SG2 / R2 steel
SG2 / R2 is a powder metallurgy stainless steel from Takefu Special Steel. It rates 7/10 for edge retention, 4/10 for toughness and 7/10 for corrosion resistance, and is usually hardened to 62–64 HRC.
At a glance
- Type
- Powder metallurgy stainless steels
- Hardness
- 62–64 HRC
- Maker
- Takefu Special Steel (SG2) / Kobelco (R2) (Japan)
- Process
- PM
- Price tier
- Premium
- Used by
- Shun (Kaji, Fuji), Miyabi (Birchwood, Black), Takamura, Tojiro (Flash), Hatsukokoro, Yaxell (Zen, Super Gou)
- Also called
- SG2, R2, SPG2, Super Gold 2
Composition
| Element | Weight % |
|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.4 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 15 |
| Vanadium (V) | 2 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.8 |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.4 |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.5 |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.03 |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.03 |
Source: manufacturer datasheet. Nominal values; where a range is published, the midpoint is shown. Phosphorus and sulfur, where listed, are maximums.
What makes SG2 (R2) behave the way it does
SG2 / R2 contains 1.4% carbon, a high level that supports high hardness and a large volume of hard carbides; 15% chromium for corrosion resistance.
Its 2% vanadium forms vanadium carbides, among the hardest carbides in knife steels, which drive wear resistance and slow edge loss but also make the steel slower to sharpen; molybdenum (2.8%) improves hardenability and pitting resistance.
It is made by powder metallurgy: the alloy is atomised into fine powder and consolidated, which keeps the carbides small and evenly spread. That is what lets a highly alloyed steel stay tough enough for a knife blade.
The dominant PM stainless in Japanese kitchen knives.
Knives in 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 |
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Shop SG2 (R2) knives at Blade HQ
How to sharpen SG2 (R2)
SG2 (R2) is slow to sharpen (4/10). Its vanadium carbides are harder than the aluminium oxide in conventional stones, so diamond or CBN plates cut it far more efficiently. Once sharp, it needs touch-ups less often.
Compare SG2 (R2) with
FAQ
Is SG2 (R2) a good knife steel?
SG2 (R2) is strongest in edge retention (7/10) and weakest in ease of sharpening (4/10). Its average across the four ratings is 5.5/10, and it sits in the premium price tier.
Does SG2 (R2) rust?
Not in normal use. SG2 (R2) rates 7/10 for corrosion resistance; wipe it dry after contact with salt or acidic food.
Is SG2 (R2) hard to sharpen?
SG2 (R2) is slow to sharpen (4/10). Its vanadium carbides are harder than the aluminium oxide in conventional stones, so diamond or CBN plates cut it far more efficiently. Once sharp, it needs touch-ups less often.
What hardness is SG2 (R2)?
Knives in SG2 (R2) are usually hardened to 62–64 HRC. Makers can run it outside that range; harder means better edge retention but lower toughness.