What is, “Spicy White?”

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Miyamoto Musashi

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Assuming it refers to White steel. But who coined this phrase? Is it a catch-all for white steel?
 
I recall the term being used in association with Shigefusa. IIRC, it's a simple Swedish carbon steel. I recall reading that he thought the steel's forging characteristics were "spicy" and that it behaved similarly to Tamahagane in forging. I'm unable to find the place that I read this, however, so it's possible that I have mis-remembered.

I had thought that the supplier and the exact composition was not disclosed.
 
I also recall seeing it used in association with Shig and Heijji carbon. They call it iwasaki. A little tweak on white.

The reknown "spicy white" from Devin is not the same product - sez my older than dirt memory.
You are correct sir....Hoss came up with that name.
 
I also recall seeing it used in association with Shig and Heijji carbon. They call it iwasaki. A little tweak on white.

The reknown "spicy white" from Devin is not the same product - sez my older than dirt memory.
Come to think of it, I think that the Shig and Heijii steel was described as "spicy carbon steel" rather than "spicy white".

Obviously these are 2 different steels.

Sorry OP for the derail.
 
I recall the term being used in association with Shigefusa. IIRC, it's a simple Swedish carbon steel. I recall reading that he thought the steel's forging characteristics were "spicy" and that it behaved similarly to Tamahagane in forging. I'm unable to find the place that I read this, however, so it's possible that I have mis-remembered.

I had thought that the supplier and the exact composition was not disclosed.
Same here, I also have heard the term used in describing knives made by Nakaya Heiji.
 
Come to think of it, I think that the Shig and Heijii steel was described as "spicy carbon steel" rather than "spicy white".

Obviously these are 2 different steels.

Sorry OP for the derail.
No need to apologize, chieftain.
 
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Does this one tend to come out higher HRC, like a white super?
It. Can if you want it to.

If someone is using 26c3 though, they might as well go high hardness. To me if you want a steel that is capable of forming a hamon, and doing >65 26c3 is a great choice.

If someone just wants a very nice lower alloy steel and a hamon isnt necesary 52100 is a good choice.
 
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