Knife Type: Santoku       

Steel Type: R2/SG2 (Stain resistant steel)

Blade Hardness: HRC 62-63

Blade Length: 170mm

Handle Material: RedPakka wood

This knife is where Japanese Knife Garage began.

The first time I used a Takamura SG2 knife in Japan, I was genuinely shocked by its cutting performance. I had been working as a chef for many years and had used countless knives, but this was different. The sharpness, ease of cutting, and overall performance immediately stood out.

After using it, I knew I wanted to bring this knife to Australia and share it with other chefs and home cooks.

Takamura Hamono is a highly respected knife maker based in Takefu, Fukui Prefecture, one of Japan’s most famous knife-making regions. Many Japanese knife enthusiasts already know the Takamura name, but at the time it was difficult to find these knives in Australia.

During the COVID period, I travelled to Fukui Prefecture to meet the company boss in person because I wanted to carry these knives through Japanese Knife Garage. That visit eventually led to the opportunity to offer Takamura knives here in Australia.

Even today, this remains one of the knives I recommend most confidently.

The SG2 powder steel offers exceptional edge retention, while Takamura’s incredibly thin blade geometry creates a level of cutting performance that is difficult to describe until you experience it yourself. The knife moves through ingredients with almost no resistance.

Many customers tell me that this is the sharpest knife they have ever used. Even people who already own Japanese knives are often surprised by the difference.

Because of its extreme sharpness, I always recommend treating this knife with care. If you are new to Japanese knives, it can honestly feel a little intimidating at first. Avoid twisting the blade, cutting frozen foods, or using it roughly. This knife is designed for precision cutting and rewards proper technique.

For home cooks, the 170mm Santoku is an ideal all-purpose kitchen knife. For professional chefs, it is light, fast, and incredibly efficient during service.

If there is one knife that inspired the creation of Japanese Knife Garage, it is this one.

All JKG knives are personally selected by a chef with over 15 years of professional kitchen experience.