Overview

The Takeshi Saji SG2 Kurozome Damascus Santoku combines a powdered stainless steel cutting core with the striking contrast of black Damascus cladding. Its broad santoku profile suits everyday slicing, dicing and chopping, while the blade-only format lets you choose the wa handle that completes your knife.

Made by Takeshi Saji in Echizen, Japan, this double-bevel blade brings his distinctive metalwork to a practical kitchen shape. SG2, also commonly called R2, offers strong edge retention and the convenience of stainless steel. The layered finish gives each side its own pattern.

Blade only: no handle is included. This knife requires a properly fitted wa handle before use.

Common Questions

What is this santoku best used for? Vegetables, herbs, boneless meat and fish. The broad blade helps with controlled chopping and transferring ingredients. Avoid bones, frozen food and twisting the edge through a cut.

Which handle should I choose? Start with our medium wa handle options below. Handle openings may require fitting to the tang, so contact Tokushu Knife if you would like help selecting a handle or arranging installation.

Is SG2 stainless, and how do I protect the finish? Yes. The stainless core and Damascus cladding resist corrosion, but the blade should still be washed by hand and dried promptly. Use a soft sponge; abrasive cleaners and polishing compounds can alter the dark finish.

Recommended Medium Handles

Complete your build with a Medium Shattered Carbon Wa Handle, Medium Shattered Carbon Gold Wa Handle, or Medium Cypress & Horn Wa Handle. Handles are sold separately and require fitting.

Care and Use

Use a knife-friendly wood or Hasegawa cutting board. Hand wash with mild soap, dry completely and store with the edge protected. Avoid the dishwasher, prolonged soaking and scraping the board with the cutting edge. Our knife sharpening service can help maintain the edge.

Specifications

Blacksmith: Takeshi Saji

Origin: Echizen, Fukui, Japan

Knife Type: Santoku

Core Steel: SG2 / R2 powdered stainless steel

Cladding: Stainless Damascus

Finish: Kurozome black Damascus

Edge: Double bevel

Handle: Not included; wa handle fitting required