Yaxell (Super) GOU

Yaxell (Super) GOU

Yaxell Gou and Super Gou - the pinnacle of Yaxell's production lines

The Gou and Super Gou series together form the peak of Yaxell's regular production. Both are built around a core of SG2 powder metallurgy steel - one of the highest-performing knife steels in the world - and both present that steel in a spectacular Damascus cladding. The difference between the two lies in the number of Damascus layers and in the finish: the Gou with 101 layers, the Super Gou with 161 layers and a red-and-black handle. Two expressions of the same pursuit of perfection.

Yaxell Corporation was founded in 1932 in Seki, the city in Gifu Prefecture that has been the centre of Japanese knife and sword making tradition for over 780 years. The name 豪 (Gou) means "excellent" or "grand" - and both the Gou and the Super Gou live up to it. Both series are made to order by skilled blacksmiths, with the Japanese name of the series hand-engraved into the blade.

The steel: SG2 powder steel

Both the Gou and the Super Gou have a core of SG2 powder steel (also known as SGPS, "Super Gold Powder Steel", or R2), clad on both sides with numerous layers of softer stainless Damascus steel. The softer outer layers protect the hard, naturally more brittle core from breaking and absorb shocks.

What is SG2 powder steel?

SG2 is a high-quality stainless steel produced through powder metallurgy rather than traditional casting. In this process the steel is first atomised into a fine powder and then compressed under high pressure and temperature (sintered). The result is an exceptionally fine, uniform grain structure with evenly distributed carbides - far finer and more regular than is possible with conventionally cast steel.

That fine microstructure is precisely what makes SG2 special. The steel can take an extremely sharp, fine cutting edge and hold it longer than virtually any conventional steel, while the even carbide distribution reduces micro-chipping under lateral stress. SG2 is therefore often described as a "laser": knives that glide through ingredients with minimal resistance and retain their sharpness exceptionally long.

Composition and properties

• Carbon (C: approx. 1.4%) - Considerably higher than VG10 (approx. 1.0%). The basis of the high hardness and excellent edge retention.
• Chromium (Cr: approx. 15-16%) - Well above the threshold for stainless steel. Delivers excellent corrosion resistance despite the high carbon content.
• Molybdenum (Mo: approx. 3%) - Increases hardness, wear resistance and resistance to pitting corrosion.
• Vanadium (V: approx. 2%) - Forms extremely hard carbides that greatly improve wear resistance and edge retention, and further refines the grain structure.
• Hardness: 63 HRC - Higher than the VG10 series (61 HRC) and considerably higher than European stainless steel (approx. 58 HRC). Delivers longer edge retention and enables a finer, thinner cutting edge.
• Edge angle: 16 degrees per side - Sharper than European chef's knives (20-22 degrees per side), giving a finer and cleaner cut.

The ice-hardening process

Yaxell hardens its blades through a special process: the blades are heated in a kiln to a very high temperature and then ice-hardened (cryogenically treated). They are then tempered again at high temperature. This process makes the blade strong, durable and corrosion-resistant, and ensures a consistent hardness of 63 HRC.

The difference: Gou versus Super Gou

Both series share exactly the same SG2 core steel, the same 63 HRC hardness and the same cutting geometry. The distinction lies entirely in the Damascus construction and the finish.

Gou - 101 layers

The Gou has a 101-layer blade: the SG2 core clad with 50 layers of stainless Damascus steel on each side. The result is a refined, detailed Damascus pattern. The handle is black canvas micarta, secured with three stainless steel rivets and finished with an engraved stainless steel end-cap.

Super Gou - 161 layers

The Super Gou takes the Damascus construction further to 161 layers: the SG2 core clad with 80 layers on each side. The richer, more complex Damascus pattern is its most striking visual feature. The handle distinguishes itself with a red-and-black canvas micarta finish, three stainless steel rivets, an engraved 18/10 stainless steel end-cap and, on some models, a mosaic pin in the centre of the handle. The Super Gou is therefore not only technically but also visually the showpiece of the two.

The handle: canvas micarta

Both series have a canvas micarta handle - a composite material of multiple layers of linen, impregnated with synthetic resin under high pressure. The Gou comes in a black finish, the Super Gou in red-and-black.

• Extremely durable - micarta barely wears and resists high temperatures, strong cleaning agents and mechanical stress.
• Moisture-resistant - fully waterproof due to the resin impregnation. Does not shrink, swell or crack.
• Excellent grip - the canvas texture maintains grip even with wet hands.
• Hygienic - non-porous surface, antibacterial, no bacterial growth in seams or pores.

The fully enclosed full tang and the stainless steel end-cap provide strength, durability and a balanced centre of gravity for a comfortable pinch grip.

Care

• ✅ Hand-wash immediately after use. Never in the dishwasher.
• ✅ Dry immediately after washing.
• ✅ Use a wooden or plastic cutting board. Stone, glass and ceramic damage the cutting edge.
• ✅ Sharpen on a good whetstone (1000-3000 grit for maintenance, 6000+ for finishing). The hard SG2 steel requires quality whetstones and correct technique; honing steels and pull-through sharpeners are not suitable.
• ✅ Store on a knife block or magnetic strip.
• ⚠️ Not for chopping hard bones or frozen products. At 63 HRC, SG2 is exceptionally hard and sharp, but therefore also more susceptible to chipping under lateral forces or hard impacts.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Yaxell Corporation, Seki, Japan (founded 1932)
• Core steel: SG2 powder steel (also known as SGPS / R2), both series
• Hardness: 63 HRC, both series
• Edge angle: 16 degrees per side
• Grind: Double bevel (50/50)
• Gou - Damascus: 101 layers (50 per side)
• Gou - handle: Black canvas micarta, three rivets
• Super Gou - Damascus: 161 layers (80 per side)
• Super Gou - handle: Red-and-black canvas micarta, three rivets, 18/10 end-cap
• Hardening: Kiln-heated, ice-hardened, high-tempered
• Origin: Seki, Japan