I'm familiar with, and have owned, the high end German brands including Wusthoff and Henckel and I've got a Victorinox chef's knife now. Never had the Globals but they look cool. I'm going to suggest that you at least look at the Misen line. They're my current favorite and I have the large and small chef's (utility) knife and the paring knife. Excellent quality with a great ergonomic design and reasonably priced.