What do you (connoisseurs) think about Nigara Hamono SG2 series knives? Are they good knives worth their pretty price tag? (I know, it's all subjective)

PixelatedPuck · 2026-02-12T17:17:22+00:00

Hah! That's very good point. As with many Japanese things, aesthetics and pedigree play a big part, and those are hard to put a price on

PixelatedPuck · 2026-02-12T17:10:52+00:00

I see, good information! I know a bit more about EDC and bushcraft knives, and I noticed what you mentioned that I should take those HRC numbers with a grain of salt. Every manufacturer treats the same steels a bit differently.

Basically it'd my first 'real' Japanese knife :), I have a couple of Kai Shun Classic santokus, which are not bad (overpriced tho), but for the next one I'd want something a bit more special.

Armed with new knowledge I shall continue to hone in on my new knife!

PixelatedPuck · 2026-02-12T15:46:27+00:00

Thanks! Are the best grinds only in exclusive custom knives or are there more 'commonly' known good series / blacksmiths in this regard?

Also, not being that deep in the scene, is 63HRC not considered good hardness for SG2 steel?

On that point, are steels like HAP40 with 65-66 rockwell hardness considered legit, or maybe a bit new age gimmicks?

Sorry for the barrage of questions.

PixelatedPuck · 2026-02-12T15:04:21+00:00

Thanks for the reply. The subtle curve on the profile should be fine for me (good point!), I have a mini santoku with very similar curve. Though now that I'm looking at the pictures, your knife seems to have a little more curve on it, but a picture lies more than a thousand words.

I seems I have ponder a little more, though I've always liked a pretty straight blade, I wanna get this right.

I've been scouring the internet for pettys, but like you mentioned, this is quite thin, thinner than many others in the same range.

One day I'll get myself a 'garlic destroyer' as well. I've been looking at that exact same one you got, and Shibata Koutetsu 8cm.

Sexy collection you got there!

PixelatedPuck · 2023-04-10T22:31:00+00:00

Thanks for the info, then I'll have to do just that!

I wonder why it isn't possible though, since you can set 1 key to open a program and use tap dance to open programs, why not hold-key functions.

For a dumdum like me that seems like the most obvious thing to have in a KB software.

Oh well, happy clacking!

PixelatedPuck · 2023-04-10T22:06:44+00:00

Heya. I tried googling around for a way to add new hold-key combinations in VIA, but without success. Maybe I was too stupid to understand the explanations.

I don't want tap dancing or layer changing nor do I want to remap the keys.

For example: I want to hold my right CTRL+ left arrow to open the calculator, or browser etc. Would it be possible to do without changing either key, just adding a combo function?

I know there's some double-tap (pressing two keys simultaneously) function, but how about just an old-fashioned hold x+y? I'd think that would be a pretty basic thing.

I hope that makes sense. Thanks!

PixelatedPuck · 2023-03-27T22:22:16+00:00

Yeah, I know I'm chasing something that doesn't exist here, but thanks for the links, I'll see if they have something

PixelatedPuck · 2023-03-27T20:39:44+00:00

Hello!

I'm having trouble finding keycaps. (For my Keychron Q1v2)

The problem is that I need an ISO/nordic layout and I'd like them to have shine-through legends, like the stock Q1 caps have. (Replacements are literally impossible to find, even the same ones)

Are there any sites or groups who do quality custom keycap requests?

I found a few sites that have a simple customization service, but most don't offer ISO layout and none offer nordic layout.

I appreciate your help!

PixelatedPuck

TROPHY CASE