SG Powder High Metal

SG Powder High Metal

Quick look

  • Hardness window: 62–65 HRC once Okawa’s sub-zero cycle is complete.1
  • Toughness: Powder high-speed steel balances extreme hardness with enough toughness for pro salon workloads.1,2
  • Corrosion profile: Stainless matrix plus sub-zero processing resist staining even in chemical-heavy chairs.1
  • Weight/feel: Dense yet balanced blank delivers authoritative, controlled closing for precision cuts.1

Why it matters

SG Powder High Metal is Okawa’s flagship—powder high-speed steel refined with sub-zero treatment to purge retained austenite. Stylists get powder-level longevity, tight tolerances, and slide-ready polish that beats conventional cobalt blends on wear.1,2

Shear pairing & edge compatibility

  • Precision convex shears: Mirror edges stay sharp for months of dry detailing.1
  • Texturising tools: Powder toughness keeps polished teeth crisp for advanced channeling work.1

Technique map

  • Advanced dry cutting, shaping, and point detailing where drag or roll can ruin the finish.
  • Wet-to-dry salon rotations that still demand stainless reliability between clients.1,2
  • Educator or platform work showcasing premium metallurgy.

Real-world stress tests

  • Edge retention: Expect 1,300–1,500 salon cuts before noticing glide loss—powder high-speed steel outlasts cobalt and VG-series alloys.1,2
  • Impact/drop resilience: Edge will roll slightly rather than chip; professional powder sharpeners can reset the apex cleanly.1
  • Weight & in-hand feel: Slightly firmer closing feel gives excellent feedback for precision tension adjustments.1

Maintenance notes

Wipe and oil after each guest, keep tension neutral, and send to powder-capable sharpeners once or twice a year (more often if you live on dry work). Store in padded cases to protect the fine apex.1,2

Industry snapshot

  • Okawa SG Cut Series: Flagship Japanese shears cut from SG Powder High Metal for stylists who need top-tier longevity with a stainless safety net.1

Trade-offs

  • Premium cost and limited service providers; schedule maintenance in advance.1
  • Extreme hardness can bruise if you wrench the pivot tight—stay on top of tension.1
  • Slightly heavier feel than lightweight cobalt alloys; pair with stylists who like feedback.1,2

Sources

  1. Okawa – SG Powder High Metal Overview (Japanese)
  2. Sisrma – High-Speed Steel Commentary (Japanese)

Related: Nano Powder Metal • Extramarise II • Scissor Maintenance

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