Global Knives
VerifiedGlobal Knives treats its workers well: its goods are made in Japan, where strong labour laws and decent legal wages apply, and it makes most products in its own factories.
Last researched 9 October 2026
A safe choice. Workers earn enough to live on, can stand up for their rights, and the whole supply chain is checked for child and forced labour. What this grade means
Good: 5 of 5
- Pays a living wage
- Respects worker rights
- Full supply chain audit, or made only in countries with rigorous labour standards
- No child or forced labour findings
- Publishes where its products are made (supplier list, named farms or its own factories)
Great: 0 of 3
- Pays beyond a living wage
- Finds and fixes problems, or invests directly in workers' communities
- Actively empowers workers
Needs all Good requirements plus two of these.
Red flags: 0
None found.
Where it's made
| Country | Worker rights | Legal wages | Forced labour risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | Strong protections | Slightly below a living wage | Low |
Country conditions from the ITUC Global Rights Index, Global Slavery Index and living wage benchmarks. Certifications and audits can raise a company above its countries' baseline.
Why this grade
- Timber, cotton textiles and ceramics carry moderate raw-material risk; illegal logging is linked to forced labour in some regions.
- Owns or runs its own production
Global knives are owned and made by Yoshida Metal Industry (Yoshikin), a family-owned company of about 110 people whose headquarters and factory are in Tsubame, Niigata, Japan. No production outside Japan is reported for any Global line. The company holds ISO 9001 quality certification but publishes no supplier list, modern slavery statement or labour policy.
What independent sources say
| Source | Result | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Wikidata | Unclear | Ownership and headcount were taken from the company's own profile rather than Wikidata. View ↗ |
| UK Modern Slavery Statement Registry | Unclear | No UK modern slavery statement for Yoshikin was found; the company is likely below the reporting threshold. View ↗ |
| Australian Modern Slavery Register | Unclear | No Australian modern slavery statement for Yoshikin or Global was found. View ↗ |
| Business & Human Rights Resource Centre | Not listed | No allegations about Global or Yoshikin appear on the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre. View ↗ |
Sources (4)
- Yoshikin – About us · archived copy · 110 employees; headquarters and factory at Nishiota, Yoshida, Tsubame-city, Niigata; no overseas production listed; ISO 9001:2015 certified.
- Global (cutlery) – Wikipedia · archived copy · Global knives are owned and manufactured by Yoshikin at its factory in Tsubame, Japan; the company is owned by the Watanabe family.
- Yoshida Metal Industry – Wikipedia · archived copy · Founded 1954 in Niigata Prefecture, headquartered in Tsubame, Japan.
- Yoshikin – GLOBAL brand story · archived copy · Each Global knife is processed by several craftspeople; no CSR or workforce statements published.
Last researched 9 October 2026 · details still being verified. Grades are opinions based on the evidence listed here. Represent this company and think something is wrong? A right-of-reply form is coming soon.