Nigara Hamono | SKU: NG-SG2TSUMAT-BK180-IRONWOOD

Nigara SG2 Tsuchime Matt Migaki Bunka 180mm Western Ironwood

Name: Nigara SG2 Tsuchime Matt Migaki Bunka 180mm Western Ironwood
Brand: Nigara Hamono
SKU: NG-SG2TSUMAT-BK180-IRONWOOD
Price: 599.95 AUD
Availability: OutOfStock

$599.95

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	220 g \| 7.8 oz
Edge Length	166 mm \| 6 17/32″
Heel Height	49 mm \| 1 59/64″
Width @ Heel	2.5 mm \| 3/32″
Width @ Mid	2.5 mm \| 3/32″
Width @ 1cm from Tip	1.1 mm \| 3/64″
Steel	SG2 / R2 \| Powdered \| Stainless
Blade Construction	Sanmai - Stainless Clad
Hardness (HRC)	62 - 64
Handle	Octagonal Black Chacate
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 Go 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:
- Black Chacate
Black Chacate is a highly valued timber known for its deep, rich brown to almost black coloration, fine texture, and exceptional durability. It polishes well, offering an exquisite finish that highlights its subtle, elegant grain patterns. This wood is often used in fine woodworking projects, including luxury furniture, decorative items, and high-end knife handles.
An octagonal wa handle made from Black Chacate wood would exhibit a sleek, geometric shape that fits comfortably in the hand, enhancing the user's grip and control. The deep hues and natural luster of Black Chacate add a touch of sophistication and unparalleled beauty to the handle, making it not only a functional component of a kitchen knife but also a piece of art. The durability and stability of Black Chacate ensure that the handle withstands the rigors of kitchen use while maintaining its aesthetic appeal over time.
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