Blue #2 - Hitachi 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. Magnolia handle with buffalo horn ferrule.
The 170mm Blue #2 petty sits at the long end of the petty range - long enough for comfortable board work through proteins and produce, compact enough for in-hand trimming and detail work. At 3.8 oz and 37mm blade height with a 3mm spine and Blue #2 at 61 HRC this is a light, capable utility knife. Magnolia Oval handle. Even 50/50 double-bevel grind. Free US shipping over $100.
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 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.
The 170mm Blue #2 petty sits at the long end of the petty range - long enough for comfortable board work through proteins and produce, compact enough for in-hand trimming and detail work. At 3.8 oz and 37mm blade height with a 3mm spine and Blue #2 at 61 HRC this is a light, capable utility knife. Magnolia Oval handle. Even 50/50 double-bevel grind. Free US shipping over $100.
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 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: 61
- Edge Grind: Even 50/50 Double Bevel
- Handle: Magnolia (Ho) Oval
- Weight: 3.8 oz (106g)
- Blade Length: 166mm
- Total Length: 308mm
- Spine Thickness at Heel: 3mm
- Blade Height: 37mm
