Yasugi Steel was traditionally crafted in Yasugi City, in Shimane Prefecture. The city has a rich history of sand iron Tartara metalwork. Today the Hitachi Metals Corporation continues this tradition.
Yasugi steel comes in various grades (yellow, white, and blue), and is highly sought after. White and blue graded steel are especially prized for their beauty and strength, and as such are often used in Japanese metalworking like quality sushi knives.