White Steel #1

White Steel #1 (Shirogami #1) represents the pinnacle of traditional Japanese knifemaking. This premium high-carbon steel contains 1.25-1.35% carbon—higher than White Steel #2—creating blades with unparalleled sharpness and edge retention. Favored by professional chefs and knife enthusiasts alike, these knives require proper care as they lack stainless properties but reward users with extraordinary cutting performance. Each blade undergoes meticulous hand-forging, heat treatment, and polishing by skilled craftsmen who have perfected techniques passed down through generations. The resulting knives offer superior hardness (63-65 HRC), exceptional bite when cutting, and a connection to Japan's timeless bladesmithing heritage.