SG2 / R2
sg2
A powder-metallurgy stainless steel that holds an edge much longer than VG-10, at a higher price and with slower sharpening.
SG2, and the near-identical R2, are powder steels from Takefu: the alloy is built from fine metal powder that is pressed and sintered, giving a very even, fine grain. That fine structure takes a keen edge and holds it far longer than conventional stainless such as VG-10, usually at 62 to 64 on the HRC scale, while staying fully stainless.
The costs are a higher price and a harder, more wear-resistant edge that is slower to resharpen and wants good stones. SG2 sits between everyday stainless and the very hard powder steels like ZDP-189.
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Yoshida Hamono ZDP-189 Santoku Black 180mm
EUR 300 (checked Sep 8, 2026)
- ZDP-189 with roughly 20% chromium resists corrosion better than typical carbon steel
- San-mai (clad) construction keeps the core thin for a fine, long-lasting edge
- Versatile enough for meat, fish, and vegetables in one blade