Aogami Steel Guide
Sep 27, 2026
Aogami, often called Blue Paper steel, is a family of Japanese carbon-alloy steels from Yasugi Specialty Steel. It is used in high-grade cutting tools and kitchen knives where makers want high hardness and wear resistance while retaining the sharpening character associated with carbon steels.
Why is it called Blue Paper steel?
The “blue” name comes from the paper colour historically used to identify the steel grade, not from the colour of the finished blade.
Aogami #1, #2 and Super
Proterial describes Aogami #1 and #2 as alloy steels containing tungsten and chromium to improve heat-treatment properties and wear resistance. Aogami Super additionally uses vanadium. The exact knife performance still depends strongly on heat treatment and geometry.
Does Aogami rust?
Yes. Aogami is still a reactive carbon steel family. It can develop patina and can rust if left wet. Stainless cladding can reduce how much reactive steel is exposed, but the cutting core at the edge still requires care.
How does it sharpen?
Aogami is generally well suited to whetstone sharpening. Its added alloying can make it somewhat more wear resistant than simpler carbon steels, so sharpening feel can differ from Shirogami.
Is Aogami automatically better?
No. Aogami #1, #2 or Super on the label does not tell you blade thickness, grind, heat treatment, edge angle or craftsmanship. A well-made knife in a simpler steel can outperform a poorly executed knife in a more expensive steel.
Who is it for?
Aogami suits users willing to wash and dry promptly in exchange for a hard, fine-edged carbon-steel experience.
Read Aogami vs Shirogami, the Japanese Knife Steel Guide and Why Japanese Knives Rust.
