Hatsukokoro Hayabusa SG2 Migaki

Sanmai - Stainless Clad Migaki SG2 / R2 / Stainless Stainless Clad Hyogo, Japan

The Hatsukokoro Hayabusa(隼, Peregrine Falcon) SG2 migaki line cuts well, looks beautiful but does not carry a hefty price tag.

The SuperGold 2 (SG2) steel is a state-of-the-art powdered cutlery steel by Takefu Special Steel. It is a premium steel with extremely fine microscopic structure therefore it can be very sharp compared to traditional steel. Also, thanks to the modern metallurgy technology, powdered steels tend to have superior edge retention and impact resistance. In the case of SG2, it is typically heat treated to HRC 62, and has more than twice the edge retention than traditional White 2 steel. Being a stainless steel, together with extreme sharpness, high edge retention and impact resistance, the SG2 is a perfect cutlery steel.

The finish of these blade can be described as minimalism done right. Through its highly polished surface, It is almost impossible to really tell the cladding line through the uniform polishing lines. Matched with the K&S teak octagonal WA handle, with black buffalo horn, the overall package is traditional, simple yet elegant.

Pros

Budget friendly
Excellent performance
Easy to look after

Cons

Relatively hard to sharpen

Best For

First-timers
Pro chefs

Construction

Sanmai - Stainless Clad

Surface Finish

Migaki

Cladding

Stainless Clad

Steel

SG2 / R2 / Stainless

Origin

Hyogo, Japan

Frequently asked questions

SG2 steel knives at Knives and Stones

SG2 (Super Gold 2, which Takefu writes as SPG2) is Takefu Special Steel's own blade steel, made by powder metallurgy. Takefu says it meets all four of what it calls the major requirements for a blade: high hardness, high toughness, good wear resistance and excellent corrosion resistance.

SG2 runs 61 to 65 HRC depending on the maker, and Takefu does not publish its composition. As of 18 October 2026, 291 of the knives we list have SG2 in their title.

Reviewed by K&S Staff · Last updated 30 May 2026

What is the difference between VG10 and SG2?

Both are Takefu blade steels, and they differ in class and in what Takefu publishes about each. Takefu lists VG10 as a stainless steel with 1.00% carbon, 15.00% chromium, 1.00% molybdenum, 0.25% vanadium and 1.55% cobalt, at a hardening hardness of HRC 60 or more.

Takefu describes SG2, its Super Gold 2, as a blade steel created by powder metallurgy, lists its composition as not disclosed, and SG2 runs 61 to 65 HRC depending on the maker. Takefu also calls SG2 a powdered stainless high-speed steel.

Published by K&S Education Desk; staff review pending