Takamura R2 (SG2) Gyuto 210mm

Specifications

Who this knife is for

Best for laser-thin cutting, stainless with carbon-like sharpness, cooks who already sharpen. Read what a gyuto knife does well and badly on the gyuto knife page, and what to expect from SG2 / R2 steel in daily use.

Which Takamura this is

Takamura sells several lines that get mixed up in search results. This is the polished R2 gyuto with the red pakka wood handle, the one shops abroad list as Takamura Migaki R2, Migaki SG2 or Akagouhan. R2 and SG2 are two names for the same powder steel, so a listing that says R2/SG2 is this knife and not a different one.

The hammered Takamura gyuto is a separate, cheaper line in Chromax or VG-10 steel. Uchigumo and Hana are the same maker's higher-priced R2 lines with a Damascus finish. The dimensions in the table above are the figures published for this model. Each knife is finished by hand, so expect a millimeter or a few grams of variation.

What it cuts well, and what chips it

The blade is ground very thin behind the edge, which is why it moves through onions, carrots, herbs and boneless meat with almost no force. At about 150 g it is also lighter than most 210 mm gyuto, so long prep sessions are easier on the wrist.

The same thinness is the limit. Keep it away from bones, frozen or half-frozen food, hard squash, fruit pits and hard cheese rinds. Do not twist the blade in the cut or scrape the board with the edge. Use a wood or soft plastic board, never glass or stone. The steel is stainless, so care is a hand wash and a dry towel, with no oiling.

R2 at about HRC 63 holds an edge for a long time and takes a little longer on the stones than VG-10. A 1000 grit stone followed by a 3000 to 6000 grit stone is enough, and the steps are in our whetstone guide.

How it compares with other 210 mm gyuto

The Tojiro DP is thicker, softer and far more forgiving, and it is the safer pick for a first Japanese knife or for rough work. The Misono UX10 costs about the same as the Takamura and is heavier and tougher, with an edge that does not last as long. The Yu Kurosaki Senko uses the same steel with a Japanese handle and a hammered finish, at a higher price. If you are unsure about length, see 210 mm vs 240 mm.

Price and stock at other stores (checked 2026-10-12)

This knife sells out often, so we checked the stores that show up when you search for it. Prices are as listed on 2026-10-12, before sales tax and, for the US stores, before shipping. Stock changes daily, so treat this as a snapshot.

If a US store has it in stock, buy it there. A domestic order arrives sooner, and at $229 to $240 plus shipping and tax the total is close to ours. Reserve with us when it is sold out everywhere, as it was at almost every store on the day we checked, or when you want kanji engraving on the blade.

When you reserve, we check stock with the maker's wholesalers in Japan and email you the lead time and the final delivered price. Nothing is charged until you say yes.

Shipping, duties and returns

Ships from Tokyo by DHL, FedEx or Japan Post EMS, tracked and insured, in three to ten days. The price includes US import duty; you will not be asked to pay anything on delivery. If a knife arrives damaged we replace it. Details on the shipping and duties page.