ATS-314 vs Cobalt Alloy: Comparing Premium Cobalt Steels
How does ATS-314 compare to cobalt alloy scissor steel?
ATS-314 is one named cobalt stainless, which Yasaka attributes to Proterial (formerly Hitachi Metals), though no public producer datasheet gives its composition or hardness. 'Cobalt alloy' is a broad label covering many makers' recipes. Neither name tells you which pair stays sharp longer, so compare each maker's published hardness and how the pair cuts.
ATS-314 appears on current Yasaka, Kamisori, Jonetsu and Passion models. ‘Cobalt alloy’ spans several recipes and makers, so ask which steel and heat treatment sit behind a given pair. Some cobalt alloys are stainless steels with cobalt added and others are cobalt-base alloys; wipe and dry either pair after each client.
Updated Sep 2026
| Attribute | ATS-314 Japan | Cobalt Alloy Various |
|---|---|---|
| Material hardness | No material figure cited. | No material figure cited. |
| Finished-scissor examples | No model figure cited. | No model figure cited. |
| Published composition | No structured composition source is recorded here. Check the full material entry for its evidence and source limits. | No structured composition source is recorded here. Check the full material entry for its evidence and source limits. |
| Steel family | Stainless cobalt alloy | Cobalt-added stainless or cobalt-base alloy |
| Product links | Full entry | Full entry |
Reading the spec sheet
When a pair lists ATS-314 or ‘cobalt alloy’, ask the maker for that pair’s hardness and heat treatment. A well-documented pair tells you more than either label. Then judge the feel in your hand.