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Myojin Riki  |  SKU: MYOJ_SGMG_NA180

Myojin Riki Seisakusho SG2 Kasumi Nakiri 180mm Ebony Handle

Regular price $13,938.00

Add a saya or K&S Knife Roll to receive $20 bundle discount!

Detailed Specifications
Line Myojin Riki Seisakusho SG2
Profile Nakiri / Japanese Vegetable Knife
Bevel Type Double Bevel
Weight 184 g | 6.5 oz
Edge Length 170 mm | 6 11/16″
Heel Height 50 mm | 1 31/32″
Width @ Heel 2.2 mm | 3/32″
Width @ Mid 2.2 mm | 3/32″
Width @ 1cm from Tip 1.9 mm | 5/64″
Steel SG2 / R2 | Powdered | Stainless
Blade Construction Sanmai - Stainless Clad
Hardness (HRC) 62 - 64
Surface Finish Kasumi
Handle Octagonal Ebony
Region Tosa
Best for
  • Pro chefs
  • Enthusiasts
  • Collectors
  • Free shipping for knives over AU$200 Australia wide.
  • World-wide shipping via DHL Express, 3 to 5 days.


Myojin Riki Seisakusho as a father-and-son workshop is operated by Myojin family, the son Naohito is the sharpener and polisher of the double bevel knives in the workshop and the level of fit and finish achieved is top notch in the industry. Famous work that Naohito works on includes Konosuke Fujiyama FM series, the Tetsujin brand and some of the really rare blades forged by Hashimoto Shoichi. Aside from these collaborations, Naohito also keeps some personal lineups, which include a Ukiba Cobalt Special steel line and this Kasumi SG2 line.

The sharpening approach for these SG2 knives are not nearly as aggressive as the Tetsujin knives, the bevel is a bit thicker, but is still in a very comfortable convex grind that would flow through most foods without much resistance. Although it would wedge more in very dense roots like carrot and sweet potatoes, but in a more succulent food like a fresh white potato, the stronger convex resulted from a thicker blade can encourage food separation, and I feel these SG2 is bit less sticky than the Tetsujin when dealing with these kind of food.

The SG2 doesn’t need much introduction, it is still one of the best kitchen knife steels you can find without going to the steels that are impossible to sharpen. It scores pretty high in edge retention while being fully stainless, which makes a good material for professionals as it requires sharpening less frequently and doesn't need special care.

The fit and finish is phenomenal, but also what you would expect from Naohito Myojin. The super consistent Kasumi finish covers the entire soft steel cladding, which just makes the polished core steel and spine pops out on the edge. Every sharp corner is cleanly chamfered and despite the crisp boundary between each surface, the choil and spine doesn’t feel sharp at all. This silky smooth Kasumi has just the right reaction when cutting food as it is not too rough to create friction and not too smooth to stick.

As the Naohito Myojin is now recognised as the top sharpener of the industry, he is very caught up in all kinds of jobs, and being the only person working on these different projects, any of his knives would be highly sought after. This SG2 is one of those items and it has the best steel(edge retention wise), which makes it very hard to come by. Whether you are a collector, knife enthusiast or pro chef looking for a good tool, this line is something you would want to try out if the opportunities come by.

Pros Cons
  • Excellent performance
  • Thin behind the edge
  • Excellent fit and finish
  • A little bit brittle
Care Instruction
  1. Don't cut hard things! Japanese knives are brittle so bone hacking is a NO NO!
  2. Wash with neutral detergent after use, and wipe dry;
  3. Please don't wash knife with dishwasher, it will damage the wood handle;
  4. Be careful not to leave the knife close to a heat source for a long time;
  5. It is a lot more dangerous to cut with a blunt knife than a sharp knife!
  6. It is best to sharpen a Japanese knife regularly on a waterstone.

Myojin Riki

Myojin Riki Seisakusho — Tosa's Sharpening Prodigy

The Myojin Riki Manufacturing, established by a founder who mastered his skills in Osaka, the heartland of blade-making, has been operational for over 80 years. Specializing in knives made from steel and iron, they've recently focused on stainless steel knives, valued for their light weight, resistance to rust, and exceptional sharpness. These knives are popular among both professionals and general consumers, partly due to their application of the "stacked steel pattern" traditionally found in swords. The second generation continues to innovate, customizing products to meet users' needs, while also contributing to cultural preservation through their involvement with local traditional performances and blade repairs.

Naohito Myojin, the second generation craftsman of Myojin Riki, has dedicated himself to continuing the legacy of his predecessor's craftsmanship in knife making. Focused on innovation while preserving traditional techniques, Naohito has made a significant mark in the field by customizing knives that not only meet the practical needs of users but also contribute to the cultural heritage through his involvement in local traditions and blade restoration efforts. His work reflects a deep commitment to quality, functionality, and the preservation of the artistry involved in Japanese knife making.

“From Sakai-trained roots in Tosa — a father-son forge where the grind is everything.”

Est. 1950 | 昭和25年
Known for Exceptional grinding and sharpening, tanryusen (metal flow) finish
Instagram @tetsujin_labo Read more about Myojin Riki
Myojin Riki — Tosa
Profile: Nakiri
Profile

Nakiri

Japanese Vegetable Knife

The Nakiri(菜切) knife is a distinctive tool in the Japanese kitchen, resembling a slender, shorter variant of a Chinese cleaver and serving as the household counterpart to the professional-grade Usuba. It is characterised by its relatively flat edge profile, emphasising straight, clean push cuts through vegetables without the need for rocking. This flat edge makes a full contact with chopping board when pushed down and it means there will be little to no chance of food still connect after the cut - a common problem with blade with very curved profile. Unlike Usuba, the thin and double bevel Nakiri is much better at penetrating dense and tough roots and tubers, Although sacrifices the ability to do delicate pinpoint slice, the rounded tip can give you a bit more sense of safety in operation.
Composition

SG2 / R2 Element Composition

Compare with
    SG2 / R2
    14.0% 10.5% 7.0% 3.5% 0
    C Carbon 1.25%
    Primary hardening element. Raises hardness and wear resistance — but too much increases brittleness and corrosion susceptibility. As a reference: German 1.4112 (~0.5%) sits at the low end; VG-10 (~1.0%) is a common mid-range; SG2 (1.25–1.45%) and ZDP-189 (~3.0%) represent high and extreme ends respectively.
    C
    1.25%
    Cr Chromium 14.0%
    Raises corrosion resistance; 13%+ qualifies steel as stainless. Also improves hardenability and wear resistance. In kitchen use, higher chromium levels contribute to a slight drag or sticking sensation when cutting — a trade-off for the rust resistance it provides.
    Cr
    14.0%
    V Vanadium 1.8%
    Forms extremely hard carbides for superior edge retention. Also refines grain structure, improving toughness.
    V
    1.8%
    Mo Molybdenum 2.3%
    Improves hardenability and toughness. Boosts corrosion resistance and helps the steel hold hardness under heat.
    Mo
    2.3%
    Mn Manganese 0.4%
    Aids hardenability and strength. Acts as a deoxidiser during smelting. Excess can reduce toughness.
    Mn
    0.4%
    Si Silicon 0.5%
    Strengthens the steel matrix and acts as a deoxidiser. Improves hardness and resistance to oxidation.
    Si
    0.5%
    P Phosphorus 0.03%
    Impurity from the smelting process. Even small amounts cause brittleness — steelmakers keep this as low as possible.
    P
    0.03%
    S Sulfur 0.03%
    Impurity that reduces toughness and promotes brittleness. Intentionally added only in free-machining steels.
    S
    0.03%
    C — Carbon Cr — Chromium V — Vanadium Mo — Molybdenum Mn — Manganese Si — Silicon P — Phosphorus S — Sulfur
    Hardness 62–64 HRC
    555759616365+
    Steel
    SG2 / R2
    Category
    Stainless
    Process
    Powder Metallurgy (PM)
    Manufacturer
    Takefu Special Steel, Japan 🇯🇵
    Hardness
    62–64 HRC
    Steel

    SG2 / R2

    • Manufacturer
      • Takefu Special Steel, Japan
    • Nature Stainless
    • Hardness62–64 HRC
    SG2, also known as Super Gold 2 or R2 steel, is a high-end powdered tool steel by Takefu Special Steel, known for its excellent edge retention, wear resistance, and ability to achieve a hardness of up to 64 HRC. Identical to Kobelco Steel's R2, it's prized in premium knife making for its fine edge sharpness and durability. The powdered nature ensures uniform carbide distribution, enhancing toughness and reducing chipping risks. SG2/R2 is ideal for those seeking top performance and longevity in their cutting tools.
    Construction: Sanmai - Stainless Clad
    Construction

    Sanmai - Stainless Clad

    Sanmai(Three-Piece) is a common construction for double bevel knives where two pieces of softer cladding steel are forgewelded to each side of a harder core steel. The harder but more brittle core steel will form the hard cutting edge after heat treating, and the softer cladding will support the core to increase the overall strength of the blade.

    The soft cladding enables the thinning process to be a lot easier than a honyaki or monosteel construction. And in the case where the cladding steel are stainless in nature, it can offer protection for the carbon or semi-stainless cores against rusting and discoluoring.

    Finish: Kasumi
    Finish

    Kasumi

    A Kasumi finish refers to a traditional Japanese blade-finishing technique used on knives, particularly those made from a combination of soft iron and harder steel. The term "Kasumi" means "mist" in Japanese, aptly describing the hazy, matte appearance achieved on the blade's bevel where the two metals meet. This effect is not only aesthetic but also showcases the craftsmanship involved in blending these materials, highlighting the skill in creating a knife that is both beautiful and functional.

    Handle
    Handle

    Handle Specs

    • Profile Octagonal WA
    • Material
      • Ebony

    This handle, crafted from a single piece of ebony, exemplifies minimalist elegance and functional design. Its unique octagonal shape, featuring a subtle taper, offers a comfortable grip and a visually appealing geometric profile. The ebony wood, known for its deep, rich color and durability, has been meticulously milled from a single block, ensuring a seamless construction that highlights the wood's natural beauty and grain. The handle's surface has been highly polished, achieving a glossy finish that not only enhances the ebony's luxurious dark hue but also provides a smooth, tactile experience for the user. This design choice reflects a minimalist approach, focusing on simplicity, quality, and usability. The combination of the octagonal shape with the taper adds a modern twist to the classic material, making it a standout piece that blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.

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