetime warranty and for any kind of manufacturing defect, you can use their warranty service. The same warranty is available for these two sai and ni knives. But this warranty doesn’t cover any after-use damage.
Conclusion
For this whole global sai vs ni comparison, you may get a clear idea about the similarities and differences between these two knives. Now let’s decide between these two knives which one is best for you.
If you want a knife with a hammered finish and nonsticky quality then global sai is a better choice for you. But if you want a knife with a plain finished knife the Global ni has this plain finish.
Global sai line features a handle with curves and a longer ergonomic shape. On the other hand, the global ni handle is more straight. Moreover, the Ni handle has more dimple on it that makes it more slip-resistant.
Both Sai and Ni knives are extremely sharp, hard, and have long-lasting edge retention.
Global Ni is a little bit more lightweight than global sai. If you want an extra lightweight knife then you can go with ni but if you are used to using an average lightweight knife then go with sai.
Finally comes the price and affordability. Ni knives are affordable than sai knives but if you want a unique look and feature then Sai knives are more preferred.
If you want to read a particular review about these knives then here is the full Global Sai Review and Ni Review.
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