Nigara Hamono | SKU: NG-SG2TSUMAT-BK180

Nigara SG2 Tsuchime Matt Migaki Bunka 180mm Ebony

Name: Nigara SG2 Tsuchime Matt Migaki Bunka 180mm Ebony
Brand: Nigara Hamono
SKU: NG-SG2TSUMAT-BK180
Price: 359.95 AUD
Availability: InStock

$359.95

Add a saya or K&S Knife Roll to receive $20 bundle discount!

Detailed Specifications

Line	Nigara SG2 Matt Migaki Tsuchime
Profile	Bunka
Bevel Type	Double Bevel
Weight	168 g 5.93 oz
Edge Length	166 mm .6.54 inch
Heel Height	49 mm .1.93 inch
Width @ Spine	2.5 mm 0.1 inch
Width @ Mid	2.5 mm 0.1 inch
Width @ 1cm from Tip	1.1 mm 0.04 inch
Steel	SG2 / R2 \| Powdered Stainless
Blade Construction	Sanmai - Stainless Clad
Hardness (HRC)	62 - 64
Handle	Octagonal Ebony
Region	Aomori
Best for	First-timers Pro chefs

Free shipping for knives over AU$200 Australia wide.
World-wide shipping via DHL Express, 3 to 5 days.

This is a line up of knives produced by Nigara have excellent performance for how much they cost. Just like their well known VG10 line, these blades employed optimised fabrication procedures, allowing users to obtain a combination of sharp edge geometry and a powder stainless steel edge at a very acceptable cost.

The SG2/R2 being the most commonly used powder stainless steel in the Japanese kitchen knife industry can offer a reliable toughness and edge retention. However, the higher cost of the steel means it’s usually hard to get knives made with it under 350 AUD(210mm Gyuto). The SG2 Hayabusa produced by Hatsukokoro offers a very low price for those who want to experience this steel and its ability to hold its edge, but the Matt Migaki Tsuchime line from Nigara would have a better sharpness and food release due to its hand-sharpened, sabre grind concave edge geometry.

The overall fit and finish is just like other knives produced in similar fashion by Nigara, you can expect very consistent surface condition, straightness and rigidity throughout different profiles. The soft stainless cladding has a very pretty smooth matt finish while the core steel still has parallel polish marks left from Migaki finish. Compare to the VG10 line with Damascus cladding, this is a very simple yet elegant design, if you are looking for a slightly different look, there is a twin sister line by Nigara that comes with Kurouchi finish.

The slightly thicker thickness of the blade gives the knife more sturdiness, combining with the ease of maintenance, it allows this lineup of knives to be an excellent starting point for those who want to get into Japanese knife with have a bit more budget. And for the VG10 users looking for an upgrade, these blades offer better core steel with only a slight increase in price, but more importantly maintain a very good fit and finish and sharpness.

Pros	Cons
Excellent performance Easy to look after	Relatively hard to sharpen

Care Instruction

Don't cut hard things! Japanese knives are brittle so bone hacking is a NO NO!
Wash with neutral detergent after use, and wipe dry;
Please don't wash knife with dishwasher, it will damage the wood handle;
Be careful not to leave the knife close to a heat source for a long time;
It is a lot more dangerous to cut with a blunt knife than a sharp knife!
It is best to sharpen a Japanese knife regularly on a waterstone.

Nigara

Based in the small yet beautiful city of Hirosaki in the northern prefecture of Aomori, Nigara hamono has been making samurai swords for 350 yearas, with master Kunitoshi (國俊) being one of the most famous sword smith in his generation. Now headed by the 8th generation mastersmith Tsuyoshi Yoshizawa (吉澤剛) supported by his father Toshiju Yoshizawa (吉澤俊寿), Nigara is becoming very popular thanks of its exquisite forging skills and second to none quality control.

Profile: Bunka

A pointier version of the Santoku. The Bunka knife features a distinctive profile with a straighter edge and a pointed tip, making it versatile for a variety of kitchen tasks. Its design is a blend of the Santoku and Gyuto knives, with a blade length typically around 165mm to 180mm. The Bunka is particularly adept at slicing, dicing, and chopping fruits, vegetables, and meats, thanks to its sharp edge and comfortable handling. The angled tip, also known as a reverse tanto, provides additional precision for intricate tasks such as julienning. With its unique shape and functionality, the Bunka stands out as a multifunctional knife in the culinary world.
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Steel: SG2 / R2
SG2, also known as Super Gold 2 or R2 steel, is a high-end powdered tool steel by Takefu Special Steel, known for its excellent edge retention, wear resistance, and ability to achieve a hardness of up to 64 HRC. Identical to Kobelco Steel's R2, it's prized in premium knife making for its fine edge sharpness and durability. The powdered nature ensures uniform carbide distribution, enhancing toughness and reducing chipping risks. SG2/R2 is ideal for those seeking top performance and longevity in their cutting tools.
Manufacturer:
- Takefu Special Steel, Japan
Nature: Stainless
Hardness: 62- 64
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Construction: Sanmai - Stainless Clad

Sanmai(Three-Piece) is a common construction for double bevel knives where two pieces of softer cladding steel are forgewelded to each side of a harder core steel. The harder but more brittle core steel will form the hard cutting edge after heat treating, and the softer cladding will support the core to increase the overall strength of the blade.
The soft cladding enables the thinning process to be a lot easier than a honyaki or monosteel construction. And in the case where the cladding steel are stainless in nature, it can offer protection for the carbon or semi-stainless cores against rusting and discoluoring.
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Finish:

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Handle Specs
Profile: Octagonal WA
Material:
- Ebony
This handle, crafted from a single piece of ebony, exemplifies minimalist elegance and functional design. Its unique octagonal shape, featuring a subtle taper, offers a comfortable grip and a visually appealing geometric profile. The ebony wood, known for its deep, rich color and durability, has been meticulously milled from a single block, ensuring a seamless construction that highlights the wood's natural beauty and grain. The handle's surface has been highly polished, achieving a glossy finish that not only enhances the ebony's luxurious dark hue but also provides a smooth, tactile experience for the user. This design choice reflects a minimalist approach, focusing on simplicity, quality, and usability. The combination of the octagonal shape with the taper adds a modern twist to the classic material, making it a standout piece that blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.
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