Blue #2, or Hitachi's Aogami #2, earns its place in serious kitchens through a combination of edge sharpness, retention, and toughness that puts it among the most trusted carbon steels in the Japanese knife tradition. Gihei heat-treats it to 62-63 HRC at their shop in Sanjo City, Japan - established in 1928 and run today by Atsushi Hosokawa and his son. SUS 405 stainless cladding covers the flanks, keeping daily maintenance simple while the reactive carbon edge delivers performance.
This 150mm Blue #2 petty is a notably substantial model - with a 4mm spine at the heel and a blade height of around 36 mm, it has more backbone than most petty knives at this length. Both right- and left-handed users will appreciate the even (50/50) double-bevel grind.
What Customers Are Saying: Bob has owned this petty for years, liked it enough to rehandle it, and it has held a permanent spot on his magnetic strip ever since. He especially likes the small flat spot toward the front that feels perfect for smaller kitchen jobs. A knife that earns loyalty through sustained daily use.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel - the SUS 405 stainless cladding protects the flanks, but the exposed carbon edge will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only; never use a dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones - Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC sharpens easily and rewards good technique. Strop regularly between sharpenings.Blacksmith: Atsushi Hosokawa
Workshop: Gihei
Location: Sanjo City, Japan
Founded: 1928
Construction: San Mai
Edge Steel: Blue #2 (Aogami #2) Carbon Steel
Cladding: SUS 405 Stainless Steel
HRC: 62-63
Edge Grind: Even (50/50), Double Bevel
Handle: Oval Magnolia
Ferrule: Buffalo Horn
Weight: 3.5 oz (100 g)
Blade Length: 151 mm
Total Length: 291 mm
Spine Thickness at Heel: 4 mm
Blade Height: 36 mm
This 150mm Blue #2 petty is a notably substantial model - with a 4mm spine at the heel and a blade height of around 36 mm, it has more backbone than most petty knives at this length. Both right- and left-handed users will appreciate the even (50/50) double-bevel grind.
What Customers Are Saying: Bob has owned this petty for years, liked it enough to rehandle it, and it has held a permanent spot on his magnetic strip ever since. He especially likes the small flat spot toward the front that feels perfect for smaller kitchen jobs. A knife that earns loyalty through sustained daily use.
Care Instructions: Blue #2 is a reactive carbon steel - the SUS 405 stainless cladding protects the flanks, but the exposed carbon edge will patina naturally with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after every use. Avoid leaving acidic foods on the edge. Hand wash only; never use a dishwasher. Apply camellia oil for long-term storage. Sharpen on quality water stones - Blue #2 at 62-63 HRC sharpens easily and rewards good technique. Strop regularly between sharpenings.
Reviews
1 review(s) WRITE A REVIEW (Reviews are subject to approval) You will keep reaching for it!Posted By: bob z
35 people found this review helpful
Had this for years, not sure what hap to last review. I liked it enough to re handle it.
Stays sharp and I especially like the little flat spot towards the front, just seems perfect for so many smaller jobs in the kitchen and it has a permanent spot on my mag strip.
35 people found this review helpful
Had this for years, not sure what hap to last review. I liked it enough to re handle it.
Stays sharp and I especially like the little flat spot towards the front, just seems perfect for so many smaller jobs in the kitchen and it has a permanent spot on my mag strip.
