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Home | Vault | Nigara Hamono 180mm Santoku SG2 Kurouchi Tsuchime Ebony

Nigara Hamono 180mm Santoku SG2 Kurouchi Tsuchime Ebony

£232.42
£232.42
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READ IMPORTANT DELIVERY OPTION INFORMATION

Forged stainless clad SG2 powder metal with hammer marked 'tsuchime cladding and octagonal wenge handle. SG2 takes a very fine edge easily for a stainless steel of its hardness (63/64) and holds it nicely. 

Nigara Hamono in Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture is a 350 year old metalworking company with 

Nigara Hamono is a distinguished Japanese blacksmithing house with a legacy spanning over 350 years. Founded during the early Edo period, the Nigara family began crafting swords for the Tsugaru clan in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. Over eight generations, they have preserved and refined their traditional forging techniques, transitioning from samurai swords to high-performance kitchen knives that are celebrated worldwide.      

Under the leadership of Go Yoshizawa, the eighth-generation blacksmith, Nigara Hamono continues to blend time-honored techniques with modern innovations. This dedication has earned them recognition as one of Japan’s premier knife makers.

Everyday Prep

Good for veggies and boneless protein

Avoid Bones & Dense Foods

If you can't bite it, don't cut it.

Stainless Steel

Non-reactive blade.

Thin Grind

Particularly thin grind. Use with intention.

Ambidextrous

Suitable for all users.

Santoku

Santoku means "three virtues," referring to its versatility with meat, fish, and vegetables. It has a shorter, wider blade than a gyuto with a flat edge and slight curve that excels at chopping and low mincing. Ideal for home cooks due to it's smaller size range for general prep across a range of ingredients.

Listed Length: 180mm
Total Length: 310mm
Edge Length: 169mm
Heel Height: 50mm
Spine Thickness: 2.3mm
Weight:
Orientation: Ambidextrous

Blade Type:
Steel Type: SG2 (R2)
Steel Hardness (HRC): undisclosed
Maintenance: Less Attention
Handle Type: Japanese (wa)
Handle Material: Ebony

  • This is a stainless steel knife made from thin, hard steel.
  • Hand wash and towel dry after use. Do not air dry or use the dishwasher. Regular neglect can lead to oxidation.
  • Avoid twisting, scraping, or use on dense or hard foods and surfaces to avoid early dulling and edge damage. If you wouldn't bite into it, don't cut it with this knife.
  • Use on wooden cutting boards only. Do not use bamboo, cheap plastics or metal cutting boards.

Dive Deeper

Medium-Fine finish - Japanese

We recommend sharpening by hand using whetstones starting around 1000 grit progressing to at least 4000 for this steel type and edge geometry. Finish with a monodiachrome strop for a smooth cut with a substantial bite. Finer finishes are possible, but the knife may slide on smooth foods and overall edge retention may suffer. During repair, use a super coarse stone to pass chips quickly to help keep flat bevels.

  • Avoid pull-through sharpeners and non-water-cooled mechanized systems.
  • Strops and ceramic honing rods are preferred for as-needed edge maintenance. If you have to use a honing rod to be able to use the knife comfortably, it's time to sharpen the knife.

Sharpening Supplies

Stones & Accessories selected specifically for this knife.

Arato-kun #220 Extra Coarse Grit Whetstone

Arato-kun #220 Extra Coarse Grit Whetstone

£37.49
£37.49
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Bernal Cutlery Takarazukushi 1200 Grit Blue Marble Semi-Soft Ceramic Japanese Whetstone

Bernal Cutlery Takarazukushi 1200 Grit Blue Marble Semi-Soft Ceramic Japanese Whetstone

£55.48
£55.48
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Bernal Cutlery Takarazukushi 4000 Grit Yellow Semi-Hard Resinoid Japanese Whetstone

Bernal Cutlery Takarazukushi 4000 Grit Yellow Semi-Hard Resinoid Japanese Whetstone

£61.48
£61.48
Arashiyama #6000 Whetstone Stone NO Wooden Base

Arashiyama #6000 Whetstone Stone NO Wooden Base

£43.49
£43.49
Arashiyama #6000 Whetstone With Nagura Stone and Wooden Base

Arashiyama #6000 Whetstone With Nagura Stone and Wooden Base

£50.98
£50.98
Bernal Cutlery Monodiachrome™ Precharged Deburring Strop

Bernal Cutlery Monodiachrome™ Precharged Deburring Strop

£29.99
£29.99

SG2 (R2)

Carbon (C): 1.25–1.45% | Chromium (Cr): 14.0–16.0% | Molybdenum (Mo): 2.3–3.3% | Vanadium (V): 1.8–2.2%

SG2/R2 is a Japanese PM stainless targeting top‑tier edge retention with true stainless behavior. Typically ~62–64 HRC, it forms fine, hard carbides for long‑lasting sharpness while remaining more sharpenable than ultra‑carbide steels. Popular in premium kitchen knives.

About Nigara Hamono

Hirosaki City, Aomori, Japan

Based in Hirosaki, Aomori, Nigara Hamono traces its roots to the Edo period, forging swords for the Tsugaru clan over 350 years ago. Now led by Go Yoshizawa, the 8th generation, the workshop produces stunning Damascus and san-mai blades blending heritage with innovation. Known for their Anmon and Tsuchime patterns, Nigara knives pair refined steelwork with high-performance grinds. Go’s leadership has brought renewed attention to Nigara’s artistry, marrying old techniques with modern steels. Each knife reflects centuries of craft, regional identity, and a maker’s evolving vision—functional tools with deep aesthetic appeal.

See All Nigara Hamono