5CR15MOV Steel

5CR15MOV Steel

Quick look

  • Hardness window: 55–57 HRC with proper tempering.
  • Toughness: Softer than premium steels but less prone to chipping; great for frequent sanitation.
  • Corrosion profile: 15% chromium gives strong rust resistance for chemical-heavy stations.
  • Weight/feel: Light blanks with comfortable balance in molded handles.

Why it matters

5Cr15MoV (also sold as X50Cr15MoV) is the “easy living” stainless: enough carbon to take a decent edge, enough chromium to shrug off bleach, and soft enough to sharpen quickly. Chinese OEMs lean on it for salon backups, student kits, and mass-market shears that must handle abuse without breaking.

Shear pairing & edge compatibility

  • Micro-serrated 5.5–6.0 in cutters: Serrations stay grippy for blunt work and men’s grooming.
  • Texturizers for chemical stations: Rust resistance keeps teeth from staining between clients.

Technique map

  • Daily salon cleanup trims where speed matters more than ultra-glide.
  • Apprentices practicing layers and graduation with frequent sanitation.
  • Barbers needing stainless backups while premium shears are out for service.

Real-world stress tests

  • Edge retention: Expect 500–700 salon cuts (~3–4 weeks at 25 cuts/day) before a tune-up—MachineMfg lists 56–58 HRC, giving it longer life than 3Cr/4Cr but still below 440C.
  • Impact/drop resilience: Rolls rather than chips; a light hone restores bite.
  • Weight & in-hand feel: Lightweight profile can feel nimble but may require slightly more pressure on dense hair.

Maintenance notes

Wipe dry after each disinfectant dip, oil pivots weekly, and keep tension firm. Plan on sharpening every two months in busy environments; micro-serrations help extend intervals.

Industry snapshot

  • Fasaka budget shears: Marketed with 5Cr15MoV stainless for chemical resistance and easy servicing in starter kits.

Trade-offs

  • Glide is limited; prolonged dry slide work generates drag.
  • Softer spine means aggressive convexing removes material quickly.
  • Edge life still short versus VG- or cobalt-based steels—budget for regular service.

Sources

Related: Steel Types • Edge Types • Scissor Maintenance

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