VG-10 vs ATS-314: Premium Japanese Scissor Steel Compared
What's the difference between VG-10 and ATS-314 scissor steel?
VG-10 (59–63 HRC) and ATS-314 (62–64 HRC) are both flagship Japanese stainless scissor steels, but VG-10 is easier to sharpen and more forgiving day to day, while ATS-314 runs harder for slightly longer edge life and a glassier convex glide.
Both are high-carbon stainless alloys that take a clean convex edge and resist corrosion. ATS-314, made by Proterial (formerly Hitachi Metals), is vacuum-tempered to a higher hardness and rewards a light, confident hand — it can chip rather than roll if dropped, so it suits experienced stylists with a regular sharpener. VG-10, Takefu’s signature steel, lands a touch softer, which makes it the more common step up from 440C: roughly 1,200–1,800 cuts between professional sharpenings and straightforward to service.
Verified Jun 2026
| Attribute | VG-10 (V Gold 10) Takefu, Fukui Prefecture, Japan | ATS-314 Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Overall tier | Tier S | Tier S |
| Hardness | 59–63 HRC | 62–64 HRC |
| Edge retention | 1,200–1,800 cuts between pro sharpenings | 1,200–1,600 cuts before pro tune-up |
| Corrosion resistance | High | High |
| Steel family | High-carbon stainless alloy | High-carbon stainless alloy |
| Best for | Everyday salon work blending wet and dry techniques | Slide and point cutting on dense sections |
| Product links | Full entry | Full entry |
Which should you pick?
If you cut most of the day and already keep a sharpening schedule, ATS-314’s extra hardness translates into a slightly longer edge and that signature low-drag glide on slide and point work. If you want premium performance without babying the blade — or you’re moving up from a 440C pair — VG-10 gives you most of the edge life with easier upkeep. Neither is “better” in the abstract; the harder steel asks for more care in exchange for more cuts.