Nigara SG2 Damascus Gyuto 210mm

There are collectors who research a knife for weeks before buying. One owner of this gyuto emailed Mark directly to request photos of the specific knives in stock before deciding - the kind of care a serious collector brings to a purchase at this level. Mark replied with pictures within minutes. The knife was ordered from the video. That exchange is typical of how CKTG works with collectors on premium pieces, and the Nigara Damascus line draws exactly that kind of buyer. Nigara Hamono has been forging in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture since the Edo period - one of Japan's original castle town forging centers with over one hundred blacksmith shops at its peak. The Anmon pattern, named after the nearby Anmon Waterfalls at the foot of the World Heritage Shirakami Mountains, is hand-finished on each blade and different on every one.

The 210mm gyuto (Japan's all-purpose chef knife) in the burnt urushi oak handle version is the most versatile knife in this sub-line. At 218mm actual blade length, 48mm height, and 156g with a 2mm spine, it is light and responsive for a blade this capable. SG2 at 62+ HRC takes a very fine edge and holds it well through demanding prep sessions, while the stainless construction means no reactive surface care is needed. The Anmon Damascus cladding - 25 layers of folded stainless steel - is unique on each blade because the hand-finishing process produces a slightly different result every time. The burnt urushi oak octagonal handle is lacquer-coated for durability and carries the warm, traditional character of the wood clearly. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.

What Customers Are Saying: One repeat collector who has purchased multiple knives from CKTG describes this knife as a stunning addition to their collection. The fit and finish are described as exactly what you expect from Nigara. The reviewer specifically contacted Mark for photos before purchasing and received a response within minutes with options to compare - the quality of both the knife and the service drew a direct call-out.

Care Instructions: SG2 is stainless and resistant to rust, but hard and chip-prone at this HRC. Use wood or rubber cutting boards only. Avoid bones, frozen foods, and hard materials. Hand wash and dry after use - no dishwasher. Strop regularly and use quality water stones for full sharpenings.

• Maker: Nigara Hamono
• Location: Hirosaki, Aomori, Japan
• Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
• Edge Steel: SG2 Stainless Steel
• Cladding: 25-Layer Stainless Damascus (Anmon - Raindrop)
• HRC: 62+
• Edge Grind: Double Bevel, Even
• Handle: Burnt Urushi Oak Octagonal
• Weight: 5.5 oz (156g)
• Blade Length: 218mm
• Total Length: 353mm
• Spine Thickness at Heel: 2mm
• Blade Height: 48mm

Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.