Hatsukokoro Hayabusa Aogami Super

Sanmai - Stainless Clad Migaki Blue Super / Aogami Super / Carbon Stainless Clad Hyogo, Japan

The Hayabusa(隼,Peregrine Falcon) Aogami Super series by Hatsukokoro brings us an entry level option for those who want to get their hands on the combination of high performance carbon steel and a laser grind.

With the introduction of more alloy content like Tungsten and Chromium, as well as a higher amount of carbon(up to 1.50%), the Aogami Super/Blue Super steel can be heat treated to a impressive 64HRC. This give the blade enough strength to support a very thin edge without it rolls and dulls easily, which allows knives like the Hayabusa series to be created. With the spine thickness measuring only 1.6mm above the heel and 0.8mm at 1cm behind the tip on a 210mm Gyuto, these knives undoubtedly fall under the laser category, making them nimble in hand and fall through food effortlessly.

The fit and finish is also quite decent: very uniform Migaki finish across the blade, well-polished choil and spine and uniform, symmetrical cladding line on each side. But I do have to mention that the cladding on this line seems to be one a softer side, so it is more prone to scratch than other knives we have in store.

At this price range, Hatsukokoro have offered a package that is really hard to beat. If you are thinking of dipping your toe into the world of carbon steel like Aogami Super, these stainless-cladded, budget friendly performers can very well be the top choice.

Pros

Budget friendly
Excellent performance
Thin behind the edge

Cons

A little bit brittle
Need extra care

Best For

First-timers
Students

Construction

Sanmai - Stainless Clad

Surface Finish

Migaki

Cladding

Stainless Clad

Steel

Blue Super / Aogami Super / Carbon

Origin

Hyogo, Japan

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Aogami Super and Blue 2?

The difference is in Proterial's own figures: Aogami Super has 1.40 to 1.50% carbon, 2.00 to 2.50% tungsten, 0.30 to 0.50% chromium and 0.30 to 0.50% vanadium, against Aogami 2 (Blue 2) at 1.05 to 1.15% carbon, 1.00 to 1.50% tungsten and 0.20 to 0.50% chromium.

Proterial describes both as alloy steels with tungsten and chromium to improve heat-treatment properties and wear resistance, and also names vanadium for Aogami Super. In its Japanese materials, Proterial calls its Aogami (青紙) steels high-carbon steel (高炭素鋼). Both pages list hardening hardness over 60 HRC, and Proterial lists Aogami Super for high-quality planes, other tipped tools, kitchen knives and sickles.

Published by K&S Education Desk; staff review pending