Carbon Steel Japanese knife from Sakai City.

Understanding Carbon Steel: The Backbone of Knife Making

July 3, 2023

Carbon steel is a fundamental material in the crafting of high-quality knives. It is an alloy composed of iron (Fe) and a modest quantity of carbon (C). The unique properties of carbon steel knives stem from the precise carbon content in the alloy.

Types of Carbon Steel Based on Carbon Content:

Low-Carbon Steel (Soft Steel): Known for its pliability and used in various applications where hardness is not the primary requirement.
Medium-Carbon Steel: Offers a balance between ductility and strength, making it suitable for products requiring a degree of toughness.
High-Carbon Steel: The preferred choice for knife making due to its ability to be honed to a sharp edge and retain it over time.
Extremely High-Carbon Steel: Used for specialized applications that demand extreme hardness and durability.

The carbon content plays a pivotal role in defining the steel's characteristics:

Iron: Identified as having less than 0.02% carbon content.
Steel: Encompasses materials with a carbon content ranging from 0.02% to 2%.

Yasuki Hagane: A Legacy of Japanese Steelmaking The forefront of carbon steel in knife manufacturing is Yasuki Hagane (Akira Steel), a product of Hitachi Metals, Ltd. This steel is a modern iteration of the traditional Japanese steel once utilized in the forging of iconic Japanese swords. The term "Yasuki" originates from Yasuki City in Shimane Prefecture, where Hitachi Metals established their Akira factory, marking the beginning of Yasuki Hagane's production.

The transition from ancient sword steel to contemporary Yasuki Hagane underscores the evolution of steelmaking, preserving the heritage while embracing modern techniques to meet the demands of today's knife industry.

Back to blog

Would you like to experience the sharpness of handcrafted knives from Sakai City, used by 98% of Japanese chefs?

With our exclusive partnership with Shiroyama Japanese Knife Manufacturing, we offer top-quality knives, free Honbazuke, a protective Saya, and after-sales services for long-term confidence.

All Japanese Knives from Sakai City Sakai Traditional Craftsmen Collection

KIREAJI's Three Promises to You

1. High-quality Japanese Knive
We offer knives crafted by craftsmen from Sakai City.
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.