Cast Stainless
Cast Stainless
Quick look
- Hardness window: 48–54 HRC—softer than forged equivalents.
- Toughness: Grain structure is more brittle; handles can snap under stress.
- Corrosion profile: Stainless matrix resists rust, but porosity traps moisture.
- Weight/feel: Often light yet hollow; less feedback in the cut.
Why it matters
Casting melts stainless and pours it into molds. The method keeps prices low and reproduces ornate handle shapes, but the metal cools with larger grains and internal voids. Hanzo and other manufacturers warn that cast blades dull faster, chip easier, and lack the density of forged shears.
Shear pairing & edge compatibility
- Student or emergency kits: Works for mannequin practice or backup use only.
- Decorative handles: Allows detailed styling where performance isn’t priority.
Technique map
- Quick trims, wig prep, or salon front-desk touch-ups.
- Cutting synthetic hair or retail displays where corrosion resistance helps.
- Not recommended for daily precision work—keep as a backup.
Real-world stress tests
- Edge retention: Expect 300–450 salon cuts (~2 weeks at 25 cuts/day) before drag appears. Cast blades lose sharpness sooner because of their weaker grain alignment.
- Impact/drop resilience: Likely to chip or break at the pivot if dropped.
- Weight & in-hand feel: Hollow handles can rattle; tension loosened by cast threads stripping.
Maintenance notes
Keep tension moderate, avoid chemical immersion, and sharpen frequently. Inspect pivots for hairline fractures—replace at the first sign of fatigue.
Industry snapshot
- Budget salon kits online: Many list “cast stainless” to hit low price points; best kept as backups while forged shears handle daily clients.
Trade-offs
- Short edge life and higher risk of breakage.
- Hard to service—sharpeners remove stock quickly and voids can crumble.
- Savings disappear if you need frequent replacements.
Sources
Related: Steel Types • Edge Types • Scissor Maintenance