SPG STRIX® Powder Steel
SPG STRIX® – premium Japanese powder steel
High hardness, long-lasting edge retention, excellent cutting performance and surprisingly good sharpenability – these are the main characteristics of modern SPG STRIX® stainless steel.
SPG STRIX®, also known as Super Gold STRIX, is a premium stainless powder steel developed by the Japanese company Takefu Special Steel specifically for the production of high-performance cutting tools. Its design focuses on combining very high hardness, long edge retention, corrosion resistance and good sharpenability.
After proper heat treatment, SPG STRIX® steel reaches a hardness of approximately 65 HRC. It therefore makes it possible to create a very fine, precise and long-lasting edge suitable for professional and demanding home kitchen knives.
What makes SPG STRIX® exceptional?
During its development, the manufacturer did not focus only on strengthening the carbides but also on reinforcing the metal matrix itself. It refers to this concept as Strong Matrix. The intended result is high hardness without unnecessarily compromising sharpenability, toughness or the ability to form a fine edge.
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Main characteristics of SPG STRIX® steel
Hardness of approximately 65 HRC
The high hardness makes it possible to grind a fine edge and supports its long service life when the knife is used correctly.
Long-lasting sharpness
When used on a suitable cutting board, a knife made from SPG STRIX® steel retains high cutting performance longer than common softer kitchen steels.
Fine and precise edge
The fine structure of the powder steel supports a clean passage through ingredients and allows the creation of an edge suitable for precise cutting of vegetables, meat and fish.
Good sharpenability for its hardness
Although this is a very hard powder steel, the reinforced-matrix design is intended to make it easier to create a new edge compared with some steels of similar hardness with a more carbide-rich structure.
Corrosion resistance
SPG STRIX® is stainless steel designed to retain good corrosion resistance even at a high final hardness. However, it still requires the normal care expected for a high-quality kitchen knife.
SPG STRIX® is not the same steel as SG2
SPG STRIX® is not merely another designation for SG2 or SPG2 steel. It is a separate and newer steel from Takefu Special Steel, using a different metallurgical concept based on strengthening the metal matrix.
The manufacturer does not publicly disclose the precise chemical composition of SPG STRIX®. Chemical-composition tables intended for SG2, SPG2 or R2 should therefore not be automatically applied to this steel.
| Property | SPG STRIX® | Practical significance |
|---|---|---|
| Production method | Powder metallurgy | Fine and uniform material structure. |
| Hardness | Approximately 65 HRC | Fine edge and long-lasting cutting performance. |
| Design principle | Reinforced metal matrix | High hardness while retaining good sharpenability. |
| Corrosion resistance | High | Practical maintenance in everyday kitchen use. |
| Chemical composition | Not disclosed by the manufacturer | Composition tables intended for SG2 cannot be used. |
How to handle a knife made from SPG STRIX® steel
The high hardness provides excellent edge retention but requires correct technique. Use the knife only for cutting suitable foods and avoid lateral loading of the fine edge.
- Do not chop bones, joints or hard stones.
- Do not cut frozen food.
- Do not pry or twist the blade in the ingredient.
- Do not use the knife as an opener, screwdriver or other tool.
- Protect the blade and point from drops and impacts.
Beware of hard cutting boards
Glass, stone and ceramic cutting boards dull the fine edge quickly and may contribute to damage. Use wood, high-quality plastic or synthetic rubber. You can find a suitable surface in the cutting boards category.
Sharpening SPG STRIX® steel
For sharpening, we recommend high-quality water sharpening stones. A grit of approximately JIS #1000 is suitable for routine edge restoration. Finishing on a stone of approximately #3000 to #6000 can then help refine and smooth the edge.
Maintain a consistent angle while sharpening, work with moderate pressure and proceed evenly along the entire length of the edge. A coarse steel honing rod is not suitable for such a hard and fine edge.
Learn the correct sharpening technique
When starting with water stones, we recommend the Dellinger knife-sharpening course. Correct technique helps preserve the original edge geometry and make full use of the potential of premium powder steel.
Washing and storage
- Wash the knife by hand only, using lukewarm water and a soft sponge.
- Dry the blade thoroughly immediately after washing.
- Do not leave the knife in water or in contact with salt and acidic foods for a long time.
- Never place the knife in a dishwasher.
- Protect the edge with a knife block, magnetic holder or separate sheath.
For safe storage, choose from our range of sheaths and protective edge guards.
Explore knives made from SPG STRIX® steel
Discover Japanese kitchen knives that take advantage of the high hardness, long edge retention and fine structure of SPG STRIX® powder steel.
Need advice?
Contact us by phone at +420 702 049 048, Monday to Friday between 7:30 and 16:00. We will help you choose a suitable knife, sharpening stone and edge protection.
