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

Each knife from Nigara Hamono bears a distinct and unmistakable identity-not just as a sharp cutting tool, but as a true work of art. With unique blade shapes, intricate patterns, refined design, and exceptional cutting performance, these knives reflect the pinnacle of both craftsmanship and functionality.

Not content to rest on its historic achievements, Nigara Hamono continues to lead with groundbreaking innovations—and this time, it introduces a new revolution in the world of kitchen knives: a collection forged from SPG STRIX and VG XEOS steels.

VG XEOS Steel

VG XEOS – The Ultimate Upgrade of the VG Series

Much like how SPG2 evolved into SPG STRIX, VG XEOS is the latest premium steel from Takefu Steel Co., Ltd., developed from the renowned VG (V-Gold) line—one of today’s leading stainless powder steels.

VG XEOS marks a breakthrough advancement, inheriting the best qualities of VG10 and VG MAX while delivering superior cutting performance, increased hardness, and remarkable corrosion resistance.

Outstanding Advantages of VG XEOS

• Razor-Sharp Edge with Exceptional Retention
  Thanks to its ultra-fine grain structure—achieved through advanced powder metallurgy—VG XEOS delivers a remarkably sharp edge that lasts significantly longer than VG10 or even SG2. This allows for smooth, precise cuts with minimal damage to ingredients, making it especially ideal for professional kitchens.

• High Hardness (~62–63 HRC)
  VG XEOS boasts a higher hardness than VG10 (~60–61 HRC), comparable to premium steels like SG2 and Aogami Super. This results in excellent edge durability, slower wear over time, and fewer sharpening intervals.

• Outstanding Wear Resistance
  With an optimized alloy composition and uniform crystalline structure, VG XEOS offers exceptional wear resistance—maintaining consistent cutting performance over time. This is especially valuable for professionals and high-frequency users.

• Maximum Corrosion Resistance – Easy Maintenance
  As a premium stainless steel with high chromium content, VG XEOS resists oxidation and rust far better than traditional carbon steels. This ensures easier maintenance and greater peace of mind during daily use.

• Balance Between Hardness and Toughness
  Despite its high hardness, VG XEOS retains a degree of toughness—thanks to Takefu’s advanced metallurgy. This balance helps prevent chipping or cracking under impact, making the blade more reliable and long-lasting.