Micro Carbide Steel (FRIODUR®)

Micro Carbide Steel (FRIODUR®)

Quick look

  • Hardness window: 60–62 HRC after Jaguar’s FRIODUR® ice-hardening sequence.1
  • Toughness: Powder metallurgy plus sub-zero treatment keeps the edge hard yet resilient for bevel or convex profiles.1,2
  • Corrosion profile: Deep-chilled stainless shrugs off moisture and sanitation chemicals common in European salons.1
  • Weight/feel: German-forged heft steadies longer blades while still closing smoothly for precision work.1

Why it matters

Jaguar’s Micro Carbide steel gives Solingen shears powder-level performance. The powder compact is ice-hardened to stabilise martensite and carbides, so you get crisp bite, improved wear resistance, and easier servicing than some boutique cobalt blends.1,2

Shear pairing & edge compatibility

  • German bevel workhorses: Holds micro-serrations for barbering and blunt lines without slipping.1
  • Convex hybrids: Tough enough to support polished hollows for mixed wet/dry salon rotations.2

Technique map

  • Barber scissor-over-comb and precision wet cutting that benefits from added blade stiffness.
  • Dry detailing where stylists still want predictable German feedback.
  • High-volume salons that demand long service intervals between sharpenings.1,2

Real-world stress tests

  • Edge retention: Expect 1,100–1,300 salon cuts before glide drops thanks to powder wear resistance plus ice tempering.1
  • Impact/drop resilience: Rolls rather than chips; bevel service can reset serrations without heavy metal removal.1
  • Weight & in-hand feel: Slightly heavier than Japanese counterparts, grounding long blades for controlled strokes.1

Maintenance notes

Wipe and oil after chemical work, brush serrations gently to remove debris, and plan professional sharpening every 9–12 months (or earlier for bevel-heavy barbers). Keep tension snug so the hardened edge stays aligned.1,2

Industry snapshot

  • Jaguar Gold Line: Uses Micro Carbide stainless to deliver premium Solingen performance for stylists upgrading from entry bevel sets.1

Trade-offs

  • Denser feel isn’t for everyone; some stylists prefer lighter Japanese alloys.2
  • Requires experienced sharpeners comfortable with powder-forged German steels.1
  • Higher cost than standard Solingen stainless but still below powder Damascus or cobalt.1,2

Sources

  1. Jaguar – Quality Marks (FRIODUR & Steel)
  2. Leaf Scissors – 6 Types of Steel Used in Professional Hairdressing Scissors

Related: Solingen Stainless • 9Cr18MoV • Scissor Maintenance

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