Shirogami 1 (White Paper Steel)
Shirogami 1, often referred to as White Paper Steel #1, is a high-grade carbon steel produced by Hitachi Metals (now Proterial Ltd.) in the Yasugi region of Japan. It belongs to the YSS (Yasugi Specialty Steel) group of special steels, which are known for their exceptional purity and quality.
The main feature of Shirogami 1 is its highest carbon content of all ‘white steels’ (Shirogami). This makes it valued for its extreme sharpness, hardness and cutting properties, which are particularly appreciated by professional chefs for precise cuts. The hardness is usually around HRC 62–64, which guarantees a long-lasting edge.
The steel also has a very low impurity content, which gives it a pure character and the ability to achieve phenomenal sharpness. On the other hand, this means that its heat treatment is demanding – it requires precise temperature control, otherwise the structure of the steel may be disrupted. Master knife makers have therefore developed special cooling methods to get the most out of this steel.
To increase durability, the Shirogami 1 core is often combined with soft stainless steel or Damascus layers, which protect the blade from corrosion and make it easier to sharpen.
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- Origin: Hitachi Metals (Proterial Ltd.), Yasugi, Japan
- Type: carbon steel, YSS (Yasugi Specialty Steel)
- Hardness: approx. HRC 62–64
- Properties: extreme sharpness, high carbon content, minimal impurities
- Disadvantage: susceptibility to corrosion and more difficult heat treatment
- Use: high-end kitchen knives, especially for precision cutting
