Shirogami 2, also known as White 2 or Shiro-Ko II, is a high-purity carbon steel produced by Hitachi Metals. Revered in traditional Japanese knife-making, this steel is prized for its exceptional sharpness and ease of sharpening. Its extremely low phosphorus (≤ 0.025%) and sulfur (≤ 0.004%) content ensures a clean and fine grain structure, perfect for creating ultra-fine edges.
Shirogami 2 is slightly less hard and wear-resistant than Aogami steels but excels in achieving extreme sharpness with minimal effort. This makes it an excellent choice for knives that prioritize razor-sharp edges, such as kitchen knives and precise cutting tools.
This steel is supplied hot rolled and annealed, this surface is quite rough and has pitting due to the forged iron. It is soft and easily cut, ground, drilled, and filed. Once polished, etch in hydrochloric and ferric acid to bring out the traditional San Mai contrast between the soft iron cladding and White 2 core.
If you do not micro-texture (hammer while cold or hot) to disrupt the pattern, you will achieve straight, clean layers.
White Paper 2 Core:
Soft Iron Cladding:
Toughness: 7/10 – High toughness due to its soft iron cladding, making it more resistant to chipping and cracking during use.
Edge Retention: 6/10 – Good edge retention, slightly lower than Aogami steels, but excelling in achieving and maintaining razor-sharpness.
Corrosion Resistance: 4/10 – The high-carbon core is prone to rust and patina, requiring regular maintenance. However, the soft iron cladding is less reactive than pure high-carbon steel.
60-62HRC – Optimal for achieving a balance between edge retention, sharpness, and toughness.
To enhance stability and reduce the risk of delamination between the core and cladding, a stress-relief temper (~100°C for 2+ hours) is recommended after the primary tempering process.
I found Tim was very helpful and easy to contact via chat. The product was as described and the delivery was super fast, I would recommend his store to anyone needing his products. Thanks Tim
Great addition to the workshop. Always good service and quick postage.
I use Dura Cast for making molds to cast molten copper . The fine detail it produces is excellent.
Best sandpaper. Been looking for ages and this one didn’t disappoint. Will continue to buy as long as they are in stock.
Great product that has the reputation to go with it. Easy to work with bottles. I’m more confident now with my knives knowing the scales have a great bond.
Excellent product easy to use great value
Great, they work really well. Hidden tangs are much more enjoyable to make with these, thankyou.
Perfect for making what I want. Excellent price.
A great company, and bloke to deal with, I'll be buying more soon.
Excellent product. Precision made. Easily modified to oval or D handle if desired. Dress up the finish with tung oil and some wax.
The products and service were excellent, as usual. Thank you.
Hi
Product is exactly what I wanted. Auspost can be a bit frustrating as it sat in the distribution centre for a few days, nothing to do with Aus Makers Supplies.
Very pleasantly surprised upon opening the package to see a little smiley card and some lollies.
My partner and grandson quickly took care of the lollies but I am keeping the card to show friends what an excellent supplier Makers is.
Just on the subject of packaging, my little parcel was so well wrapped that it would have survived any method of transport over any type of terrain.
Certainly recommending this business to anyone I know.
Thank you
