SUS410 Steel

SUS410 Steel

Quick look

  • Hardness window: 50–52 HRC—one of the softest stainless grades.
  • Toughness: Rolls rather than chips; ideal for safety and utility shears.
  • Corrosion profile: Excellent—low carbon and high chromium resist staining.
  • Weight/feel: Light, often stamped blanks with basic handles.

Why it matters

SUS410 (AISI 410) is the baseline martensitic stainless used for budget shears. TheWorldMaterial lists hardness around 50–52 HRC, emphasizing corrosion resistance over retention. Great for classroom abuse, not for long salon days.

Shear pairing & edge compatibility

  • Emergency backups or tool-kit shears: Fine for cutting foils, capes, or packaging.
  • Training shears: Students can practice without worrying about rust.

Technique map

  • Light fringe trims, mannequin practice, or household tasks.
  • Chemical stations where bleach would eat lesser alloys.
  • Not suited for precision salon techniques.

Real-world stress tests

  • Edge retention: Expect 250–400 salon cuts (~1–2 weeks at 25 cuts/day). Edge rolls fast on coarse hair.
  • Impact/drop resilience: Blades bend easily but rarely chip; can be re-straightened in a pinch.
  • Weight & in-hand feel: Lightweight build; lacks the stability of forged pro shears.

Maintenance notes

Rinse and dry after disinfectants, keep tension firm, and plan monthly sharpening if used daily. Consider micro-serrations to combat slipping.

Industry snapshot

  • Entry salon kits and supply-store shears: Marketed as “stainless” or “surgical steel,” often with SUS410 stamping.

Trade-offs

  • Edge dulls quickly; frequent honing required.
  • Flexy blades can push hair rather than cut cleanly.
  • Not worth major service—often cheaper to replace.

Sources

Related: Steel Types • Edge Types • Scissor Maintenance

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