San Mai / Damascus vs Aogami #1

San Mai ('three-layer') is the classic Japanese lamination: a hard carbon steel core (hagane) forge-welded between two layers of softer iron or steel (jigane). This produces a blade that takes a razor edge while the body provides toughness to resist chipping. Damascus refers to visible pattern-welded variants with dozens of alternating layers. Both traditions originate in functional necessity; the patterns visible in polished Damascus are a by-product of functional metallurgy, not decoration.

High-carbon steel alloyed with chromium and tungsten for enhanced wear resistance and edge retention. Ideal for hard woods and heavy use. Forged by masters who prize its demanding nature, it rewards a skilled sharpener with extraordinary edges that outlast almost any other carbon steel.