Takamura Knives Collection | Tokushu Knife

Takamura Knives: Hand-Forged Japanese Lasers from Echizen

There was a time when Takamura Hamono stood almost alone in their mission to create a high-performance stainless steel Japanese kitchen knife that could rival, and even surpass, the revered traditional carbon steel blades of Japan. Decades later, they’ve not only achieved that goal—they’ve reset the bar for what a Takamura knife can be.

Choosing to buy a Takamura isn’t really a question of “if” but “which one.” The real challenge is catching them in stock. Takamura Hamono typically produces batches of around 500 pieces of a single model at a time and does not publish a production schedule. Because of this, we strongly recommend using the “email when available” feature so you’re first in line when your dream Takamura R2 or Chromax lands.

The Main Takamura Knife Collections

Takamura produces three primary lines of kitchen knives: Takamura SG2 (R2), Takamura VG-10, and Takamura Chromax. Each collection offers its own balance of sharpness, toughness, maintenance needs, and price point—so you can match the knife to your cooking style and experience level.

Takamura SG2 / R2 Migaki Series

The Takamura SG2 (also known as Takamura R2) is by far the most famous and sought-after line. SG2 is a powdered metallurgy “super steel” with a very fine grain structure, which allows for a screaming-sharp edge and world-class edge retention. These are the iconic red handle Takamura knives seen in professional kitchens globally.

The Takamura Migaki fit and finish are outstanding for the price range, from the thin grind to the polished spine. Because these blades are true "lasers," we recommend pairing your Takamura SG2 Gyuto or Petty with a soft, knife-friendly board such as a Hasegawa Pro Cutting Board. This helps protect the edge and keeps your knife performing at its best.

Takamura VG-10 Migaki

Takamura VG-10 represents what professional-grade VG-10 is supposed to be. Makers like Takamura Hamono, Sakai Takayuki, and Shigeki Tanaka remind us just how good properly heat-treated VG-10 can be. This line features a stainless bolster and the legendary Takamura thinness at a more accessible price point.

We’ve BESS-tested Takamura VG-10 samples in the 70–80g range, comparable to our own professional sharpening service. It offers a user-friendly balance of stain resistance and durability, making it a great choice for both home cooks and pros.

Takamura Chromax Series

Takamura Chromax is the “sleeper” line—produced less frequently but beloved by knife nerds. Chromax is a semi-stainless steel (A2 tool steel base) with about 5% Chromium. In practice, this means the core will slowly develop a patina, while the stainless cladding protects the rest of the blade. With a hardness of HRC 64–65, Chromax offers the longest edge retention of the three lines.

Common Questions About Takamura Knives

Q: Is the Takamura R2 the same as the SG2?
A: Yes, R2 and SG2 are the same powdered steel produced by different mills (Kobe Steel and Takefu Special Steel). Takamura uses this steel to create their most popular high-performance blades.

Q: Are Takamura knives suitable for beginners?
A: They are great for anyone who values precision. However, because they are so thin (laser-grind), they require proper technique. If you’re comfortable avoiding bones and frozen food, a Takamura knife will be the sharpest tool you've ever owned.

Q: How do I maintain the edge?
A: Use a soft board and a leather strop for daily maintenance. For sharpening, we recommend high-quality Japanese whetstones.

In Conclusion

Whether you choose the Takamura Migaki SG2, the workhorse VG-10, or the enthusiast-favorite Chromax, you are buying a piece of Echizen history. Once you experience the Takamura laser feel, it’s hard to go back to anything else.