SG2 (aka R2) is one of those steels that sits right in the sweet spot between carbon-level performance and stainless convenience.
In short:
• Powder metallurgy stainless steel
• Very fine grain, \~62–65 HRC
• Excellent edge retention
• Allows thin geometry and aggressive cutting
• Much lower maintenance than carbon steels
Compared to VG-10, SG2 holds an edge longer and feels sharper longer.
Compared to AUS-8, it’s on a completely different performance level.
Compared to Aogami (Blue), you give up some “stone feel” but gain corrosion resistance and daily practicality.
I put together a visual comparison (infographic) showing edge retention, toughness, corrosion resistance, sharpening ease, and cutting feel across SG2, VG-10, AUS-8, and Blue steel — based on real sharpening and use, not marketing.
If anyone wants a deeper breakdown with real-world pros/cons and use cases, I wrote a longer article here:
👉 https://nojaro.com.ua/en/blog/sg2-r2-steel-properties-advantages-practical-use/
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Knife Steel Nerds rates SG2 as a 7.5 on stainless corrosion resistance, 5 on edge retention, hardness usually around 61, and overall comparable to S35vn. This is not a refutation of anything you’re saying, just giving a source:
https://knifesteelnerds.com/2021/10/19/knife-steels-rated-by-a-metallurgist-toughness-edge-retention-and-corrosion-resistance/