Hatsukokoro Saihyo SG2 Damascus Gyuto 210mm with Mono Olive Handle

Overview

The Hatsukokoro Saihyo SG2 Damascus Gyuto 210mm with Mono Olive Handle is a nimble, stainless Japanese chef knife built for cooks who want laser-like cutting performance, strong edge retention, and a striking Damascus finish without the maintenance demands of carbon steel. “Saihyo” translates roughly to “Diamond Dust,” a fitting name for the bright suminagashi-style Damascus pattern that wraps around the SG2 powdered stainless core.

This 210mm gyuto is one of the most versatile knife sizes for home cooks and professional kitchens. It is long enough for slicing proteins, push-cutting vegetables, and handling daily prep, while still feeling controlled on smaller boards. The SG2 core steel gives the knife excellent edge life, and the stainless Damascus cladding makes it easier to maintain than reactive carbon steel knives. The Mono Olive handle adds a warm, clean look that pairs beautifully with the bright Damascus blade.

The Saihyo line is a great choice for someone looking for a lightweight, refined Japanese gyuto with excellent fit and finish. The thin geometry favors clean, low-resistance cutting through onions, herbs, fruit, boneless proteins, and general meal prep. For best results, use this knife on a quality wood, rubber, or Hasegawa Pro Cutting Board, and avoid bones, frozen foods, hard pits, glass boards, and twisting cuts.

Common Questions

Q: Is the Hatsukokoro Saihyo SG2 Gyuto 210mm good for home cooks?

A: Yes. The 210mm gyuto size is one of the best all-around Japanese chef knife sizes because it can handle vegetables, herbs, proteins, and everyday prep without feeling oversized. The stainless SG2 construction also makes it easier to care for than many carbon steel Japanese knives.

Q: What makes SG2 steel good for a kitchen knife?

A: SG2, also called R2, is a premium powdered stainless steel known for excellent edge retention, strong corrosion resistance, and refined cutting performance. It is a smart choice for cooks who want a long-lasting edge with lower maintenance than reactive carbon steel.

Q: How should I care for this SG2 Damascus gyuto?

A: Hand wash only, dry immediately, and store safely on a magnetic rack, in a saya, or with a blade guard. For edge maintenance, light stropping on the Tokushu Knife Premium XL Leather Strop can help refresh the edge between sharpenings. If you want maximum out-of-the-box sharpness or future maintenance, Tokushu Knife also offers a professional knife sharpening service.

Specifications

• Brand: Hatsukokoro
• Line: Saihyo
• Knife Type: Gyuto
• Core Steel: SG2 / R2 powdered stainless steel
• Cladding Type: Stainless Damascus / suminagashi-style cladding
• Construction: Sanmai
• Blade Length: 210mm
• Overall Length: Approximately 354-358mm
• Blade Height at Heel: Approximately 45-46mm
• Spine Thickness (Heel): Approximately 2.1-2.2mm
• Spine Thickness (Mid): Approximately 1.7-1.8mm
• Weight: Approximately 136-142g
• Handle Material: Mono Olive octagonal wa handle
• Bevel: Double bevel, approximately 50/50
• Hardness (HRC): Approximately 63-64 HRC
• Origin: Seki, Japan