Carbon steel · ProterialShirogami #2 白紙2号
Also called: White #2 · Shiro #2 · White paper steel #2
Shirogami #2 is a non-stainless carbon steel from Proterial (formerly Hitachi Metals): 1.05–1.15% carbon, no chromium, and a maker hardening hardness of ≥60 HRC.
Composition
| C | Si | Mn | P | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.05–1.15 | 0.10–0.20 | 0.20–0.30 | ≤0.025 | ≤0.004 |
Mass %. As published by the steelmaker (typical or representative values). Hardness: ≥60 (hardening hardness).
What the data says
Shirogami #2 has 1.05–1.15% carbon and the same tightly controlled impurity limits as the other White steels. Proterial rates it “high hardness” — between #1 (“highest”) and #3 (“middle”).
Aogami #2 has exactly the same carbon range; the difference is that Aogami #2 adds 0.20–0.50% chromium and 1.00–1.50% tungsten, which the maker says improve heat-treatment properties and wear resistance. If you are choosing between the two, that alloying is the whole difference on paper.
Being a plain carbon steel with no chromium, Shirogami #2 needs to be wiped dry after use. If you want a similar sharpening feel in a stainless steel, Ginsan is the grade Proterial positions as comparable to carbon steel.
Shirogami #2 compared with similar steels
| Steel | Type | C % | Cr % | Maker HRC | CATRA mm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shirogami #2 | Carbon | 1.05–1.15 | — | ≥60 | — |
| Shirogami #1 | Carbon | 1.25–1.35 | — | ≥60 | — |
| Aogami #2 | Carbon | 1.05–1.15 | 0.20–0.50 | ≥60 | — |
| Ginsan (Silver #3) | Stainless | 0.95–1.10 | 13.00–14.50 | ≥59 | — |
Detailed comparison: Blue vs White steel
See all 15 steels in the Japanese knife steel chart, or compare up to three at once in the steel explorer.
Care
Shirogami #2 is not stainless. Wipe the blade dry after use; a grey or blue patina is normal, but orange spots are rust and should be removed early.
Buying a Shirogami #2 knife from a shop in Japan? Japanese kitchen knives currently pay about 31% US import duty — use the import duty calculator to compare with a US retailer.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Shirogami #2 stainless?
- No. Shirogami #2 has no chromium in the maker’s composition, while a stainless steel needs roughly 10.5% or more, so it can rust if left wet.
- How hard is Shirogami #2?
- Proterial publishes a hardening hardness of ≥60 HRC. The hardness of a finished knife depends on the knifemaker’s heat treatment.
- Who makes Shirogami #2?
- Shirogami #2 is made by Proterial (formerly Hitachi Metals).
- Shirogami #2 vs Shirogami #1: what is the difference?
- Shirogami #2: C 1.05–1.15%, no Cr, maker hardness ≥60 HRC. Shirogami #1: C 1.25–1.35%, no Cr, maker hardness ≥60 HRC.
Sources
Checked 2026-10-21. Found a better source or an error? Tell us.