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Aogami Super Steel Collection
Aogami Super (Blue Super) Steel Knives
Crafted by Hitachi Metals Ltd., Aogami Super (AS) is widely considered one of the finest Japanese high-carbon steels ever produced. By taking the foundation of Blue Steel No. 1 and maxing out the carbon, chromium, tungsten, and adding molybdenum, blacksmiths are able to forge a blade with extreme hardness that doesn't become overly brittle.
The Tokushu Expert Take: Why It's Our Favorite
In practice, Aogami Super is our absolute favorite knife steel for daily use. When forged with a stainless steel cladding (kurouchi, nashiji, or migaki finish), it creates the ultimate "best of both worlds" knife: the screaming sharp core of high-carbon steel, with the low-maintenance, rust-resistant body of a stainless knife. It is an absolute dream to use.
Performance & Real-World Feel
- The "Bite" & Edge Retention: The cutting feel is exceptionally pleasant. As the edge naturally breaks down between sharpening sessions, Aogami Super maintains a distinct, aggressive "bite" much longer than White (Shirogami) steels, allowing it to easily grab the skin of tomatoes or peppers even when it's no longer freshly sharpened.
- Maintenance & Stropping: Despite its incredible edge retention, it remains surprisingly easy to sharpen. You don't need to hit the whetstones constantly; the edge is incredibly responsive and quickly refreshed back to a razor finish with a leather strop and some 2-micron diamond strop shots.
The Metallurgy: What Makes It "Super"
For the steel enthusiasts, Aogami Super achieves its legendary status through this specific chemical makeup, allowing for insane edge retention without sacrificing sharpenability:
- Carbon (C): 1.40 - 1.50% (For extreme hardness and sharpness)
- Tungsten (W): 2.00 - 2.50% (Increases wear resistance)
- Chromium (Cr): 0.30 - 0.50% (Aids in hardening and mild corrosion resistance)
- Molybdenum (Mo): 0.30 - 0.50% (Improves toughness)
- Vanadium (V): 0.50% (Refines the grain structure)