Best Of

Global knives seem to be loved and hated equally around the world. Not exactly what I would call high end based on their mono-steel construction and all metal handles, but I came across a set that was priced too low to pass them by. I grabbed this set the other day for a mere $65, and yes, they are genuine.

So far, I like them more than I thought I would. They are perfect geometry for a pinch grip and angle on the Asian Cooks Knife is perfect for my chopping style. They are so much sharper than my 30 year old forged Mundial set (a gift from Dad after college) or the two Tojiro Zen knives that I grabbed on clearance about 10 years ago. Perhaps I'm not the best with a whetstone, but these Globals just glide through everything so far much better than the Tojiro pair.
At some point, I would still like to get a nice hand forged gyuto with Aogami Super or Blue#2 edge steel with a tsuchime finish on the cladding. I've been browsing Chefknivestogo for at least 10 years and every time I make my mind up on something, it sells out, or the price jumps way up. It seems like all their new stuff is coming in priced by at least $50 more than it used to be. Not sure if that's tariffs or inflation, but what used to be $125 is now over $200. That's why I grabbed this set of Global for the time. The old Mondial will be kept around for stuff that needs a tough knife like breaking down poultry. All the fine veggie work will be on the Globals now. The Tojiro petty is perfect for trimming silver skin off meat though. The Tojiro santoku has its place but I suspect it will be relegated to a drawer soon.
The full lineup (not including the bread knife, and a selection of low cost Victorinox paring knives).

A closeup of the new Globals.

Just a bunch of DIY ideas.

They sell tube guards for 12AX7/6922 tubes, but they are stacked guards which makes it harder to remove tube without disassembly. Maybe that wouldn't matter to you. It looks like the OEM allows you to get fingers between the standoffs and remove tube without removing top of guard. But the hole spacing may not match your existing holes and you most likely wouldn't want to drill more.

These were on ebay. $21 for the pair with $8 shipping from China. Some sellers sold them individually and even offered Gold ones. Ali Express has them too. I've only ordered once from Ali and it was a good experience.



IF the hole spacing matched, buy one guard for two top pieces and make standoffs from 3/16" aluminum rod cut to length. Drill and tap for screws. I have done that. 12" 3/16" aluminum rod ~ $3. You can polish smooth aluminum to a shiny surface with Mother's Aluminum polish. If surface is rough you can smooth with fine sandpaper before polishing.

Disclaimer, touching polished uncoated (no clear coat) aluminum with your fingers, the oils will cause discoloration if not removed, requiring re-polishing. The Lenco platter I polished is like that so I use rubber gloves when removing it.

IF the hole spacing matched and you didn't mind an industrial look get hex aluminum standoffs in appropriate length. They are available in various lengths. I've purchased 2.5" and 3" long ones for some projects. I've also seen round ones someplace but cannot recall where.



Find an aluminum washer or spacer of appropriate size for top guard. Aluminum is easier to drill than stainless or chrome. IIRC these were 1 & 1/8" diameter, 3/4" ID which would be too small.



The clip in plastic braces for the wife's above ground planters broke so I made some out of aluminum rod. I drilled and tapped the ends for screws. I made nine of them for three planters.



My one Ali Express experience. They had $10 off for new user and I got a pair of these reel to reel retainers for $12 shipped. They are friction slide on type.

Update....

Leslie is also retired. Since our first date, we have been seeing each other several times a week. Ordinarily I'd be letting the girls know, hey, I need some me time, or, lets take a little break.

This woman is unlike any woman I have ever dated, and I'll be honest, I've been around the block at least one and half times No, this chick is different and I'm by no means perfect (who is?) but the fit is unlike any I've ever had. To say she compliments my personality, and my faults would be a gross understatement. I have not been this happy in at least the last 10 years.

If things keep going the way they are, and I don't see how they couldn't....well, lets just say I'll take this to a level I thought was unobtainable. Time is on my side and time will definitely tell.

Wow, seeing this thread really made time stand still for a moment. I want to pass along my sincerest condolences to his family and friends.

What a treasure he has been to this community, I never met him personally but shared a few PM's, I can only imagine how amazing he was in person based on what he gave to this family here at CP.

He was truly an inspiration and he definitely helped me, and others for sure.. dive into this rabbit hole knowing what is within reach if you put your mind and effort into it.

I'm at a loss for so many words, a good many here have done some great speaking on his behalf, very cool words.

R.I.P sir.

...so far so good. Let's work them out.