Quick Overview
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Comfortable to hold
- Razor-sharp blade
- Well-balanced
Cons:
- No sheath or cover
- Not dishwasher safe
Anyone who enjoys cooking has used a knife, whether professionally or in a home kitchen environment.
There is nothing more annoying than using a dull knife during meal preparations.
Good thing we have the Miyabi Mizu SG2 8-Inch Chef’s Knife, a famous brand known for its quality craftsmanship and functionality.
We are here to inform you about this Japanese knife model and provide some alternatives if you want to check out other options.
Miyabi Mizu SG2 8-Inch Chef’s Knife
This Miyabi Mizu knife model is one of the Japanese brand’s top-of-the-line creations.
Though it has a higher price point than other brands, it can deliver its promise of providing a long-lasting kitchen tool for its consumers.
Miyabi has a long line of different models, but this specific one first became available in the market on December 10, 2014.
Fortunately, this knife series still exists and has not been discontinued by the manufacturer.
Who Is This Product For?
Similar to other knives made by Miyabi, the Mizu is a suitable kitchen helper for either professional or domestic settings.
Some folks have a complete knife set, but the Mizu chef’s knife is the perfect option for those who need something versatile and reliable.
With this kitchen tool, you have more freedom to control how the blade moves as you chop or slice food.
You can perform your food preparation tasks with a sharp blade to prevent food from sticking to the knife.
Since this chef knife comes with a razor-sharp blade straight from the box, you will know how to take precautions while using it.
What’s Included?
The Miyabi Mizu SG2 8-Inch Chef Knife comes packed in an elegant black box where the blade is laid on a perforated foam.
As the manufacturer’s way of supporting its high-end chef knife, purchasing this kitchen tool includes a lifetime warranty from the company.
Overview of the Features
Without deviating from the Japanese tradition of making knives, its construction is one of perfect balance and structure.
Let’s look at its specific features.
- Blade
The SG2 8-inch blade of the Miyabi Mizu began with three layers of this powdered stainless steel using the Tsuchime method.
It uses the combined elements of carbon, chromium, molybdenum, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, silicon, and vanadium to complete the steel composition.
Following the original way of sharpening samurai swords, the manufacturer uses the Honbazuke process to achieve the Katana edge.
Through this process, the blade goes through whetstone sharpening twice before being polished on a leather wheel.
To harden the steel for better edge retention, flexibility, and corrosion resistance, it goes through an ice-hardening process called Cryodur.
The dual-beveled blade is then hand-honed to achieve the standard Japanese blade angle of 9.5 to 12 degrees.
Lastly, hammering the stainless steel creates a Damascus wave-like pattern on the knife’s blade, providing a unique and eye-catching design.
- Handle
The D shape handle complements the sharp and effective blade of the Mizu chef knife.
It is made of a durable resin-based material called Micarta.
It can endure intense temperatures, does not become brittle with age, and can resist moisture.
Also, it is resistant to acidic substances like grease and solvent.
The wood-like design of the handle is accented by red spacers, a mosaic pin, and the company’s logo stenciled on the metal end cap.
How To Get the Most Out of It
The Miyabi Mizu chef knife is an all-around kitchen tool that you can use for a long time if cared for the right way.
Make sure to handwash the knife after using water, a sponge, and a mild detergent.
Let it air dry before storing it in a knife block, or use a knife sheath or cover if you wish to keep it inside a drawer.
You can check this video for a visual review of the Miyabi Mizu SG2 8-Inch Chef Knife.
Alternatives
The Miyabi Mizu chef knife is a practical kitchen tool with a durable and long-lasting edge.
However, the high price point may be overwhelming for some consumers, especially home cooks.
That is why you might want to check out some other more affordable options.
Regalia 8-inch Chef Knife
This knife comes with an entire tang blade made from a single steel sheet, ensuring durability and longevity.
Its cutting core made from the Japanese super steel called AUS10 ensures flexibility and excellent edge retention.
The blade boasts of a Rockwell hardness reading of 62+, eliminating any possibilities of dulling or chipping.
Adding aesthetic beauty to the knife is the 66 layers of Damascus high carbon stainless steel covering that prevents rusting and corrosion.
The angle and sharpness of the blade after going through the Honbazuke method make it ideal for chopping vegetables, significant disjointing cuts, mincing, and slicing.
When it comes to beauty, comfort, and performance, the knife has an ergonomic military-grade G10 handle resistant to heat, cold, and moisture.
It also offered perfect balance and natural handling through the tapered pinch-grip bolster and rounded handle.
Unfortunately, the knife’s blade gets dull quickly and needs constant sharpening.
Imarku 8-Inch Japanese Chef Knife
Another affordable option is the Imarku 8-inch Japanese Chef Knife, made for both professional and amateur cooks alike.
Crafted from a high carbon German stainless steel gives it longevity without breaking or rusting.
The hammer pattern on the blade, combined with the oxidation blackening technology, prevents any food from sticking to the knife.
This 8-inch versatile chef knife is perfect for cutting meats, fruits, and vegetables and assists you in all your meal preparation tasks.
For comfort and balance, its black Pakkawood handle with its ergonomic design reduces wrist tension and provides a firm and comfortable grip.
Like the other recommended option, the chef knife seems to dull its blade quickly and requires regular sharpening.
Verdict
After reviewing the features of the Miyabi Mizu SG2 8-Inch Chef’s Knife and the two alternative options we found, we can say that the Miyabi knife is worth investing in.
It showcases the Japanese tradition of creating exceptional knives transferred from one generation to the next.
With its sharp blade and well-balanced design, you will know that you have a kitchen tool that will last for years to come.