AUS-8 Steel

AUS-8 Steel

Quick look

  • Hardness window: 57–59 HRC after Aichi heat treatment.
  • Toughness: Balanced matrix that rolls before chipping—ideal for busy salons.
  • Corrosion profile: Stainless enough for regular disinfection.
  • Weight/feel: Medium-light forging with smooth action once broken in.

Why it matters

AUS-8 (Aichi’s V-series stainless) hits the sweet spot between student steels and premium VG-series alloys. Vanadium refines the grain, molybdenum boosts toughness, and the carbon level keeps edges sharper longer than 5Cr/8Cr mixes. It’s a trusted choice for working stylists who need easy maintenance without sacrificing performance.

Shear pairing & edge compatibility

  • Semi-convex all-rounders: Supports glide for wet-to-dry transitions.
  • Micro-serrated bevels: Holds serrations for men’s grooming and barber work.

Technique map

  • Everyday salon cutting—bobs, layers, and scissor-over-comb.
  • Apprentices ready to graduate from training steels to client work.
  • Mobile or on-set stylists needing stainless resilience on the road.

Real-world stress tests

  • Edge retention: Plan on 700–950 salon cuts (~4–5 weeks at 25 cuts/day). MetalZenith lists 57–59 HRC potential with vanadium refinement, explaining the dependable glide.
  • Impact/drop resilience: Rolls slightly when dropped; quick honing restores bite.
  • Weight & in-hand feel: Balanced, mid-weight feel that keeps wrists fresh during marathon days.

Maintenance notes

Wipe and dry after sanitation, oil pivots weekly, and keep tension snug. Sharpen every 4 months in high-volume salons; specify a semi-convex finish for best glide.

Industry snapshot

  • Kanetsune 6-inch shears: Japanese-made AUS-8 hair scissors marketed for their stainless reliability and polished convex edges.

Trade-offs

  • Edge life trails VG-10 or ATS-314—stay on top of service intervals.
  • Can feel slightly grabby on very dry, coarse hair if tension loosens.
  • Not as rust-proof as powder steels; avoid leaving chemicals overnight.

Sources

Related: Steel Types • Edge Types • Scissor Maintenance

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