Japanese Blade Steel
Imported premium Japanese laminated blade steel clad in SUS405 (stainless low carbon) with three different cores- Shirogami 2 (White), Aogami 2 (Blue), and Ginsan 3 (Silver).
At Vonhelmick Knife Co, we bridge the gap between traditional Japanese metallurgy and the modern maker. As a specialized distributor of premium Japanese blade steel, we take pride in supplying the highest quality San Mai (three-layer) steel billets to bladesmiths, professional chefs, and custom knife manufacturers.
We understand that a world-class blade begins with the core. That’s why we focus on authentic Proterial (formerly Hitachi Metals), including the legendary Aogami Blue #2 (Blue Paper Steel), the exceptionally pure Shirogami White #2 (White Paper Steel), and the carbon-like stainless Ginsan Silver #3 (Silver Paper Steel). Whether you are seeking the superior edge retention of Blue Steel, the traditional sharpening characteristics of White Steel, or the stainless Silver Steel, our inventory is curated for performance and reliability.
Based in Falls City, Oregon, we serve the local maker community with expert advice and offer fast, reliable shipping for artisans across the country. Our mission is simple: to provide the raw materials that allow you to forge excellence.
Why Choose Vonhelmick Knife Co as your steel supplier?
Direct Distribution: Genuine Japanese steel billets sourced for quality.
San Mai Specialists: Expertise in laminated and clad steel construction.
Local Expertise: A partner for the Pacific Northwest bladesmithing community.
SUS 405 stainless steel cladding
· Shirogami 2 (white) 6 mm thick x 40mm x 1500mm is a high purity carbon steel produced by Proterial (Hitachi Metals) for traditional Japanese cutlery known for its exceptional sharpness, ease of sharpening, and high hardness. It requires careful maintenance as it is not stainless. This steel is suitable for professionals and beginners. Ideal for precise clean cuts, avoid frozen foods or bones to prevent chipping.
· Aogami 2 (blue) 6 mm thick x 40mm x 1500mm is a premium Japanese high carbon steel often considered the industry standard for high performance. It is prized for its durability and ease of sharpening, and known for holding an extremely sharp edge. This steel is essentially Shirogami, with Chromium and Tungsten, which enhances wear resistance and edge life. It requires the same maintenance as Shirogami, in that frozen foods and bones should be avoided in order to prevent chipping.
· Ginsan 3 (silver) 6 mm thick x 25mm x 1500mm is a high quality stainless steel developed by Proterial in Japan. It is widely used for crafting Japanese kitchen knives. Ginsan 3 is prized for its balance of the characteristics of carbon steels and stainless steel. Because of the Chromium, it is easier to maintain and it is highly resistant to corrosion.
Who We Are
Vonhelmick Knife Co. is a family owned and operated business by a husband and wife team in Falls City, Oregon who specializes in hand forged blades. We import authentic Japanese knife steel for our personal use and are now expanding our business by distributing premium quality Japanese laminate steel to customers within the USA.