Chef's Knife · RANK 03
Takamura Hamono
Takamura Migaki SG2 Gyuto 210mm
At 1.75-1.86mm behind the edge and roughly 156g, this SG2 laser cuts with near-zero wedging. Forum reports flag an unfinished spine and choil that reward light, careful use.
$205 typical
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SUBSTANCE SCORES
WHY THE PRICE IS JUSTIFIED
Its price is explained by SG2 powder steel, excellent heat treatment and the difficult-to-execute laser grind. Current listings show a 1.75–1.86mm spine and about 156g. There is little decorative labor or advertising tax; enthusiast criticism is mainly that the spine/choil are not eased and the edge needs careful technique.
MATERIALS
Fine, uniform carbide structure supports a very acute edge and long retention at about 63 HRC.
Adds support and corrosion resistance around the hard core.
Stable and water resistant, keeping cost focused on steel and geometry.
CRITERIA
IDEAL FOR
- ·Vegetable-heavy prep
- ·Fine slicing
- ·Experienced home cooks
- ·Buyers prioritizing cutting performance
NOT FOR
- ·Bones or frozen food
- ·Twisting cuts
- ·Users wanting a heavy knife
DESIGN & ERGONOMICS
Extremely nimble and visually clean, with a slim red Western handle. Slightly blade-forward in a pinch grip. The square-ish spine/choil and small handle are less luxurious than the blade performance.
LONGEVITY
Multi-decade blade if sharpened lightly and kept off hard boards. Add a small microbevel if chipping appears; avoid honing steels and lateral force.
PRODUCT PHOTOS
EVIDENCE (3)
www.kitchenknifeforums.com
carbonknifeco.com
zahocho.com