Shirogami #2, or White Paper Steel, is one of the purest carbon steels used in Japanese knife making - a Hitachi alloy that takes an exceptionally sharp edge and sharpens easily on the stones, which is why it has been a standard in professional Japanese kitchens for generations. TOJIRO KNIFE ATELIER puts it to work here in a compact kiritsuke, a blade profile that combines the flat cutting edge of a traditional yanagiba with an angled tip that adds versatility across prep tasks.
The blacksmiths at TOJIRO KNIFE ATELIER in Tsubame, Niigata Prefecture, handle every step of production themselves - forging, sharpening, and finishing - which is what keeps this a genuinely limited-edition line. The Shirogami #2 core is hammer forged in a san mai construction with soft iron cladding, then given a kurouchi, or black as-forged, finish that adds character and a measure of natural protection to the reactive blade. At 140mm this kiritsuke is shorter and more maneuverable than the full-size format, making it an approachable entry into the kiritsuke profile for cooks who want the pointed tip without the full length. The magnolia octagonal handle with buffalo horn ferrule keeps the knife light and well-balanced.
A kiritsuke at this size and in this steel is a relatively uncommon combination - most compact knives in this price range do not carry traditional hand-forged carbon steel construction. This one does.
Care Instructions: Shirogami #2 is a reactive carbon steel that will develop a natural patina with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after use, avoid leaving acidic foods against the blade, and apply a light coat of camellia oil for longer term storage. Hand wash only. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
The blacksmiths at TOJIRO KNIFE ATELIER in Tsubame, Niigata Prefecture, handle every step of production themselves - forging, sharpening, and finishing - which is what keeps this a genuinely limited-edition line. The Shirogami #2 core is hammer forged in a san mai construction with soft iron cladding, then given a kurouchi, or black as-forged, finish that adds character and a measure of natural protection to the reactive blade. At 140mm this kiritsuke is shorter and more maneuverable than the full-size format, making it an approachable entry into the kiritsuke profile for cooks who want the pointed tip without the full length. The magnolia octagonal handle with buffalo horn ferrule keeps the knife light and well-balanced.
A kiritsuke at this size and in this steel is a relatively uncommon combination - most compact knives in this price range do not carry traditional hand-forged carbon steel construction. This one does.
Care Instructions: Shirogami #2 is a reactive carbon steel that will develop a natural patina with use. Wipe and dry the blade immediately after use, avoid leaving acidic foods against the blade, and apply a light coat of camellia oil for longer term storage. Hand wash only. Each knife is made by hand so measurements may vary.
- Brand: TOJIRO
- Line: Atelier Shirogami - Limited Edition
- Item Code: AS-002
- Location: Tsubame, Niigata, Japan
- Construction: Hammer Forged, San Mai
- Core Steel: Shirogami #2 (White Paper Steel)
- Cladding: Soft Iron
- Finish: Kurouchi (Black)
- Edge Grind: 50/50 Double Bevel
- Handle: Magnolia Octagonal
- Ferrule: Buffalo Horn
- Weight: 125 g
- Blade Length: 140 mm
- Total Length: 275 mm
- Limit: Limited quantities due to handmade production
