Blue Super Steel (Aogami Super)
Blue Super Steel (Aogami Super)
Blue Super Steel, also known as Aogami Super, is a high-carbon steel that is highly prized in the world of Japanese knives for its outstanding edge retention, hardness, and sharpness. It is an enhanced version of the traditional Blue Steel series (Aogami) and includes added elements to improve its performance. Blue Super Steel is known for its superior ability to maintain a sharp edge, making it ideal for professional chefs and serious home cooks who value cutting precision.
Key Features:
• Composition: Blue Super Steel contains 1.40-1.50% carbon, 0.20-0.50% chromium, 0.30-0.50% manganese, 2.00-2.50% tungsten, and 0.30-0.50% vanadium. The higher carbon content, combined with added tungsten and vanadium, provides exceptional hardness and wear resistance.
• Hardness: Blue Super Steel has a Rockwell hardness of HRC 63-65, making it one of the hardest steels used in knife production. This high hardness results in superior edge retention and sharpness.
• Sharpness: Aogami Super can be sharpened to an incredibly fine edge and holds that edge longer than many other high-carbon steels. The vanadium content helps maintain this sharpness over time, making it perfect for delicate, precise cuts.
• Wear Resistance: The tungsten in the alloy gives Blue Super Steel excellent wear resistance, meaning the blade will stay sharp and withstand heavy use without needing frequent sharpening.
• Toughness: Despite its high hardness, Blue Super Steel retains a good level of toughness, although it can be slightly more brittle compared to softer steels. Care must be taken to avoid chipping or damage when using the knife on harder materials.
Maintenance:
• Corrosion Risk: Like most high-carbon steels, Blue Super Steel is not stainless and is prone to rust and discoloration if not properly maintained. It is important to clean and dry the blade immediately after use and to apply a thin layer of oil to prevent oxidation, especially if the knife will not be used for an extended period.
• Ease of Sharpening: Despite its high hardness, Blue Super Steel can be sharpened relatively easily with proper sharpening tools. However, it may take longer to sharpen due to its extreme hardness.
