Scissor Steel Types and Evidence
Read a steel claim as a four-layer record
A grade can be useful evidence, but a finished shear adds maker execution, geometry, condition, and service history. Apply to Scissor Steel Types and Evidence
- 01 Identify the grade Use a producer or traceable maker designation.
- 02 Name the source layer Separate mill data, maker data, seller copy, and measurement.
- 03 Record execution Heat treatment, geometry, assembly, and finished-blade values stay model-specific.
- 04 Keep the history Condition, use, care, impacts, and service affect the working edge.
Do not inferOne element, HRC value, country adjective, price tier, or steel name cannot rank sharpness, toughness, corrosion resistance, or service life.
Follow a steel claim from label to finished-tool record
Move through identity, source layer, finished-blade evidence, and use history without converting the material name into a performance tier.
Source state Keep producer data, maker specifications, seller wording, finished-part measurements, and user records in separate layers.
Unknown state Unpublished heat treatment, geometry, measurement scope, or traceability remains an open field.
- Grade identity
- Source layer
- Finished blade
- Use + service
Resolve the material name
First decide whether the wording is a standard grade, producer trade name, regional label, maker name, or seller phrase.
- Exact spelling and designation
- Standard, producer, or maker relationship
- Edition, market, and current source date
Leave open A premium, cobalt, Japanese, surgical, or Damascus label cannot fill a missing grade identity.
Use the five evidence questions- Grade identity
- Source layer
- Finished blade
- Use + service
Name the evidence layer
Record what the source can establish before comparing chemistry, hardness, or application guidance.
- Producer, maker, seller, test, or user record
- Material, coupon, application, blade, or exact-tool scope
- Method, range, tolerance, and qualification
Leave open Data from one layer does not silently become evidence for another.
Compare evidence levels- Grade identity
- Source layer
- Finished blade
- Use + service
Return to the finished blade
Attach any material claim to the exact shear, its execution, and the measured part where evidence exists.
- Maker, model, product code, and handedness
- Heat-treatment and finished-part evidence
- Blade, edge, pivot, assembly, and condition
Leave open A steel datasheet cannot supply unpublished finished-scissor geometry or processing.
Open the exact-model record- Grade identity
- Source layer
- Finished blade
- Use + service
Compare tools, not abstract grades
Keep task, fit, condition, care, service access, commercial terms, and unresolved fields beside material evidence.
- Exact workload and fit-trial observations
- Care, incidents, and service history
- Warranty, return route, support, and important unknowns
Leave open Grade, HRC, element count, country adjective, or price cannot rank edge life or value.
Open the product comparison fieldsShort answer
A steel name is a starting point for verification, not a performance tier.
Use this library to identify the source state behind a material claim. Then return to the exact scissor and verify its blades, heat treatment if published, geometry, assembly, fit, condition, care, warranty, and service route.
The contextual hero photograph shows scissors only. It does not identify a grade, hardness, maker, manufacturing method, or performance result.
Five evidence questions
For every label, ask:
- Identity: Is the term a recognised standard designation, producer trade name, regional label, maker-specific name, or seller wording?
- Source: Is there a current producer datasheet or other primary technical source?
- Scope: Does the source describe material, a test coupon, a knife application, a finished blade, or the exact scissor?
- Processing: What is known about heat treatment and the measured finished part?
- Decision: Which product-level facts remain required before buying or servicing?
The evidence states on this page do not rank 440C, VG-10, or ATS-314. They show which claims are supported, bounded, conflicting, or unresolved.
Evidence levels
| Level | Example | What it can establish | What it cannot establish alone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | ASTM, JIS, EN, ISO, or national designation | Defined requirements within the cited edition | Exact producer, heat, blade, or scissor |
| Producer datasheet | Current mill page or catalogue | Published chemistry, processing, or application data within scope | Finished-scissor performance |
| Maker specification | Exact model page or manual | Product fields the maker publishes | Independent verification or every production unit |
| Seller listing | Exact transaction page | Offer, seller, price, and stated fields at a date | Maker truth, origin, or material identity |
| Test record | Declared method and finished part | The measured result within its method and sample | Universal range or long-term salon outcome |
| User record | Exact tool, task, condition, and date | Personal fit, incidents, service, and observations | General brand or steel performance |
Do not merge unlike levels into one score.
Composition is not a ranking
Chemical composition can help identify a documented material and understand why processing guidance differs. It does not directly rank:
- sharpness or cutting feel;
- edge retention or service interval;
- toughness or drop outcome;
- corrosion in a salon environment;
- blade geometry or finishing quality;
- fit, comfort, or injury risk;
- lifespan; or
- value.
Elements also interact with processing and microstructure. More of one element is not automatically better.
Read hardness correctly
Before comparing two values, record:
- Rockwell scale or other method;
- applicable test standard and edition;
- finished blade, coupon, bulk material, or application recommendation;
- measured location and surface preparation;
- target, minimum, maximum, typical value, or actual result;
- range, tolerance, and sample count; and
- maker and model to which it applies.
A 55 to 62 HRC recommendation for knife applications and a measured finished scissor blade are not the same evidence.
Steel cannot set a service interval
Service need changes with:
- exact blade and edge geometry;
- alignment, set, pivot, and starting condition;
- task, section, workload, and contaminants;
- cleaning, drying, lubrication, and storage;
- drops, collisions, forced closures, and corrosion;
- prior sharpening and remaining serviceable material; and
- the symptom or failure threshold used.
Use maker guidance, observed condition, and qualified inspection. Do not schedule sharpening by a steel tier.
Exact-model material record
| Field | Record |
|---|---|
| Maker, model, product code, and handedness | |
| Current official product page | |
| Material wording for each blade | |
| Producer and grade source | |
| Certificate or traceability record | |
| Finished-blade hardness evidence | |
| Blade and edge geometry | |
| Care and adjustment instructions | |
| Warranty and qualified service route | |
| Unresolved claims |
An empty field is useful. It prevents an unsupported assumption.
Seller claim checklist
Pause when a listing:
- uses premium, surgical, Japanese, German, cobalt, titanium, Damascus, or powder as a complete material specification;
- publishes composition or HRC with no traceable source;
- copies one grade’s data into a proprietary or unresolved label;
- converts material data into a lifespan or sharpening schedule;
- treats country of steel as finished-product origin;
- claims a named model in a photograph that cannot be matched; or
- ranks performance from chemistry, price, or HRC alone.
Ambiguity is not proof of fraud. Ask the maker and seller to substantiate the exact claim.
Product comparison
Compare finished tools, not abstract grades:
| Decision field | Candidate A | Candidate B |
|---|---|---|
| Exact maker, model, and handedness | ||
| Material identity and source quality | ||
| Finished-part measurement evidence | ||
| Blade, edge, handle, and pivot | ||
| Fit-trial observations | ||
| Care and adjustment instructions | ||
| Trial, return, warranty, and service | ||
| Complete ownership cost | ||
| Important unknowns |
Image policy
A steel bar, spark scene, microscope texture, fictional forge, or polished scissor cannot certify alloy identity, chemistry, hardness, heat treatment, or performance.
Published technical visuals in this section keep values and qualifications in live HTML, show unresolved fields, cite primary inputs, and undergo technical and accessibility review.
Keep exploring
5 Useful Evidence Starting Points
These entries demonstrate different source states. They are not a best-to-worst steel list.
440C
A widely specified martensitic stainless family. Verify the exact standard, producer, product claim, heat treatment, and finished blade.
Producer pageVG-10
Takefu publishes material data for VG10. That producer context does not establish the properties of every finished scissor.
Qualified data14C28N
Alleima publishes knife-application data. Its composition and recommended knife range are not a finished-scissor specification.
Catalogue evidence10Cr15CoMoV
One official mill catalogue provides a product example. The label is not a universal international grade specification.
Source gapATS-314
The current public source set does not include a producer datasheet. Chemistry, universal hardness, and performance remain unresolved.
Browse All Types
10Cr15CoMoV Steel: Composition, Hardness and Scissor Evidence
10Cr15CoMoV composition from one official manufacturer catalogue, why no universal HRC or VG-10 equivalence is verified, and what to check on an ex...
Learn More →Sandvik 12C27 Steel
Sandvik 12C27 is a Swedish martensitic stainless grade. Compare its mill composition with the heat treatment, geometry, and testing of a finished s...
Learn More →Sandvik 12C27M Steel
Sandvik 12C27M is explicitly recommended by Sandvik for high-end scissors, with 14.5% chromium for superior corrosion resistance.
Learn More →Sandvik 13C26 Steel
Sandvik 13C26 is a Swedish razor steel reaching HRC 61, designed for ultra-sharp slide cutting and precision scissor applications.
Learn More →14C28N Steel
Alleima documents 14C28N for knife applications, with a nominal composition and a 55–62 HRC recommended knife range; that does not establish the pr...
Learn More →2Cr13 Steel
2Cr13 is a lower-carbon martensitic stainless designation. Compare its published composition, finished hardness, geometry, heat treatment, and inte...
Learn More →3CR13 Steel
3Cr13 is a martensitic stainless designation. Compare its published composition with the finished hardness, geometry, heat treatment, and intended ...
Learn More →4034 Stainless
4034 stainless is the classic Solingen workhorse for German barber scissors, offering reliable bevel edges with solid corrosion resistance.
Learn More →4037 Stainless
4037 stainless is a higher-carbon German steel delivering longer edge life than 4034 for professional barber and salon scissors.
Learn More →440C Steel: Grade Scope, Composition and Scissor Evidence
440C is an incomplete material description unless it is tied to a standard, producer, product form and condition. Carpenter's CarTech 440C, UNS S44...
Learn More →4CR13 Steel
4Cr13, also written 40Cr13, is a martensitic stainless designation. Compare its published composition with the finished hardness, geometry, heat tr...
Learn More →5CR15MOV Steel
5Cr15MoV is a budget Chinese stainless with 15% chromium, suitable for salon backup scissors and student kits needing rust resistance.
Learn More →6CR13 Steel
6Cr13 is a budget Chinese stainless offering slightly better edge retention than 4Cr13, used in student and value salon scissors.
Learn More →7Cr17MoV Stainless Steel
7Cr17MoV is a mid-tier Chinese stainless with 17% chromium and molybdenum-vanadium additions for improved hardness in apprentice scissors.
Learn More →8CR13MOV Steel
8Cr13MoV is a value-performance Chinese stainless comparable to AUS-8, offering solid edge retention for entry-level professional scissors.
Learn More →9Cr13CoMoV Steel
9Cr13CoMoV is a purpose-built Chinese scissor steel with cobalt additions for refined carbides and professional-grade edge stability.
Learn More →9CR18MOV Steel
9Cr18MoV is China's answer to 440C with 18% chromium and HRC 58-62 hardness for professional barber and salon scissors.
Learn More →AEB-L Steel
AEB-L is a Bohler razor steel from 1928 with ultra-fine carbides, delivering exceptionally smooth edges for precision scissor cutting.
Learn More →Aogami — Blue Paper Steel
Aogami (Blue Paper Steel) is Hitachi's tungsten-alloyed carbon steel reaching HRC 67, used in artisan Japanese razors and heritage cutting tools.
Learn More →ATS-314 Steel: What Is Verified and What Remains Unresolved
ATS-314 appears in professional scissor marketing, but ScissorPedia has not located a current public producer datasheet that verifies its chemistry...
Learn More →ATS-34 Steel
ATS-34 is a premium Hitachi stainless with 4% molybdenum at HRC 60-61, offering fine-grained edges for precision and slide cutting scissors.
Learn More →ATS-55 Steel
ATS-55 is Hitachi's mid-range stainless bridging the gap between 440C and ATS-34 with better grain refinement at an accessible price.
Learn More →AUS-8 Steel
AUS-8 is a reliable Japanese stainless by Aichi with vanadium-refined grain, offering balanced performance for working stylists at mid-range price.
Learn More →Carbon Steel
Carbon steel covers multiple non-stainless and low-chromium grades; exact composition, heat treatment, edge, corrosion care, and service remain mod...
Learn More →Cast Stainless
Cast stainless scissors are poured into molds for low cost but have larger grain structure and shorter edge life than forged alternatives.
Learn More →CBA-1 (Cobalt Base Alloy 1)
CBA-1 is Joewell's proprietary cobalt-base alloy with near-zero nickel content, enabling ultra-thin blade designs for stylists with nickel sensitiv...
Learn More →CMC Steel
CMC is Mizutani's patented micropowder metal alloy with elevated molybdenum, used in their Damascus series for exceptional blade durability.
Learn More →Cobalt Alloy
Cobalt alloy is broad scissor terminology covering cobalt-added stainless steels and distinct cobalt-base materials; verify the exact model and mak...
Learn More →Steel Composition Guide
A guide to scissor steel chemistry covering carbon, chromium, cobalt, and alloying elements with Japanese terminology for each.
Learn More →Damascus
Damascus scissors feature pattern-welded stainless layers over a high-performance core, combining striking visual appeal with premium cutting edges.
Learn More →Extramarise I Cobalt Alloy
Extramarise I is Mizutani's molybdenum-rich cobalt alloy with sub-zero heat treatment, designed for lightweight convex scissors with lasting edges.
Learn More →Extramarise II Cobalt Alloy
Extramarise II is Mizutani's vanadium-rich cobalt alloy with sub-zero processing, engineered for longer blades used in scissor-over-comb and dry te...
Learn More →GIN1 — Silver Steel
GIN1 (Silver Steel #1) is Hitachi's entry specialty stainless from Yasuki Works, offering clean edges and easy sharpening for salon scissors.
Learn More →GIN3 — Silver Steel
GIN3 (Silver Steel #3) is Hitachi's high-carbon stainless reaching 61 HRC. A VG-10 alternative favoured by professional scissor makers.
Learn More →HAP40 Steel
HAP40 is Hitachi's powder metallurgy high-speed steel hitting 64-66 HRC. The hardest practical PM option for premium hair scissors.
Learn More →Steel Hardness Reference: Read HRC and HV Claims Correctly
A practical guide to reading HRC and HV claims for hair scissors: check the scale, test method, tested part, source and scope before comparing exac...
Learn More →High Cobalt Alloy (HC)
High Cobalt Alloy (HC) bridges stainless and pure cobalt steels. Smooth cutting feel and strong corrosion resistance for professional stylists.
Learn More →HYS-MAX67 (Hayashi Ultimate PM)
HYS-MAX67 reaches an industry-first 67 HRC via two-piece welded construction. Hayashi's ultimate powder metal scissor steel for maximum edge retent...
Learn More →HYS (Hayashi Material)
HYS is material wording used by Hayashi on selected scissors; use the exact current model page for composition, hardness, construction, and service...
Learn More →Korean Stainless
Korean stainless is a broad market label used across several salon-shear alloys and specifications. Compare the exact grade, hardness, heat treatme...
Learn More →Bohler M390 Microclean: Producer Data and Scissor Limits
Bohler publishes M390 Microclean as a powder-metallurgy martensitic chromium steel for industrial and knife applications. That does not certify a f...
Learn More →Micro Carbide Steel (FRIODUR®)
Micro Carbide Steel (FRIODUR) is Jaguar's ice-hardened powder steel from Solingen at 60-62 HRC. German precision for professional salon shears.
Learn More →MV Stainless
MV Stainless is a molybdenum-vanadium Japanese alloy at 56-58 HRC. Affordable, smooth-cutting steel for budget-conscious professional stylists.
Learn More →N690 Steel
Bohler N690 is a cobalt-bearing Austrian stainless with 17% chromium at 58-60 HRC. Top corrosion resistance for European professional shears.
Learn More →Nano Powder Metal (NPM)
Nano Powder Metal (NPM) is Mizutani's flagship PM steel at 62-65 HRC. Zero-drag glide and ultra-fine carbides for elite professional scissors.
Learn More →Powder Damascus Alloy
Powder Damascus combines a PM steel core with layered stainless cladding at 60-62 HRC. Flagship edge life meets showpiece aesthetics for stylists.
Learn More →Pure Cobalt (Hayashi)
Pure Cobalt is Hayashi's rust-proof, non-magnetic scissor material. A completely different approach to blade steel for professional hair shears.
Learn More →SG Powder High Metal
SG Powder High Metal is Okawa's flagship powder high-speed steel at 62-65 HRC. Sub-zero treated for superior edge life in professional scissors.
Learn More →SG2 / R2 — Super Gold 2
SG2 (Super Gold 2 / R2) is Takefu's flagship PM stainless at 63-64 HRC. Ultra-fine carbides for top-tier professional hair scissor performance.
Learn More →Shirogami Steel: Producer Data and Scissor Evidence Limits
Proterial publishes Shirogami 1, 2, and 3 as cutlery steels, but its current pages do not make them universal hair-scissor specifications. Check th...
Learn More →Sintered Metal (Kasho/KAI)
"Sintered Metal" is material wording used for Kasho Millennium scissors. Review the published description and the composition and performance detai...
Learn More →SKD-11 Steel
SKD-11 (AISI D2) is a high-carbon tool steel at 60-64 HRC for maximum edge retention. Semi-stainless choice for dry-cutting specialist stylists.
Learn More →Solingen Steel
Solingen steel refers to German-forged stainless from the famed blade city, typically 56-58 HRC. Reliable, corrosion-resistant scissors for salon p...
Learn More →SOLINOX54 Steel
SOLINOX54 is the rustproof, high-chromium special steel that JAGUAR identifies for its PRE STYLE scissors, with corrosion protection and basic hard...
Learn More →Stellite Alloy (Pure Cobalt)
Stellite is a cobalt-based alloy offering rust-proof, silky-smooth cutting at 50-55 HRC. Prized by barbers and stylists for its buttery closure feel.
Learn More →SUS410 Steel
SUS410 is a soft, budget stainless steel at 50-52 HRC. Best suited for student training shears and salon utility scissors, not professional cutting.
Learn More →SUS420J2 Steel
SUS420J2 is an entry-level Japanese stainless at 52-54 HRC. Affordable, rust-resistant steel for training scissors and salon utility shears.
Learn More →SUS440C Steel
SUS440C is Japan's benchmark stainless scissor steel at 58-60 HRC. Reliable edge retention and corrosion resistance for everyday professional use.
Learn More →Taiwan Steel
"Taiwan steel" is origin-based sales wording, not a single alloy grade. Verify the exact designation, finished hardness, manufacturing claim, and m...
Learn More →V1 Steel
V1 is Takefu's flagship non-stainless carbon steel at 61-64 HRC. Razor-keen edges with low impurities for detail-focused professional stylists.
Learn More →VG-1 Steel
VG-1 (V Gold 1) is a Takefu stainless blade steel with published representative composition of C 1.00%, Cr 14.00%, and Mo 0.30%, plus a mill minimu...
Learn More →VG-10 Steel: Takefu Data and Finished-Shear Evidence
VG-10 is a broad listing label. Takefu publishes representative composition and hardness data for its VG10 grade, while finished-shear claims need ...
Learn More →VG-2 Steel
VG-2 is Takefu's mid-range stainless at 59-61 HRC. Easy to sharpen with solid edge life, bridging 440C and VG-10 for professional stylists.
Learn More →VG-5 Steel
VG-5 (V Gold 5) is Takefu's mid-tier stainless at 56-58 HRC. Tough, easy to maintain, and built for high-volume salon scissor workloads.
Learn More →VG-XEOS Steel
VG-XEOS is Takefu's special-melting steel beyond VG-10, reaching 61-62 HRC. Near-PM grain quality for premium professional hair scissors.
Learn More →ZA-18 Steel
ZA-18 is Aichi Steel's cobalt-enhanced stainless at 61-63 HRC with 18% chromium. The next step above VG-10 for professional hair scissors.
Learn More →ZDP-189 Steel
ZDP-189 is Proterial's ultra-high-carbon powder metallurgy stainless steel. At HRC 65+, it offers extreme edge retention but is NOT listed by Prote...
Learn More →Zirconia Ceramic
Zirconia ceramic blades are harder than any steel, completely rust-proof, and ultra-lightweight. A niche non-metallic option for hair scissors.
Learn More →Frequently Asked Questions
5 answers you can open one at a timeWhat is the best steel for professional scissors?
There is no universal best grade. Compare exact finished scissors using verified material identity, geometry, heat-treatment evidence if published, fit, condition, trial, care, warranty, service route, and current ownership cost.
Does a higher HRC number mean better scissors?
No. Hardness is one measured property, and values are comparable only when scale, method, part, location, condition, range, and tolerance are known. It does not measure fit, sharpness, toughness, corrosion, edge life, or product quality by itself.
Can a steel label predict sharpening frequency?
No universal interval follows from a grade name. Service depends on the exact tool, geometry, condition, workload, incidents, care, maker guidance, and qualified inspection.
Does Japanese steel mean a scissor was made in Japan?
No. Material source and finished-product country of origin are separate claims. Verify the producer and grade, then separately verify the exact model’s manufacturing and legal origin wording.
Can two scissors with the same steel perform differently?
Yes. Material traceability, heat treatment, blade and edge geometry, assembly, set, condition, fit, care, and service can differ. A grade name is not a finished-tool certificate.