Between Aogami #3 (Blue #3) and Aogami Super (AS), Aogami Super is the significantly better choice for performance, while Aogami #3 is a niche choice for extreme durability.
These two steels sit at opposite ends of the "Blue Steel" spectrum: Aogami #3 has the lowest carbon, while Aogami Super has the highest.
Quick Comparison: Aogami #3 vs. Aogami Super
Feature | Aogami #3 (Blue #3) | Aogami Super (Blue Super) |
|---|---|---|
Edge Retention | Moderate; dulls relatively quickly | The Best. King of edge longevity. |
Max Hardness | 58–61 HRC | 64–67 HRC. Much harder and thinner. |
Toughness | Extremely High. Hard to chip. | Moderate. Can be brittle if mistreated. |
Sharpening | Very Easy. Fast and forgiving. | Difficult. Resists abrasion on stones. |
Cutting Feel | "Workhorse" feel; thicker edge. | "Laser" feel. Glides through food. |
Price | Affordable / Budget. | Premium / Expensive. |
Detailed Analysis
Why Aogami Super is the Winner (Performance)
The "Super" Formula: Aogami Super contains the most carbon (~1.45%) and is the only one in the family with added Vanadium. This makes it incredibly wear-resistant; it can hold a sharp edge through days of heavy professional use without needing a touch-up [1.1].
Precision: Because it is so hard, it can be ground to a much finer edge than Aogami #3, allowing for effortless cutting of vegetables and meat.
Why Aogami #3 might be "Better" (Durability)
Resilience: It is essentially a "tank" steel. Because it is less hard, it is much more "springy" and less likely to crack or chip if it hits a bone or a hard cutting board.
Utility: It is often used for heavy-duty knives like Debas (for fish butchery) or for beginners who are worried about breaking a more expensive, fragile blade.
The Verdict
Choose Aogami Super for your primary Gyuto (Chef's knife) or Santoku. It is the highest-performing carbon steel available and offers the most rewarding cutting experience.
Choose Aogami #3 only if you need a budget-friendly workhorse for rougher tasks where you prioritize toughness over surgical sharpness.
Pro Tip: Most Aogami Super knives are stainless-clad, which protects the majority of the blade from rust, whereas Aogami #3 is more commonly found in fully reactive (rust-prone) versions.