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By Kei Kobayashi

Kei Kobayashi SG2 Migaki

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

Kobayashi's SG2 Migaki is a lineup that designed purely to pursue cutting performance and usability in the context of a professional kitchen. The combination of low maintenance, highly wear resistant SG2 steel, simple, low friction Migaki finish and a blade geometry that is tuned to glide through all kinds of food, made these knives a ideal choice for professionals and those who expect highest performance from their blades.

The highlight of these knives must be the thin blade that Kobayashi san put onto with his masterful sharpening skill, the sub-2mm spine thickness and razor-like thickness behind the edge make these knives the definition of "laser". At the same time, it is one of the smooth cutting laser I've ever tried. The slightly rough Migaki finish and swell-tuned convex geometry produced by Kobayashi san's rich experience have lead to a cuts that are free of sticking, which is uncommon on a thin knife.

Also unlike the commonly seen thin blades, Kobayashi's knives have great rigidity.It could be the thicker body created by the convex grind which give more support to the blade against bending, and potentially higher hardness from heat treatment. This thin and solid blade offer very commanding cuts and would give you confidence in the most challenging tasks that require great precision.

Despite the simple design, all the details are finished to a very high level. The shiny spine and choil stands out under the contrast with the Migaki blade surface and speak proudly about the attention to details. As for the steel, SG2 still is one of the best option for knife making in the industry, it is balanced in other aspect and still offer excellent edge retention that can comfortably last through weeks of intense preps.

This SG2 line are incredible, especially as professional tools. It respond to the demand of professional kitchen with top notch cutting performance, great edge retention and excellent handling, and didn't add any fancy feature that oriented for aesthetic. Minimalistic and focused, Kobayashi's SG2 Migaki line is build for professional and those who approach their cooking seriously.

Pros

  • Great for professionals
  • Thin behind the edge
  • Excellent performance

Cons

  • A little bit brittle

Best For

  • Pro chefs
  • Enthusiasts
  • Students
Construction
Sanmai - Stainless Clad
Surface Finish
Migaki
Cladding
Stainless Clad
Steel
SG2 / R2 / Stainless
Origin
Seki, 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

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