SG Powder High Metal
Description
SG Powder High Metal is Okawa's flagship powder high-speed steel at 62-65 HRC. Sub-zero treated for superior edge life in professional scissors.
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
Verified Sources
- Tertiary 🇯🇵 OKAWA pro-scissors (オオカワプロシザーズ) (reference)
- Secondary 🇯🇵 SisRma — Scissor Information Portal (industry reference)
Frequently Asked Questions
SG Powder High Metal is Okawa's flagship powder high-speed steel at 62-65 HRC. Sub-zero treated for superior edge life in professional scissors.
SG Powder High Metal has a Rockwell hardness (HRC) range of 62 to 65. This hardness level determines edge retention, sharpening difficulty, and overall blade durability in professional scissors.
SG Powder High Metal is used in professional hair scissors for its balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and sharpenability. It is classified as a Powder Metallurgy steel. It originates from Japan. The choice depends on your cutting style, volume, and maintenance preferences.