Heat Treatment Specifications
Austenitizing
Temperature801°C(1474°F)
Soak Time10 minutes
Tempering
Temperature177°C(351°F)
Time120 minutes
Cycles2x
Quench Medium
oil_fast
Target Hardness
63 - 65 HRC
Performance Characteristics
Toughness5/10
Edge Retention4.5/10
Corrosion Resistance1/10
Ease of Sharpening10/10
Overall Score20.5/40
Interesting Facts
- 1Hitachi Metals production - 'White Paper #1' (Shiro-Ko)
- 2Highest carbon in Shirogami series: 1.25-1.35%
- 3Purest carbon steel - no chromium or tungsten additives
- 4Only ~8% of Japanese bladesmiths under 50 specialize in this steel
- 5Reaches 62-64 HRC but requires expert heat treatment
- 6Named for white paper wrapping used at Hitachi factory
Famous Uses
Premium Japanese yanagiba
Usuba vegetable knives
High-end sashimi knives
Best For
High-end Japanese kitchen cutlery
Gyuto
Usuba
Ko-Deba
Honyaki blades
Similar Steels
Shirogami #2
Easier heat treatment, slightly softer
Aogami #1
Added alloying elements, holds edge longer
W2
American equivalent by composition
Not Recommended For
- Any moisture
- Beginners (requires mastery)
- Thick blades (risk of cracks)
Expert Tips
- 1Exceptional edge geometry from purity
- 2Requires careful rust prevention
- 3Best for skilled users