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Japanese Santoku knife with an Aogami #2 core and stainless-steel cladding Japanese Santoku knife with an Aogami #2 core and stainless-steel cladding

Aogami #2 vs Aogami Super: What Changes?

Aogami #2 and Aogami Super are both reactive Yasugi alloy steels, but Aogami Super is the more highly alloyed grade. Proterial describes Aogami #2 as tungsten/chromium alloy steel and Aogami Super as tungsten/chromium/vanadium alloy steel, both intended to improve heat-treatment behavior and wear resistance.

Japanese-style carbon steel kitchen knife

Aogami #2 vs Aogami Super at a glance

Aogami #2 W + Cr alloying; high-quality kitchen-knife steel
Aogami Super Adds V; generally higher wear-resistance potential
Both Reactive carbon-alloy steels that need prompt drying

Which holds an edge longer?

Aogami Super has greater wear-resistance potential, but the finished knife matters more than the steel name alone. Heat treatment, hardness, geometry and use all affect edge life.

Which is easier to sharpen?

Aogami #2 is often somewhat quicker to abrade. Aogami Super may take longer because of its higher wear resistance, although both respond well to suitable water stones.

Which is more rust resistant?

Neither is stainless. Both need prompt washing and drying, especially after acidic or salty foods.

Which is less likely to chip?

You cannot decide that from the steel label alone. Hardness, edge angle and thickness behind the edge strongly influence stability.

Which should you choose?

Choose the knife whose maker, heat treatment, geometry and maintenance requirements suit you. Aogami Super is not automatically “better” simply because it is the higher-alloy grade.

Read the Aogami Steel Guide, Does Aogami Rust? and the Japanese Knife Steel Guide.

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