Blue Super Steel (Aogami Super)

Blue Super Steel, or Aogami Super Steel, is a high-performance Japanese carbon steel prized for its razor-sharp edge and durability. When you’re slicing vegetables or breaking down proteins, a knife made from this steel delivers the kind of control and confidence professionals demand. Therefore, it's a popular choice for high-end Japanese kitchen knives, especially in hand-forged blades and traditional shapes.

What Is Blue Super Steel?

Blue Super Steel is a refined high-carbon steel developed by Hitachi Metals, enhanced with tungsten and vanadium for improved hardness, edge retention, and wear resistance. Blue Super is made by adding molybdenum and vanadium to the blue steel. Therefore, making it one of the hardest traditional steels used in Japanese knives.

Typical composition:

• Carbon: 1.40–1.50%
• Chromium: 0.30–0.50%
• Tungsten: 2.00–2.50%
• Molybdenum: 0.30–0.50%
• Vanadium: 0.50%

Most blades using this material are handcrafted and heat-treated to perform at 63–67 HRC on the Rockwell scale. Additionally, knives made from this steel often feature a carbon core clad in stainless steel, offering the cutting performance of traditional carbon steel with easier maintenance.

What Makes a Blue Super Steel Knife Stand Out?

Below are the highlights of the Blue Super Steel Knife that you need to know when choosing a knife for your cooking.

• Extreme sharpness: Its hardness allows for an ultra-fine edge that stays sharper, longer.
• Confident control: Perfect for clean cuts through fish, meats, herbs, and vegetables.
• Handcrafted precision: Many Blue Super Steel blades are made by skilled blacksmiths, giving each knife a distinct look and feel.
• Kitchen versatility: Used in Classic Japanese shapes like the Gyuto, Petty, and Nakiri knives that are suited for prep, slicing, and everyday use.

Who Should Use This Knife?

Blue Super Steel knives are ideal for professional chefs, serious home cooks, and knife enthusiasts. They reward good technique and proper care with unmatched cutting precision. 

Note: Because Blue Super Steel is not stainless, it requires regular basic care. However, stainless-clad designs make upkeep more manageable without sacrificing edge quality.

How to Care for Your Blue Super Steel Knife

With a few simple habits below, you can keep your knife sharp, clean, and performing at its best.

• Wash by hand only and dry thoroughly
• Avoid cutting bones or hard frozen foods
• Use a wood or soft plastic cutting board
• Apply food-safe oil to the blade occasionally to protect the edge

You can find more handcrafted knives throughout Lewis’s Knife.