No. KA70 is commonly listed as a carbon steel on Japanese secateurs product pages. Carbon steels can rust if stored wet.

Why do hardness values vary for the same steel?

Hardness depends on heat treatment and blade geometry. Makers tune hardness for edge life and toughness based on intended use.

Do carbon steels always cut better than stainless?

Not always. Carbon steels are often easier to sharpen very keenly, but stainless steels can offer lower maintenance. Geometry and heat treatment matter as much as steel choice.

Quick answer

For most buyers, steel is only one part of the tool. KA70 and SK85 are both carbon steels commonly listed on Japanese pruning tools. White Paper steel usually favours sharpening feel. Blue Paper steel usually favours edge retention. Heat treatment, blade shape and intended use often matter more than the steel name alone.

Score guide: 1 = low, 3 = balanced, 5 = high. Scores show practical tendencies, not laboratory rankings.

Japanese Tool Steel Comparison: KA70, SK85, White Steel and Blue Steel

Compare common Japanese steels used in secateurs, shears, knives and woodworking tools. Steel matters, but heat treatment, blade shape and intended use often matter just as much as the steel name.

The default comparison shows KA70, SK85 and Blue Paper No.2. Select up to three steels to compare hardness, edge retention, sharpening feel, toughness and care needs. Related collections: Japanese secateurs and pruning shears, Japanese shears and loppers, and tool care and sharpening supplies.

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How to choose a steel for Japanese tools

Steel names are useful, but they are not the whole tool. For Japanese secateurs, shears, knives and woodworking tools, the final result depends on heat treatment, blade thickness, bevel angle and the maker's intended use.

Use the comparison above as a practical guide. It is best read as a buyer decision tool, not a laboratory ranking.

KA70 vs SK85 for Japanese secateurs

KA70 and SK85 are both carbon steels commonly discussed around Japanese pruning tools. Both can take a sharp working edge and both need basic care. In practice, the better secateur is usually the one with the better heat treatment and blade geometry for the job, not simply the stronger steel name.

For green pruning, roses, citrus and fruit trees, look for the right tool type first. Start with Japanese secateurs and pruning shears, then use the steel information to understand care and sharpening expectations.

White Paper vs Blue Paper steel

White Paper steel, or Shirogami, usually favours purity and sharpening feel. Blue Paper steel, or Aogami, adds alloying elements that usually improve wear resistance. That does not make one automatically better. White Paper can be easier to sharpen. Blue Paper can hold an edge longer. Both are carbon steels and need care.

Carbon steel care

Most steels on this page are not stainless. After use, wipe the blade dry, remove sap before it hardens, and apply a light coat of camellia oil before storage. This matters more in damp sheds, coastal areas and after pruning sappy plants.

For cleaning, oiling and sharpening supplies, see Japanese tool care and sharpening.

Shop by tool type

Japanese secateurs For roses, citrus, fruit trees and everyday pruning. Shears and loppers For hedges, topiary and heavier garden cuts. Tool care and sharpening For camellia oil, sap cleaner, stones and rust care.

How we source this data

This comparison is compiled from publicly available manufacturer listings, published steel tables and reference documentation where available. When a steel is a trade or retail designation rather than a formal standard, that is stated and numeric chemistry is not published unless a primary source can be cited.

Hardness ranges and performance scores are typical tendencies. Individual tools can vary because makers tune heat treatment and blade geometry for specific uses.