Extramarise I Cobalt Alloy
Description
Extramarise I is Mizutani's molybdenum-rich cobalt alloy with sub-zero heat treatment, designed for lightweight convex scissors with lasting edges.
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
Distinguishing Extramarise I from II
Both Extramarise I and II use sub-zero processing (サブゼロ処理) as part of the heat treatment cycle. The key difference is in alloy emphasis: Extramarise I has a higher ratio of molybdenum, which enhances toughness and resistance to flexural stress. Extramarise II has a higher amount of vanadium, which refines carbide grain for a smoother edge finish. The cobalt content is the same between both formulations.
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
Verified Sources
- Primary 🌐 Mizutani Scissors — Global (Japan HQ) (manufacturer official)
- Tertiary 🇯🇵 OKAWA pro-scissors (オオカワプロシザーズ) (reference)
- Primary Mizutani Scissors — North America (manufacturer official)
- Primary Mizutani Scissors — Canada (manufacturer official)
Frequently Asked Questions
Extramarise I is Mizutani's molybdenum-rich cobalt alloy with sub-zero heat treatment, designed for lightweight convex scissors with lasting edges.
Extramarise I Cobalt Alloy has a Rockwell hardness (HRC) range of 60 to 62. This hardness level determines edge retention, sharpening difficulty, and overall blade durability in professional scissors.
Extramarise I Cobalt Alloy is used in professional hair scissors for its balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and sharpenability. It is classified as a Cobalt Alloy steel. It originates from Japan. The choice depends on your cutting style, volume, and maintenance preferences.