Our in-depth range review

First Impressions

Exceptional - The sharpness right out of the box is comparable with some of the best knives we've tested and the balance and handling of the blade makes using it a joy. 

The cutting edge is extremely thin and simply falls through food.

Beauty

The whole package with the SG2 is beautiful, from the classy grey presentation box with it's silver foil embossed company name and logo through to the care and instructions and company history inlay English and Japanese onto the knife itself. 

The blade is in this range is available in a range of beautiful tsuchime finishes. Hand hammered to create a unique pattern on every one and with a subtlly exposed cutting edge they're wonderful to look at.

In Hand


Light and nimble, the blades throughout the SG2 line are thin and well balanced and with subtle rounding of the heel and spine are comfortable for extended periods of use when working with a pinch grip on the larger knives.

Durability

The SG2 core steel is clad in stainless steel is a strong choice that balances edge retention and durability and will provide a great level of performance over many years use when honed and maintained correctly. 

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

SG2 is a stainless steel and is easy to maintain and resharpen. Just follow our normal care instructions and this is a knife you will be using for many years.

For long term knife care, we recommend Japanese knife care kit bundle which has all the tools needed to keep your knife in its best condition.

Our Verdict

Both the migaki and kurouchi finished versions of the SG2 range are incredible. They're beautiful knives and the sharpness right out of the box is outstanding as you would expect from Nigara Hamono. 

These are knives that are absolutely worth every penny and are rightly very popular not just with us but with everyone who's used one.

Meet the maker

Nigara Hamono

Nigara Hamono is a historic knife maker based in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, with roots that date back more than 350 years to the early Edo period. Originally established as a swordsmithing family serving the Tsugaru clan, Nigara has evolved through eight generations into one of Japan’s most respected modern forges.

Today, the workshop is led by Go Yoshizawa and a small team of highly skilled artisans who continue to uphold the traditions of their ancestors while embracing modern metallurgy and design. Nigara Hamono is best known for its visually striking damascus patterns and meticulous heat treatment, producing knives that combine exceptional performance with artistic beauty.

Often forged from high-performance steels such as VG10, SG2, and Blue Super, each knife is finished by hand to exacting standards. With deep historical roots and a commitment to constant innovation, Nigara Hamono exemplifies the perfect balance of heritage, precision, and artistry in Japanese blade making.

View all Nigara Hamono products