Kigami #2 (Yellow Steel)

Kigami #2, also known as Yellow Steel, is a traditional high carbon steel produced by Hitachi Metals. It belongs to the same family as the well-known Shirogami (White Steel) and Aogami (Blue Steel), but is produced with less emphasis on extreme purity, making it both more affordable and ideal for hand-forged kitchen knives.

Kigami #2 steel combines high sharpness, easy sharpening and solid toughness. This makes it a popular choice for both novice Japanese knife users and professionals looking for a reliable work knife with traditional character. Properly tempered, it reaches a hardness of around 60 HRC, so it will retain a sharp edge for a long time while being easy to resharpen on water stones.

As it is a non-stainless steel, it requires basic care - after use the knife should be dried and protected from moisture. A protective patina gradually develops on the surface, giving the blade a distinctive appearance and reducing its susceptibility to corrosion.

Kigami #2 steel is therefore an ideal compromise between traditional craftsmanship, excellent sharpness and affordable price, making it an excellent choice for Yanagiba, Deba or Usuba knives.