Overview

The Hatsukokoro Saihyo SG2 Damascus Kiritsuke 240mm with Mono Olive Wood Handle is a sleek, high-performance Japanese chef knife built for cooks who want refined cutting feel, stainless ease of care, and a striking Damascus finish. The kiritsuke profile combines the length and versatility of a gyuto with a flatter edge and precise angled tip, making it especially useful for push cuts, slicing proteins, chopping vegetables, and detail work where tip control matters.

At the core is SG2, also known as R2, a premium powdered stainless steel prized for strong edge retention, fine grain structure, and excellent corrosion resistance. The stainless Damascus cladding gives the blade its layered, flowing visual character while keeping maintenance straightforward compared with reactive carbon steel. This is a great choice for cooks who want a Japanese knife that feels thin, nimble, and sharp without needing the extra care routine of fully carbon construction.

The 240mm length gives this knife enough runway for clean slicing and confident prep work, while the mono olive wood octagonal wa handle keeps the overall look warm, modern, and balanced. For a home cook, this can serve as a primary chef knife. For a professional, it works well as a lightweight, stainless, high-retention prep knife with a refined presentation.

Common Questions

Q: Is the Hatsukokoro Saihyo SG2 Kiritsuke 240mm good for home cooks?

A: Yes. This knife is a strong option for serious home cooks who want a premium Japanese chef knife with excellent sharpness, edge retention, and easier stainless maintenance. The 240mm length offers extra cutting power, so it is best for users comfortable with a longer blade.

Q: What is a kiritsuke knife used for?

A: A double-bevel kiritsuke is a versatile multi-purpose Japanese kitchen knife. It excels at slicing meat, fish, and vegetables, while the flatter edge supports push cutting and the pointed tip helps with precise cuts, trimming, and detail work.

Q: How do I care for an SG2 Damascus Japanese knife?

A: Hand wash only, dry immediately, and avoid cutting frozen foods, bones, hard squash stems, glass boards, or twisting through dense ingredients. Use a knife-friendly board such as a Hasegawa Pro Cutting Board, and maintain the edge with light stropping on a quality leather strop between sharpenings.

Specifications

Core Steel: SG2 / R2 powdered stainless steel

Cladding Type: Stainless Damascus, san-mai construction

Blade Length: 240mm

Blade Height at Heel: 52mm

Overall Length: 395 mm

Spine Thickness (Heel): Approximately 2.0mm

Spine Thickness (Mid): Approximately 1.4 mm

Weight: 165g

Handle Material: Mono octagonal olive wood wa handle

Hardness (HRC): 63 HRC

Edge: Double bevel, 50/50

Finish: Damascus / migaki polished finish

Origin: Seki, Japan