Professional hair scissors arranged showing different steel types and designs

2012 Year in Review: The State of Professional Scissors

· by James Adams

As 2012 draws to a close, the professional scissors market continues to evolve along lines that have been developing for several decades. Here is where things stand.

Steel Remains the Core Story

VG-10 (V Gold 10) remains the dominant steel in the premium professional scissors segment. Developed by Takefu Special Steel in Fukui Prefecture, VG-10 offers an effective balance of hardness (HRC 60-62), corrosion resistance, and edge retention that has made it the industry benchmark since its widespread adoption in the 1990s. If a manufacturer claims “premium Japanese steel” without further detail, VG-10 is the most likely candidate.

Cobalt alloy scissors continue to hold a dedicated niche since Kikui pioneered the material in 1973. With approximately 70% cobalt content, these scissors are effectively immune to corrosion and offer a distinctive cutting feel that some stylists prefer.

The emerging tier is powder metallurgy steel. Takefu Special Steel’s SG2/R2 (Super Gold 2) — with carbon content of 1.25-1.45% and chromium at 14-16% — is appearing in ultra-premium models from several manufacturers. Powder metallurgy produces a more uniform carbide distribution than conventional melting, which translates to better edge consistency at very high hardness levels (HRC 63-64).

Two Traditions, One Market

The global market still divides broadly along two edge geometry traditions. Japanese manufacturers favour the convex (hamaguri) edge — a clamshell-shaped bevel that produces an extremely sharp, smooth cut but requires skilled sharpening. German and European manufacturers traditionally use the beveled edge, which is more forgiving to maintain but produces a slightly different cutting action.

Pricing Landscape

In the Japanese domestic market, professional scissors typically range from 30,000 to 50,000 yen (roughly $200-$350 USD at current exchange rates). Handmade models from established craftspeople routinely exceed 100,000 yen, with some limited-production pieces reaching considerably higher. International pricing adds distributor margins, often doubling or tripling the Japanese retail price.

Looking Ahead

The trends to watch in 2013 are powder metallurgy adoption broadening beyond the ultra-premium tier, and increasing international buyer interest in purchasing directly from Japanese manufacturers rather than through traditional distributor networks.