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Nigara Hamono  |  SKU: NG-SG2TSUMM-ST180EB

Nigara SG2 Tsuchime Matt Migaki Santoku 180mm Ebony

$349.95

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

Detailed Specifications
Line Nigara SG2 Matt Migaki Tsuchime
Profile Santoku
Bevel Type Double Bevel
Weight 168 g        5.93 oz
Edge Length 167 mm   .6.57 inch
Heel Height 51 mm     .2.01 inch
Width @ Spine 2.2 mm     0.09 inch
Width @ Mid 2.2 mm     0.09 inch
Width @ 1cm from Tip 0.7 mm     0.03 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
    1. Don't cut hard things! Japanese knives are brittle so bone hacking is a NO NO!
    2. Wash with neutral detergent after use, and wipe dry;
    3. Please don't wash knife with dishwasher, it will damage the wood handle;
    4. Be careful not to leave the knife close to a heat source for a long time;
    5. It is a lot more dangerous to cut with a blunt knife than a sharp knife!
    6. 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: Santoku

      The Santoku knife, embodying the meaning "three uses," is a cornerstone in Japanese kitchens, adept at slicing, dicing, and mincing. Esteemed for its versatility, it features a blade length typically between 15cm and 20cm (6 to 8 inches), catering to a wide array of culinary tasks. Distinguished by its less pointy tip compared to the Gyuto, the Santoku boasts a unique profile that contributes to its functionality and popularity. Its design is tailored to provide ease and efficiency in preparation, also because of its less aggressive prrofile, making it a preferred choice for home cooks.

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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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    Nigara Hamono

    Nigara SG2 Tsuchime Matt Migaki Santoku 180mm Ebony

    $349.95

    Nigara SG2 Tsuchime Matt Migaki Santoku 180mm Ebony Handle

    Discover the superior craftsmanship of the Nigara SG2 Tsuchime Matt Migaki Santoku 180mm, a premium Japanese kitchen knife designed for precision and versatility. This knife, meticulously crafted by the renowned Nigara Hamono, combines traditional Japanese techniques with modern materials to deliver exceptional sharpness and durability. The 180mm blade is forged from SG2 steel, known for its remarkable hardness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance.

    The blade features a stunning Tsuchime (hammered) Matt Migaki finish, adding both beauty and function by reducing drag and preventing food from sticking to the blade. The Santoku design, celebrated for its versatility, is ideal for a wide range of kitchen tasks, including slicing, dicing, and chopping. The handle, crafted from high-quality ebony wood, is ergonomically designed for a comfortable and secure grip, ensuring precise control during use. Each Nigara knife exemplifies a commitment to quality and meticulous craftsmanship, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

    Elevate your culinary skills with the Nigara SG2 Tsuchime Matt Migaki Santoku, a Japanese kitchen knife perfect for both professional chefs and home cooks. Available at Knives and Stones, Sydney.

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