HAP40 vs Shirogami #1

A powder-metallurgy high-speed steel from Hitachi, designed originally for industrial cutting tools. Japanese knife and tool makers adopted it for its exceptional hardness and wear resistance. The vanadium and cobalt additions produce carbides that resist abrasion beyond almost any other steel in this reference.

Pure high-carbon steel with minimal impurities. Takes a laser-like edge and is easy to sharpen, but more brittle than Aogami. The traditional choice of master woodworkers who demand the finest possible cutting edge and sharpen their tools with religious dedication. Rust forms overnight if neglected.