SG2 (R2) vs ZDP-189
SG2 (R2) is tougher, resists corrosion better and is easier to sharpen; ZDP-189 holds an edge longer. Choose SG2 (R2) for toughness, ZDP-189 for edge retention.
Who wins each property
Side by side
| SG2 (R2) | ZDP-189 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Powder metallurgy stainless steels | Powder metallurgy stainless steels |
| Hardness | 62–64 HRC | 64–67 HRC |
| Edge retention | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Toughness | 4/10 | 2/10 |
| Corrosion resistance | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| Ease of sharpening | 4/10 | 2/10 |
| Price tier | Premium | Ultra-premium |
| Maker | Takefu Special Steel (SG2) / Kobelco (R2) | Hitachi Metals (Proterial) |
Composition
| Element | SG2 (R2) | ZDP-189 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.4 | 3 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 15 | 20 |
| Vanadium (V) | 2 | 0.1 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.8 | 1.4 |
| Tungsten (W) | — | 0.6 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.4 | 0.5 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.5 | 0.35 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.03 | — |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.03 | — |
Property by property
Edge retention
ZDP-189 holds an edge longer: 9/10 against 7/10 for SG2 (R2), a 2-point gap. Vanadium: 2% vs 0.1%; more vanadium carbide generally means more wear resistance.
Toughness
SG2 (R2) is tougher: 4/10 against 2/10 for ZDP-189, a 2-point gap. Typical hardness: 62–64 vs 64–67 HRC; harder blades trade toughness for edge holding.
Corrosion resistance
SG2 (R2) resists corrosion better: 7/10 against 5/10 for ZDP-189, a 2-point gap. Chromium: 15% vs 20%, though what matters is the chromium left in solution, not the total.
Ease of sharpening
SG2 (R2) is easier to sharpen: 4/10 against 2/10 for ZDP-189, a 2-point gap.
Knives in each steel
SG2 (R2)
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Miyabi Birchwood SG2 8" Chef's Knife | Miyabi | 7.87" | 6.1 oz | — | $364.99 | Blade HQ |
| Miyabi Artisan SG2 8" Chef's Knife | Miyabi | 7.87" | 7.4 oz | — | $234.99 | Blade HQ |
| Shun Hiro 8" Chef's Knife | Shun | 8" | 8.5 oz | — | — | Blade HQ |
ZDP-189
| Knife | Brand | Blade | Weight | Lock | List price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rockstead Higo II TI-ZDP | Rockstead | 3.5" | 4.9 oz | Titanium frame lock | — | Blade HQ |
| Rockstead Sai-ZDP | Rockstead | 3.15" | 5.1 oz | Liner lock | — | Blade HQ |
Shop SG2 (R2) knives Shop ZDP-189 knives
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FAQ
Which is better, SG2 (R2) or ZDP-189?
SG2 (R2) is tougher, resists corrosion better and is easier to sharpen; ZDP-189 holds an edge longer. Choose SG2 (R2) for toughness, ZDP-189 for edge retention.
Which is harder, SG2 (R2) or ZDP-189?
SG2 (R2) is typically run at 62–64 HRC and ZDP-189 at 64–67 HRC.
Is SG2 (R2) or ZDP-189 more rust resistant?
SG2 (R2) (7/10). Both are powder metallurgy stainless steels.