This Nigara Hamono SG2 Tsuchime Kurouchi Nakiri Kiritsuke is a Japanese vegetable knife with a rectangular profile and a kiritsuke-style tip that provides greater precision at the blade’s tip. The blade is built around an SG2 steel core—a powdered stainless steel known for its excellent edge retention—with a visible damascene pattern near the edge.
The finish combines a dark kurouchi on the upper part of the blade, a textured tsuchime hammering pattern, and a polished area near the cutting edge. This contrast clearly highlights the blade’s construction while maintaining a understated yet distinctive aesthetic. The Western-style ironwood handle offers a stable grip, featuring a metal bolster and decorative rivets.
When cutting, this knife offers a precise and controlled feel, with good stability thanks to its Western-style handle. SG2 retains a sharp edge longer than simpler stainless steel, while requiring less maintenance than carbon steel. Like any nakiri or straight-bladed knife, it is not intended for bones, frozen foods, or sideways twisting; it performs best on vegetables, herbs, and precision prep work.
Although SG2 steel is stainless, it is recommended to wash the knife by hand, dry it after use, and avoid the dishwasher. To preserve the edge, use a wooden or rubber cutting board and sharpen on water stones when necessary.
Care
Rinse and dry after each use. Do not put in the dishwasher. Sharpening on water stones is recommended to maintain the edge.
