Overview

The Takeshi Saji SG2 Diamond Damascus Gyuto 180mm pairs a compact Japanese chef knife profile with a contoured ironwood handle. Made in Echizen, Japan, it brings Saji's distinctive Damascus finish to an everyday knife for chopping vegetables, mincing herbs, and slicing boneless meat and fish.

Its SG2 powdered stainless-steel core, also known as R2, offers strong edge retention with straightforward daily care. Stainless Damascus cladding forms the patterned blade faces, while the polished stainless bolster meets a Western-style ironwood handle with a decorative mosaic pin. The 180mm length suits cooks who prefer close control or work on a smaller cutting board.

Common Questions

Is a 180mm gyuto suitable for home cooking? Yes. This size handles most everyday preparation while feeling more compact than a 210mm or 240mm chef knife. A longer blade offers more reach for large cabbages, melons, and long slicing cuts.

Is SG2 stainless steel? Yes. Both the SG2 core and the Damascus cladding are stainless. Hand washing and prompt drying still matter, especially around the edge, bolster, and natural wood handle.

Does this knife come with its handle installed? Yes. The Western-style ironwood handle shown in the photographs is fitted. No separate handle purchase or installation is needed.

Care and Use

Hand wash with mild detergent, rinse, and dry immediately. Do not soak the knife or put it in a dishwasher. Cut on a wooden or knife-friendly synthetic board, such as a Hasegawa cutting board. Avoid bones, frozen food, and twisting the edge in a cut. Maintain the edge with suitable waterstones and light touch-ups on a Tokushu Knife leather strop.

Specifications

Maker: Takeshi Saji / Saji Hamono

Origin: Echizen, Fukui, Japan

Knife Type: Gyuto / Japanese chef knife

Core Steel: SG2 / R2 powdered stainless steel

Cladding: Stainless Damascus, san-mai construction

Finish: Diamond Damascus

Blade Length: 180mm nominal

Overall Length: Approximately 305mm

Spine Thickness (Heel): Approximately 2.6mm

Spine Thickness (Mid): Approximately 2.0mm

Weight: Approximately 209g

Handle: Western-style ironwood with mosaic pin

Bolster: Stainless steel

Edge: Double bevel

Hardness: 62–64 HRC

Dimensions and weight are reference measurements for this handmade model. Individual knives, wood grain, and Damascus patterns vary.