This summary provides a concise overview of the structure, composition and properties of each steel grade as well as their typical hardness levels.
Shirogami (white steel)
- Construction and structure: Traditional Japanese carbon steel with a fine grain structure.
- Content composition: Shirogami 1 (Shirogami I) has about 1.3% carbon, Shirogami 2 (Shirogami II) about 1.1%.
- Properties: Extreme sharpness and edge retention. Hardness levels: Shirogami 1 (61-63 HRC), Shirogami 2 (60-62 HRC).
Aogami (Blue Steel)
- Construction and structure: Steel alloy with chromium and tungsten for improved durability.
- Content composition: Aogami 1 (Aogami I) has about 1.4% carbon, Aogami 2 (Aogami II) about 1.2%.
- Properties: Very sharp and long-lasting. Hardness levels: Aogami 1 (62-64 HRC), Aogami 2 (60-62 HRC).
Ginsanko
- Construction and structure: High carbon stainless steel alloy.
- Content composition: Contains iron, carbon and other alloying elements.
- Properties: Good balance between sharpness, corrosion resistance and durability. Typical hardness: 59-61 HRC.
VG-10
- Construction and structure: Modern steel alloy with cobalt, molybdenum and vanadium.
- Content composition: Contains iron, carbon and a variety of alloying elements.
- Properties: High hardness, corrosion resistance and sharpness. Typical hardness: 58-60 HRC.
R2 (SG2)
- Construction and structure: High-performance steel alloy with fine grain structure.
- Content composition: Contains iron, carbon and other alloying elements such as cobalt, molybdenum and vanadium.
- Features: Exceptional cutting performance and durability. Typical hardness: 63-65 HRC.
ZDP-189
- Construction and structure: High-carbon steel alloy with very fine grain structure.
- Content composition: Contains iron, an extremely high carbon content and other alloying elements such as chromium and molybdenum.
- Properties: Outstanding sharpness and edge retention. Typical hardness: 64-66 HRC.