Description
Shirogami (White Paper Steel) is the purest of all steels and is said to be the easiest to sharpen and to have the best cutting feel due to it’s fine grain structure. It is said to be one of the most difficult to work with though as it can only be quenched in water to achieve a proper hardness; this rapid cooling can lead to cracks in the blade.
Shirogami #1
Chemical composition
Carbon 1.25-1.35
Silicon 0.10-0.20
Manganese 0.20-0.30
others P:<=0.025 and S:<=0.004
Standard Heat Treatment temperature ( centigrade )
Annealing 740-770 Slow cooling
Quenching 760- 800 Water cooling
Tempering 180- 220 Air-cooling
Delivery hardness ( HB ) 223 or under
Hardening hardness ( HRC ) 60 over
