Some knives look better in photographs than they do in person. The Nigara SG2 Damascus 240mm gyuto is the other kind. One owner - someone serious enough to have a collection - calls it a modern masterpiece and their favorite knife in it, describing the level of care and craftsmanship as immediately evident on first opening the box. Nigara Hamono has been forging in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture since the Edo period, when the city was a castle town with over one hundred blacksmith shops. The Anmon Damascus pattern - 25 layers of folded stainless steel surrounding an SG2 core, named after the Anmon Waterfalls at the foot of the World Heritage Shirakami Mountains - is hand-finished on every knife and unique on every blade.
At 229mm actual blade length, 49mm height, and 170g, the 240mm gyuto (Japan's all-purpose chef knife) has the reach for serious protein work, the blade height for extended board sessions, and the 2mm spine that keeps it light and responsive through the full stroke. SG2 at 62+ HRC takes a very fine edge and holds it well - the same owner who called it a masterpiece reports it has flown through everything without resistance, and that initial food sticking common with Damascus finishes diminished significantly over the first week of use and has since become practically nonexistent. The stainless construction means no reactive surface management - just the SG2 performance and the Anmon pattern in daily use. Wenge octagonal handle, buffalo horn ferrule. Photos by Gustavo Bermudez. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
What Customers Are Saying: One collector describes this knife as a modern masterpiece - evidence of care and craftsmanship visible from the moment it comes out of the box. Extremely sharp out of the box. Initial food sticking from the Damascus finish was noted but diminished greatly over a week of use. The knife is described as having flown through everything without difficulty and sitting at the top of a serious collection.
Care Instructions: SG2 is stainless and resistant to rust, but hard and somewhat 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.
At 229mm actual blade length, 49mm height, and 170g, the 240mm gyuto (Japan's all-purpose chef knife) has the reach for serious protein work, the blade height for extended board sessions, and the 2mm spine that keeps it light and responsive through the full stroke. SG2 at 62+ HRC takes a very fine edge and holds it well - the same owner who called it a masterpiece reports it has flown through everything without resistance, and that initial food sticking common with Damascus finishes diminished significantly over the first week of use and has since become practically nonexistent. The stainless construction means no reactive surface management - just the SG2 performance and the Anmon pattern in daily use. Wenge octagonal handle, buffalo horn ferrule. Photos by Gustavo Bermudez. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
What Customers Are Saying: One collector describes this knife as a modern masterpiece - evidence of care and craftsmanship visible from the moment it comes out of the box. Extremely sharp out of the box. Initial food sticking from the Damascus finish was noted but diminished greatly over a week of use. The knife is described as having flown through everything without difficulty and sitting at the top of a serious collection.
Care Instructions: SG2 is stainless and resistant to rust, but hard and somewhat 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: Wenge Octagonal
- Ferrule: Buffalo Horn
- Weight: 6.0 oz (170g)
- Blade Length: 229mm
- Total Length: 380mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 2mm
- Blade Height: 49mm
- Photos: Gustavo Bermudez
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) Pure artPosted By: Grant
29 people found this review helpful
First, the staff at CKTG were incredibly helpful and answered all of my questions promptly. This knife is nothing short of a modern masterpiece. The level of care and craftsmanship is evident immediately upon removing it from the box. Extremely sharp OOTB and beautiful to boot. Admittedly, there was a little food sticking which is common with damascus finishes but after a week of continued use, it diminished greatly and now, it is practically nonexistent. This knife has absolutely flown through everything I’ve thrown at it. Easily my favorite in my collection.
29 people found this review helpful
First, the staff at CKTG were incredibly helpful and answered all of my questions promptly. This knife is nothing short of a modern masterpiece. The level of care and craftsmanship is evident immediately upon removing it from the box. Extremely sharp OOTB and beautiful to boot. Admittedly, there was a little food sticking which is common with damascus finishes but after a week of continued use, it diminished greatly and now, it is practically nonexistent. This knife has absolutely flown through everything I’ve thrown at it. Easily my favorite in my collection.
