• Blue Steel#1 vs Blue Steel#2

  • APRIL 5, 2024

  • In the culinary world, the right knife is crucial. Blue Steel knives are known for their quality, providing precision and durability. This article compares Blue Steel #1 and #2, guiding you to the ideal choice for your culinary needs.

  • 1. Blue Steel's Attraction: The Secrets of Sharpness and Lasting Power

  • Characteristics of Blue Steel

    Blue Steel is known for its sharpness and the durability of its edge. For professionals like sushi chefs, who spend hours slicing sashimi, a knife that dulls mid-task is problematic. The consistency of the cut from the beginning to the end of their work can vary significantly if the knife loses its sharpness. However, a Blue Steel knife maintains its cutting performance throughout, which is a significant advantage.

  • 2. Blue Steel#1 vs. Blue Steel#2: Factors Determining Your Knife Selection

  • Differences Between Blue Steel #1 and #2

    Blue Steel is available in two varieties, designated as #1 and #2, differing in their carbon content and other alloying elements. The carbon content is higher in #1 than in #2, which means #1 can achieve greater hardness and sustain sharpness longer but is more prone to chipping.

  • Blue Steel #1

    • Pros: Smooth cutting performance and lasting sharpness
    • Cons: The blade is very hard, requiring skillful sharpening techniques, relatively expensive, and susceptible to rust, necessitating careful maintenance

  • Blue Steel #2

    • Pros: Consistent sharpness, satisfactory edge retention, easier to sharpen compared to Blue #1
    • Cons: Expensive and prone to rust, requiring regular care

  • 3. Blue Steel#1: In search of the finest cutting performance

  • Blue Steel #1 is considered the top choice within the Blue Steel category, offering exceptional sharpness and endurance. However, its hardness makes it challenging to handle and resharpen, thus it may not be suitable for those without advanced sharpening skills.

  • 4. KIREAJI's Choice: Why Blue Steel#2 is the Choice of Many Chefs

  • At KIREAJI, we prefer Blue Steel #2 for our knives, considering its ease of use. While we do offer knives made of Blue Steel #1, they are relatively few.

  • 5. Choosing Knives Wisely: Finding the Balance Between Price and Quality

  • Caution Against Inexpensive Knives

    Knives from Sakai are individually crafted by artisans, and the price can vary significantly depending on the forging and sharpening craftsmen involved. Even if made from the same steel, the price can vary widely based on the artisan. Buying a cheap knife just because it's made from Blue Steel might result in acquiring a tool that's difficult to use. At KIREAJI, we add more steps to our process, ensuring that every knife reaches a level of quality that will satisfy our customers.

  • 6.Summary: A guide to finding the best blue steel knife for you

  • Choosing between Blue Steel #1 and #2 largely depends on your specific needs and skill level. Blue Steel #1 offers unmatched sharpness and edge retention, ideal for those who require the best cutting performance and are proficient in knife maintenance. Conversely, Blue Steel #2 offers a good balance of sharpness, ease of sharpening, and durability, suitable for a wider range of users, from professional chefs to home cooking enthusiasts. Regardless of your choice, investing in a Blue Steel knife from KIREAJI ensures a tool that exceeds expectations, crafted with care and precision by skilled artisans.

Blue Steel#1

The Blue Steel#1 collection introduces knives made from Blue Steel, enhanced with chromium and tungsten for better wear resistance. These knives offer high carbon content for sharp cutting abilities.

Blue Steel#1

Blue Steel#2

The Blue Steel#2 collection features knives made from a specially formulated steel that includes tungsten and chromium for improved wear resistance and sharpness retention.

Blue Steel#2

Blog Author: Toru

-Professional background-
・Graduated from Tokyo Sushi Academy
・Sushi lesson instructor at Tsukiji Tokyo
・Making sushi at RC Show, one of Canada's largest Toronto food shows

Traditional Japanese knives, like those from Sakai City, are globally prized for their sharpness and elegance. Yet, Sakai's dwindling artisans pose a challenge to preserving this craft. To combat this, I'm dedicated to spreading the brilliance of Japanese knives worldwide. My dream is to sustain Sakai's legacy while meeting global demand.

KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

  • japanese_knife_made_in_Sakai

    1. High-quality Japanese Knive

    We offer knives crafted by craftsmen from Sakai City.

  • Honbazuke

    2. Genuine Sharpness

    To ensure you experience sharpness, we provide a free Honbazuke by our skilled craftsmen.

  • 3. Lifetime Knife Use

    Every knife comes with a free Saya(Sheath) for durability. We also provide paid after-sales services with Sakai City Japanese knife workshop.