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Nigara Anmon SG2 Special Western Handle

Sanmai - Stainless Damascus Clad Etched SG2 / R2 / Stainless Stainless Clad Aomori, Japan

The Anmon SG2 series consist knives of various construction and sizes, all clad in 25 layers of forged damascus on each side of the blade. The ripple markings on the finely polished steel, distinctive of Tsugaru forging, is an original technique of the Nigara Forging. These Special Western handle Anmon are fitted with hand-shaped coke bottle profile ergonomic handles, often comes in unique and exotic materials, adding a unique glare to the already breathtaking Anmon blades.

The “Anmon” design was inspired by the rippling water of the Anmon Waterfalls, cascading from the foot of the World Heritage Shirakami Mountains adjacent to the city of Hirosaki. Old growth beech and pine encompass the Anmon falls where the cool mountain stream cascades down from the precipitous rocks above. The sight of the rippling waterfall has enchanted its visitors with its mystical power.

However, a interview with the Toshiju Yoshizawa reveals the personal inspiration for him, he said it was Andy Warhol's painting of John Lennon, specifically the fascinating distortion in his glasses that lead him to this design.

Combining this pattern with a matte etched surface, the Anmon line gets a truly breathtaking, high contrast look. This dazzling appearance combines the great edge retentionof the SG2 powder stainless steel, result a series of knives excels in all aspects. There is a reason that these knives are sold very quickly despite the high price of them.

Pros

  • Highly collectable
  • Great artistic
  • Excellent fit and finish

Cons

  • High budget
  • Etched damascus can be hard to maintain

Best For

  • Enthusiasts
  • Collectors
Construction
Sanmai - Stainless Damascus Clad
Surface Finish
Etched
Cladding
Stainless Clad
Steel
SG2 / R2 / Stainless
Origin
Aomori, 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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