Takayuki SPG2 Damascus WA

Sanmai - Stainless Damascus Clad Tsuchime SG2 / R2 / Stainless Stainless Clad Sakai, Japan

Sakai Takayuki is a Sakai maker known for tradition, so the SPG2 Tsuchime WA line is a real change of direction: the blade is built on Takefu SG2 powdered steel, a steel that gets very sharp and holds its edge through long use.

The blade is thin and light, so slicing herbs and dicing vegetables feel easy and precise.

The tsuchime hammered finish leaves a pattern that flows across the blade like ocean waves, and no two knives are alike. The comfortable Japanese WA handle keeps the knife well balanced.

Pros

Excellent performance
Budget friendly
Ideal for the household
Great artistic

Cons

Relatively hard to sharpen

Best For

First-timers
Pro chefs

Construction

Sanmai - Stainless Damascus Clad

Surface Finish

Tsuchime

Cladding

Stainless Clad

Steel

SG2 / R2 / Stainless

Origin

Sakai, Japan

Takayuki Minamo SG2 SPG2 Sakai WA

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