It can be used for chopping herbs, garlic, ginger and small quantities of fruit and vegetables. A larger cooks knife is recommended for chopping larger quantities, as more of the blade is in use at any one time. The razor sharp blade is made from Cromova 18 Stainless Steel, Global's own mix of steel that contains 18% chromium which aids stain resistance and molybdenum and vandium which both help to maintain the sharp edge of the blade. This is then ice hardened to Rockwell 56-58. The dimples on the stainless steel handle provide extra grip for a safe and comfortable hold. Global Knives were first designed in 1985 by Komin Yamada and pay tribute to the Japanese Samurai sword tradition. The two most distinguishing features of Global knives are their edges and the way in which they are balanced. The edge of a Global knife is ground into a steep, acute angle rather than a bevelled edge as is the case with most European produced knives. This straight edge results in a dramatically sharper knife which stays sharper longer. The handles on a Global knife are made from hollow stainless steel which is then filled with just the right amount of sand to create the correct balance. Global balance their knives in this way for two reasons - this method is more precise than using a tang and bolster; and typically, Asian knives do not feature bolsters as they hinder cutting and sharpening. Add to all this the fact that the smooth contours and seamless construction of a Global knife make them extremely hygenic and you can see why these knives are used, loved and recommended by amateur and professional chefs alike the world over.