Our selection of Japanese knives Blue Steel 1

Blue 1 steel, or Aogami 1go , is an alloy manufactured by Hitachi Steel . It is a high-carbon steel with a carbon content of 1.3%. It is higher in carbon than Blue 2 steel at 1%.

The alloy composition is identical to white carbon steels, but with a little extra tungsten and chromium, which gives it better resistance to heat treatment and offers a wider temperature range during manufacturing than white steels.

The viscosity of the steel is also increased and provides better resistance to attrition . It is a steel that can therefore take longer to sharpen than white steels. The extreme hardness allows for a very fine edge, but it is therefore weak to shocks and low temperatures.

Its low chromium content (0.4%) makes it a very oxidizable steel that requires careful maintenance. Blue 1 steel is therefore more of a steel for experienced users and sharpeners.