A Pros Perspective: Chef Justin’s Guide to the G-Fusion Line
Chef Justin Khanna is the internet’s “resident expert” on Chef Knives. His viral, no nonsense, deep dive knife reviews on YouTube are highly regarded among professional chefs and knife geeks alike. Chef Justin, a Culinary Institute of America graduate with Michelin-starred restaurant training, took a deep dive into our entire G-Fusion line of kitchen knives. Chef Khanna’s insights offer a practical guide to selecting the perfect blade, whether for yourself or as a thoughtful gift this holiday season.
Uncompromising Craftsmanship
From the start, Chef Khanna was impressed by the meticulous craftsmanship of New West KnifeWorks knives. Every detail, from the seamless handle construction to the hand-finishing, reflects the dedication of the makers.
“You probably already know about the high-quality American manufacturing—everything from the design choices to the sourcing of materials to the hand-finishing that goes into these knives. The makers do such fine work that you can’t even tell where the metal tang ends and the G-Fusion material begins.”
The Handles
The G-Fusion handles, made from G10 composite material, stood out for their indestructible nature and modern aesthetic.
“The G10 handles are nearly indestructible. I could leave one next to a burner on the stove, and I’d be more worried about the heat treatment of the steel than the handle itself.”
For those seeking a more traditional look, Chef Khanna recommends the desert ironwood handles, which combine durability with unique natural grain patterns.
“The desert ironwood handles are incredible. Each one has a unique grain, and they’re just as sturdy and dense as the G-Fusion. It’s all about choice, whether you want something bold and colorful or minimal and timeless.”
The Steel That Sets These Knives Apart
New West KnifeWorks’ use of CPM S35VN steel is a hallmark of their knives, offering an unmatched combination of edge retention, toughness, and stain resistance. Chef Khanna highlighted the importance of this material, which ensures long-lasting sharpness and durability.
“Every knife in the lineup (except for the steak knives, which I’ll get to) is made with CPM S35VN steel. Without getting too nerdy about metallurgy, this steel is the perfect balance of edge retention, toughness, and stain resistance. At 58 to 60 Rockwell hardness, these knives hold up incredibly well under heavy use.”
He also praised the thoughtful spine beveling, which enhances comfort during extended use.
“The beveling on the spine of these knives is another detail I love. For anyone using a pinch grip, it makes the knives so comfortable—no harsh edges digging into your fingers.”
Categorizing the Knives: A Blade for Every Task
Chef Khanna categorized the knives into four groups: daily drivers, sidekicks, large and in charge, and specialty knives. Here’s his take on each category and its standout blades.
1. Daily Drivers
These are the go-to knives for everyday cooking.
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8" Chef Knife:
“This is lightweight, nimble, and versatile. The tapered blade profile means you can rock chop without your knuckles hitting the cutting board. It’s perfect for everything from dicing onions to breaking down poultry.”
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Western Chef Knife:
“If you want something taller and more substantial, this combines the tall profile of a cleaver with the precision of a chef’s knife. I love how you can chop and scoop ingredients right into your pots and bowls.” -
Teton Edge Santoku:
“The Teton Edge etching is genius; it prevents food from sticking to the blade as you chop. This is my go-to for bell peppers, chicken breasts, and even root vegetables.”
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Petty Knife:
“The Petty Knife is perfect for quick tasks like slicing a lemon, chiffonading basil, or cutting up an apple for a snack. Once you start using it, you’ll be surprised how often you reach for it.”
2. Sidekicks
Smaller, complementary knives designed for specific tasks.
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Chopper:
“The Chopper is like a mini Santoku. It’s perfect for projects like making salsas or chopping garlic, ginger, and green onions.” -
Mini Chopper:
“The Mini Chopper is great for charcuterie boards or bar setups. It’s compact and versatile, ideal for delicate prep tasks.” -
Paring Knife:
“The swooped blade profile makes it ergonomic and precise for tasks like deveining shrimp or hulling strawberries.”
3. Large and In Charge
For those who tackle big jobs in the kitchen, these knives deliver power and precision.
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Chris Kidder Special:
“At 12 inches, this handles everything from breaking down pineapples to carving roasts. Despite its size, it’s surprisingly lightweight and easy to use.” -
9" Chef Knife
"The 9" Chef Knife has a slightly longer blade, which is fantastic if you’re working with larger ingredients or prepping in big batches. The extra length gives you more cutting surface, making it easier to tackle big jobs like slicing a watermelon or breaking down a large roast. But even with the added size, it still feels lightweight and balanced."
4. Specialty Knives
Designed for niche tasks, these knives stand out for their specific functionalities.
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Fillet Knife:
“It’s thin and flexible with just the right amount of stiffness to handle skinning fillets or flexing around bones.” - The Deli Knife"The Deli Knife has my favorite kind of serrations: scalloped edges. These are done with an asymmetric bevel, so they feel incredibly sharp and last longer than most serrated knives. It’s amazing for cutting anything with a crust or skin—bagels, baguettes, even delicate heirloom tomatoes. Because the serrations are so well-engineered, it’s delicate on ingredients. Whether you’re slicing bread for French toast or making a beautiful Caprese salad, this knife is a multitasking powerhouse."
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Super Bread Knife:
“The serration pattern on this knife is the best I’ve seen. It’s smooth and precise, so it doesn’t tear through delicate foods like tomatoes or crusty bread.” -
Steak Knives:
“The 440C steel is perfect for the stain resistance and toughness required for steak knives. The combination of serrated and straight edges ensures a clean cut through your hard-earned proteins.”
On Choosing the Right Knife
Chef Khanna emphasized how personal the choice of a knife is, encouraging cooks to think about their specific needs and cooking styles.
“The knife you choose is deeply personal. These tools are more than just functional—they’re companions in your kitchen, helping you create meals for yourself and your loved ones.”
Why New West KnifeWorks Makes a Great Gift
As the holiday season approaches, Chef Khanna highlighted the gift-worthy qualities of these knives.
“These knives make incredible gifts. They’re built to last a lifetime, and the craftsmanship is unmatched. Plus, New West offers lifetime sharpening services, so your gift will stay as sharp as the day it was made.”
Chef Khanna’s glowing review of New West KnifeWorks underscores their status as a must-have for any kitchen. Whether you’re looking to elevate your own cooking or give a gift that will be cherished for years, these knives are a choice that blends artistry, precision, and functionality.
Explore the New West KnifeWorks collection and discover the perfect blade for your needs—or give the gift of culinary excellence this holiday season.
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