Shirogami #1 vs Shirogami #2: What Is the Difference?
Sep 27, 2026
Shirogami #1 and Shirogami #2 are closely related high-purity carbon steels, but Shirogami #1 contains more carbon and has greater hardness potential.
What is the basic difference?
Both steels are deliberately simple and low in alloying additions. Shirogami #1 has the higher carbon range; Shirogami #2 has slightly less.
Hardness
Shirogami #1 has higher hardness potential, but the actual knife hardness is chosen by the maker during heat treatment.
Sharpening
Both are known for responsive sharpening on water stones because they do not rely on large amounts of wear-resistant alloy carbides.
Edge retention
Shirogami #1 can offer more wear resistance when hardened appropriately, but geometry and heat treatment can easily outweigh the grade difference.
Corrosion
Both are reactive carbon steels and need prompt drying. Neither should be treated as stainless.
Which should you choose?
Choose based on the finished knife and how it is ground, not on the assumption that #1 is automatically better than #2.
See the Shirogami Steel Guide.
