Located in Aomori Prefecture, Japan, Nigara Hamono is one of the oldest blacksmith workshops, with a history spanning over 350 years. Originating from a family of samurai swordsmiths, Nigara has continuously evolved to become a leading kitchen knife brand—renowned for its fusion of refined traditional craftsmanship and modern technology.

Every Nigara Hamono knife carries a distinct signature—more than just a sharp tool, it is a work of art. With unique blade shapes, intricate patterns, and elegant designs, these knives deliver both exceptional cutting performance and visual sophistication.

Not content to rest on its historic legacy, Nigara Hamono continues to lead with bold innovation—and this time, it introduces a new revolution in the world of kitchen knives: a series crafted with SPG STRIX steel.

SPG STRIX Steel

SPG STRIX – The Ultimate Evolution of SPG2 & SG2

SPG STRIX is the latest generation of premium powder steel developed by Takefu Steel Co., Ltd., building upon the foundation of SPG2 (Super Powder Gold 2)—one of the finest powder steels available today.

While SPG2 is already renowned for its high hardness (~64 HRC), exceptional edge retention, and outstanding wear resistance, SPG STRIX takes these qualities to the next level—delivering superior performance in every cut.

Outstanding Advantages of SPG STRIX

• Exceptional and Long-Lasting Sharpness: With a razor-sharp edge, the blade glides effortlessly through food without crushing or tearing it. Thanks to its ultra-fine grain structure, SPG STRIX maintains sharpness even longer than SPG2 and SG2.

• Superior Hardness (~65 HRC): Harder than VG10 (~60–61 HRC) and comparable to Aogami Super steel. This remarkable hardness means the blade wears down more slowly and requires less frequent sharpening, even with prolonged use.

• Outstanding Wear Resistance: SPG STRIX offers higher wear resistance than SPG2, allowing the knife to maintain consistent cutting performance over time—an especially valuable feature for professional chefs.

• Excellent Corrosion Resistance: Unlike carbon steels such as Aogami or Shirogami, SPG STRIX contains a high chromium content, making it highly resistant to oxidation. This ensures easier maintenance and makes it ideal for both professional kitchens and home use.

• Balanced Hardness and Toughness: Despite its high hardness, SPG STRIX retains the necessary toughness to prevent brittleness—minimizing the risk of chipping or cracking under heavy use.

Where Art Meets Innovation

Nigara Hamono’s SPG STRIX steel knives are not only high-performance tools but also true works of art—featuring intricate Damascus patterns, precision-forged blades, and exceptional balance. This is the ideal choice for those seeking a premium Japanese knife that combines stunning aesthetics with flawless cutting ability and long-lasting durability.