Takamura Migaki SG2 (AKA R2) 170mm Santoku. The word santoku roughly translates as “three virtues.” With a modern powdered metallurgy steel, a high performance grind, an attractive aesthetic, and a light, nimble feel, the Takamura Migaki 170mm santoku seems to have somewhat more than three virtues.
Maker: Takamura
Region: Echizen, Japan
Steel: SG2 (R2) Powdered Stainless Steel
Construction: San Mai
HRC: 62
Handle: Rosewood Yo
Weight: 5.1 oz (146 g)
Edge Length: 172 mm
Total Length: 300 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 1.7 mm
Blade Height: 46.1 mm
Reviews
16 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval)
Carbon steel vs. R-2/SG2, May 26, 2022
Posted By: Mike Hansen
Having been a long time fan of carbon steel knives because of their edge sharpness and retention, I was hesitant to explore the new(er) stainless metallurgy knives. However, after reading about R-2/SG2 powdered steel, I took the plunge and purchased both the santoku and the 130mm petty. Both had superior F&F and the OTB sharpness was spectacular. These knives sharpen easily, hold their edge for a long time and have been a real eye opener. Now, what to do with my carbon steel knives???😜
Having been a long time fan of carbon steel knives because of their edge sharpness and retention, I was hesitant to explore the new(er) stainless metallurgy knives. However, after reading about R-2/SG2 powdered steel, I took the plunge and purchased both the santoku and the 130mm petty. Both had superior F&F and the OTB sharpness was spectacular. These knives sharpen easily, hold their edge for a long time and have been a real eye opener. Now, what to do with my carbon steel knives???😜
takamura 6 inch chef knife
WOW!
Very very sharp!
Superb
Takamura Migaki
What can I say? Number four
Posted By: Don T. - verified customer
1 people found this review helpful
What can I say, this is number four Takamura at our house, my wife and I both love to use them. We have all but the 150mm and that is only because it is out of stock. For the money the Takamura quality and edge is great.
1 people found this review helpful
What can I say, this is number four Takamura at our house, my wife and I both love to use them. We have all but the 150mm and that is only because it is out of stock. For the money the Takamura quality and edge is great.
Excellent example of a knife maker's craft
Posted By: Chef Michael - verified customer
2 people found this review helpful
To me a santuko bridges the gap between a Nakiri and a Gyuto and when I am working in a small kitchen, the small size gives me the flexability to maneuver around without the compromises that using two knives brings to bear. The Takamura R2 is a superb example of a skilled knifemakers craft. The fit and finish are stellar and the OOTB sharpness is excellent. I would be hardpressed to find another santuko knife that has the quality of steel, balance, and fit and finish that this knife offers at even twice the price.
2 people found this review helpful
To me a santuko bridges the gap between a Nakiri and a Gyuto and when I am working in a small kitchen, the small size gives me the flexability to maneuver around without the compromises that using two knives brings to bear. The Takamura R2 is a superb example of a skilled knifemakers craft. The fit and finish are stellar and the OOTB sharpness is excellent. I would be hardpressed to find another santuko knife that has the quality of steel, balance, and fit and finish that this knife offers at even twice the price.
r2 santoku
Great knife
The knife that does it all
Posted By: Tom - verified customer
1 people found this review helpful
A combination of nakiri and gyuto a good rocker and chopper great knuckle clearance, wooden cutting board recommended will micro chip on plastc. No need to change knives for 80% of food prep. This knife has a nice flat section. My wife chooses this over all my knives. As easy to sharpen as my V10s
1 people found this review helpful
A combination of nakiri and gyuto a good rocker and chopper great knuckle clearance, wooden cutting board recommended will micro chip on plastc. No need to change knives for 80% of food prep. This knife has a nice flat section. My wife chooses this over all my knives. As easy to sharpen as my V10s
Great
Posted By: Chris Jones - verified customer
1 people found this review helpful
So I've had this knife for a few months now was very sharp OOTB. So I'm a sous chef and I do a lot of prep also this knife holds a good edge for up about 4 weeks even after tons of prep, and an idiot dishwasher putting it through the wash 2x (he's fired). Overall- lightweight, sharp, thin, good F&F. awesome product.
1 people found this review helpful
So I've had this knife for a few months now was very sharp OOTB. So I'm a sous chef and I do a lot of prep also this knife holds a good edge for up about 4 weeks even after tons of prep, and an idiot dishwasher putting it through the wash 2x (he's fired). Overall- lightweight, sharp, thin, good F&F. awesome product.
Know i know what they mean by a Laser!
Posted By: Dave - verified customer
1 people found this review helpful
The top edge profile of this knife is amazingly thin! Absolutely flies through vegetables. This is certainly not a blade I would pull out to cut through frozen steak, but for any fresh produce or simple cutting this makes very short work of them.
1 people found this review helpful
The top edge profile of this knife is amazingly thin! Absolutely flies through vegetables. This is certainly not a blade I would pull out to cut through frozen steak, but for any fresh produce or simple cutting this makes very short work of them.
Product Review
Posted By: Mike - verified customer
1 people found this review helpful
This knife is so sharp OTB that it has made me question the sharpening skills. My other knives don't compare. It's pretty amazing. But when I look at the edge, it's a mess. nicks, flakes of metal, wandering edge. Lost a star for that would have been 2 or 3 off except it's so dang sharp. If it's this sharp now, I can't imagine it once I've had a chance to sharpen it up right.
1 people found this review helpful
This knife is so sharp OTB that it has made me question the sharpening skills. My other knives don't compare. It's pretty amazing. But when I look at the edge, it's a mess. nicks, flakes of metal, wandering edge. Lost a star for that would have been 2 or 3 off except it's so dang sharp. If it's this sharp now, I can't imagine it once I've had a chance to sharpen it up right.
Product Review
Product Review
Posted By: Amanda - verified customer
1 people found this review helpful
Love this knife! The edge out of the box is the absolute sharpest I've ever encountered. It's really a pleasure to use in a professional kitchen. The handle is quite comfortable for my admittedly small hands, and the knife is an absolute stunner to look at (the rosewood is gorgeous and the fit and finish are top notch). Very happy with my purchase and many thanks for the sale pricing!
1 people found this review helpful
Love this knife! The edge out of the box is the absolute sharpest I've ever encountered. It's really a pleasure to use in a professional kitchen. The handle is quite comfortable for my admittedly small hands, and the knife is an absolute stunner to look at (the rosewood is gorgeous and the fit and finish are top notch). Very happy with my purchase and many thanks for the sale pricing!