Kigami vs Shirogami #1

Detailed metallurgical comparison between Yellow Paper Steel and White Paper Steel #1.

KIGAMI

Kigami

Yellow Paper Steel

A high-carbon steel with slightly more impurities than Shirogami. Often used for saws and general-purpose tools. Easier to forge but does not reach the extreme sharpness or edge retention of Blue or White steels. A workhorse steel with an honest, reliable character.

carbon1.05–1.15%
Sharpness
7
Edge Retention
5
Ease of Sharpening
8
Rust Resistance
3
SHIROGAMI-1

Shirogami #1

White Paper Steel #1

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.

carbon1.25–1.35%
Sharpness
10
Edge Retention
7
Ease of Sharpening
9
Rust Resistance
2