Extramarise I Cobalt Alloy
Extramarise I Cobalt Alloy
Quick look
- Hardness window: 60–62 HRC after Mizutani’s Extramarise sub-zero cycle.1
- Toughness: High cobalt content plus fine-grained martensite give a crisp, resilient apex that rolls before it fractures.1,2
- Corrosion profile: Cobalt-rich stainless shrugs off salon moisture and chemical residue when wiped routinely.1,2
- Weight/feel: Neutral, featherlight close that keeps fatigue down on long swivel or offset sessions.1
Why it matters
Extramarise I launched Mizutani’s cobalt program—engineered for stylists who wanted the gliding feel of pure cobalt with enough stainless backbone for daily salon abuse. The proprietary thermal cycle stabilises the grain structure, so polished convex edges hold their tune noticeably longer than conventional cobalt blends.1,2
Shear pairing & edge compatibility
- Featherlight convex cutters: Balanced for 5.5–6.0 in offsets where minimal closing force is key.1
- Compact detail shears: Alloy resists burrs on micro-bevel teeth for controlled texture work.1
Technique map
- Precision wet work, contouring, and point detailing that benefit from a soft-close cobalt feel.
- Dry refinement on medium densities where you still need stainless insurance against humidity.1,2
- Swivel-handle ergonomics that rely on a smooth, low-resistance hinge.1
Real-world stress tests
- Edge retention: Expect 1,000–1,200 salon cuts before glide drops—cobalt content lifts wear resistance above 440C-class steels.1,2
- Impact/drop resilience: Tips usually roll instead of chipping; trained sharpeners can reset the apex while preserving blade length.1
- Weight & in-hand feel: Extramarise blanks feel lighter than powder steels, helping stylists modulate pressure during feathering strokes.1
Maintenance notes
Clean and oil after every client, especially post-chemical services, and keep tension neutral so the soft-close feel stays intact. Book a cobalt-capable sharpener every 9–12 months (or sooner if you live on dry detailing) and store the shears in a padded holster between guests.1,2
Industry snapshot
- Mizutani Black-Smith Twig & Pixy: Lightweight convex detailers forged from Extramarise I for stylists chasing a silky close on precision fringe and pixie work.1
Trade-offs
- Edge hardness still trails powder steels—heavy dry slide work may need more frequent service.1,2
- Premium pricing and limited sharpening network compared with mainstream stainless.1
- Overtightened pivots can glaze the cobalt surface; reset tension weekly.1
Sources
Related: Extramarise II • Stellite Alloy • Scissor Maintenance