Why Japanese White #2 Steel (白紙二号鋼 - Shirogami #2) Is a Favorite Among Knife Enthusiasts

When it comes to high-performance Japanese kitchen knives (和包丁 – wabōchō), one steel stands out among traditional craftsmen and seasoned chefs: White #2 steel, or in Japanese, Shirogami #2 (白紙二号鋼). This legendary high-carbon steel is revered for its purity, fine edge retention, and ease of sharpening.

What is White #2 Steel?

Shirogami #2, produced by Hitachi Metals, is a carbon steel known for its simplicity and performance. It belongs to the Shirogami (white paper) family—so named because the raw steel is wrapped in white paper when delivered to traditional blacksmiths (鍛冶屋 – kajiya).

Composition:

• Carbon: ~1.05%
• No added elements like chromium or molybdenum
• Extremely low impurity content

This simple structure allows skilled shokunin (職人) to forge blades with exceptional sharpness. When paired with a soft iron core (jigane – 地金), it creates the elegant kasumi (霞) aesthetic common in traditional Japanese knives.

Why Chefs Love It

1. Unmatched Sharpness (切れ味 – kireaji): Shirogami #2 takes an incredibly fine edge, making it perfect for sushi and sashimi (刺身) preparation.
2. Easy to Sharpen (研ぎやすい – togiyasui): Compared to many stainless steels, it sharpens easily on a 砥石 – toishi.
3. Authentic Craftsmanship (伝統技術 – dentō gijutsu): This steel is widely used by traditional blacksmiths in Seki City (関市) and Sakai (堺), known for their centuries-old forging methods.

Things to Keep in Mind

Since Shirogami #2 is not stainless (錆びやすい – sabiyasui), proper care is important:

• Wipe the blade dry after each use
• Avoid soaking or cutting acidic foods without cleaning afterward
• Lightly oil the blade with 刃物油 – hamono abura for long-term storage

Over time, the knife will develop a natural 錆 – sabi, which protects the blade and gives it character.

Final Thoughts

White #2 steel—or Shirogami #2—offers an unmatched combination of tradition, sharpness, and artistry. It's a steel chosen by serious chefs (料理人 – ryōrinin) and collectors who value the soul (魂 – tamashii) of a well-made Japanese knife.

At Your Store Name, we proudly offer a curated selection of handmade Japanese knives forged with Shirogami #2 steel. Discover the true meaning of 和心 – wakokoro and experience the cutting precision of a traditional blade.

Shop White #2 Knives