ZA-18 Aichi Steel

ZA-18 steel – top-quality Japanese stainless steel for professional knives

ZA-18 is a premium Japanese stainless steel developed by Aichi Steel Co. in response to the popular VG10. It is designed for maximum cutting performance, long edge retention, and high wear resistance in professional use.

Higher alloy content = higher performance

Compared to VG10, ZA-18 contains a higher proportion of carbon, chromium, tungsten, and cobalt, which results in:

higher hardness (typically 61–63 HRC)
exceptional resistance to abrasive wear
very long edge retention
high corrosion resistance

Thanks to this combination, the blade retains its extreme sharpness even with intensive use.

Hardness without compromise

The core of ZA-18 steel is hardened to above-standard values of around 62–63 HRC, which allows for a very fine and aggressive cutting edge. Nevertheless, the steel retains sufficient toughness for everyday professional work.

Who is ZA-18 ideal for?

ZA-18 steel will be particularly appreciated by demanding chefs and professionals who require:

maximum cutting precision
long intervals between sharpening
high resistance when working with different ingredients
a combination of modern metallurgy and traditional Japanese craftsmanship

ZA-18 is one of the most powerful stainless steels used in Japanese chef's knives and is the ideal choice for those looking for uncompromising top performance.

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