CMC Steel

CMC Steel

Quick look

  • Hardness window: 58–60 HRC under Mizutani’s Extramarise heat treat.
  • Toughness: Cobalt, molybdenum, and vanadium deliver stiffness without chalky brittleness.
  • Corrosion profile: Stainless enough for daily sanitation, though wipe promptly.
  • Weight/feel: Medium weight with a silky, controlled closure.

Why it matters

CMC stands for cobalt–molybdenum–carbon alloy—a marketing label used by Japanese makers like Mizutani for cobalt-rich stainless tuned through their Extramarise® sub-zero process. The cobalt tightens grain structure while molybdenum and vanadium keep the edge resilient, meaning the blades stay sharp longer and resist micro-chipping.

Shear pairing & edge compatibility

  • Compact precision shears (e.g., Mizutani elfin): Perfect for fringe detailing and facial work.
  • Convex edges: Alloy supports mirror finishes that glide in wet or dry work.

Technique map

  • Detailed fringe, pixie, and men’s work where small shears need premium bite.
  • Slide and point cutting that benefits from cobalt stiffness without moving to powder steels.
  • Precision dry work in boutique salons where stylists baby their tools.

Real-world stress tests

  • Edge retention: Expect 900–1,100 salon cuts (~5–6 weeks at 25 cuts/day) before service; Mizutani notes the Extramarise cycle maximizes cobalt/vanadium hardness.
  • Impact/drop resilience: Tougher than pure cobalt—most drops cause minor nicks rather than fractures, but always protect the tips.
  • Weight & in-hand feel: Balanced body keeps micro shears steady; minimal vibration during snips.

Maintenance notes

Wipe and dry after chemical services, oil pivots weekly, and keep tension neutral. Sharpen with a cobalt-capable technician every 6 months to maintain the convex polish.

Industry snapshot

  • Mizutani elfin eyebrow shears: Marketed with CMC alloy and Extramarise treatment for compact precision work.

Trade-offs

  • “CMC” isn’t standardized—quality depends entirely on the maker.
  • Higher cobalt means higher cost than standard stainless.
  • Needs careful handling; abuse the blade and chips will show.

Sources

Related: Steel Types • Edge Types • Scissor Maintenance

Related Steel types