I read the article in the "New Yorker" on him. That's where I learned about the six-meter loop, a mathematical formula used for blade edge shape. I found it mysteriously present in a surprising majority of my blades, from paring, santoku and in many chef's knives.

He's definitely awesome. I own a Shun Classic 8" chef knife and it is a very beautiful shape, it's balance and ergonomics are so good I find myself able to flip it and twirl it around in my hands as if it is possessed by some magical energy (in D&D terms it would have to be at least a chef knife +1, maybe even +2). The SG2 line looks to be very similar, I think it's around HRC 63-64, which is hardcore stuff.