Our in-depth range review

First Impressions

Impressive sharpness right out of the box and a nice grind on what's a fairly thick knife along the spine so there's plenty of cutting power and robustness.

The shirogami/white #2 steel is easy to maintain and get a great edge on so it's a knife you'll be reaching for time and again.

Beauty

The contrast between the layered carbon steel core and dark, soft iron cladding make it both understated and eye catching at the same time.

If you're looking for a classic Japanese knife then this is a wonderful example showing the contrasting layering of the core steel and the kurouchi blacksmith finish on the cladding.

Durability

The blacksmith or kurouchi finish will protect it to a certain extent however care must be taken to dry the knife carefully after use.

White #2 is a dream to sharpen and will take a screamingly sharp edge and this ranges represents great value for money from such an outstanding blacksmith.

Ease of Care & Maintenance Tips

White #2 steel is really easy to sharpen so maintaining it should be a breeze if you follow our carbon steel care tips. This being a reactive knife you will need to wipe and dry carefully after each use though and over time a patina will develop.

For long term care and maintenance, we recommend a carbon steel care kit.

Our Verdict

The shiro range is great value either as a first knife or an addition to a collection. 

Originally made by Katsushige Anryu the Shirogami range is now made in the extremely capable (and strong!) hands of his nephew and apprentice Takumi Ikeda who is a hugely skilled blacksmith so this range is in great hands and continues to provide top quality knives at extremely good value. 

There's a good reason these knives are in such short supply so if you're considering one, we'd recommend not hanging around!

Meet the maker

Anryu Knives

Anryu Knives are forged in Echizen, Fukui Prefecture, a region celebrated for centuries of fine blade-making. The workshop was founded over 80 years ago and became widely admired under fourth-generation master blacksmith Katsushige Anryu, whose dedication to precision, balance, and craftsmanship earned international respect.

In 2022, the forge was passed to his nephew, fifth-generation craftsman Takumi Ikeda, who continues the Anryu legacy with the same methods, attention to detail, and commitment to quality that define Echizen’s tradition. Working by hand and using steels such as Blue #2 and VG10, Ikeda forges knives that combine strength, sharpness, and timeless aesthetics.

Every blade reflects the spirit of the workshop – traditional forging, expert heat treatment, and elegant design. Today, Anryu Knives remain a true expression of Echizen craftsmanship, carrying forward the mastery and philosophy of generations past.

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