SUS440C Steel

SUS440C Steel

Quick look

  • Hardness window: 58–60 HRC when Japanese forges nail the tempering cycle.
  • Toughness: Dense chromium-carbide network keeps the edge steady but still rolls before it catastrophically chips.
  • Corrosion profile: High chromium stainless that shrugs off colour bowls and humidity if you wipe it promptly.
  • Weight/feel: Medium-weight blank with a grounded, confidence-building close—especially in 5.5–6.0 in blades.

Why it matters

SUS440C is the JIS designation for the stainless formula most stylists just call 440C. Japanese makers tweak the vacuum hardening and tempering, so compared with generic 440C you get slightly higher Rockwell numbers and a more consistent apex. That translates into longer wear between services without losing the forgiving nature barbers love for scissor-over-comb sessions.

Shear pairing & edge compatibility

  • Classic convex cutters (5.5–6.0 in): Reliable everyday performers for stylists rotating through wet-to-dry services.
  • Micro-serrated bevels: Chromium carbides lock in the serrations you need for men’s crops, fringes, and damp detailing.

Technique map

  • Commission salon rotations mixing blunt lines, contouring, and quick refinements.
  • Barbering work where a little extra backbone keeps the blades from flexing during over-comb passes.
  • Dry detailing on medium densities when you want predictable bite instead of ultra-glassy slide.

Real-world stress tests

  • Edge retention: Expect roughly 800–1,100 salon cuts (~4–6 weeks at 25 cuts/day) before you feel drag—AZoM’s data on 440C wear resistance paired with Japanese tempering explains why Yasaka’s SUS440C shears hold up longer than entry steels.1
  • Impact/drop resilience: Tips usually roll on impact; sharpeners can reset the apex without burning through blade length.
  • Weight & in-hand feel: Density around 7.7 g/cm³ delivers a planted close that steadies long strokes without overloading the thumb.

Maintenance notes

Wipe and dry after every client, especially after chemical work. Keep the pivot oiled and tensioned slightly firmer than you would on VG-series steels. Book professional sharpening every three to four months in high-volume salons; ask for finish-stone work so the chromium-carbide edge comes back polished rather than abrasive.

Industry snapshot

  • Yasaka SA Classic Precision shears: Forged in Nara from SUS440C to give stylists a durable convex workhorse at a mid-tier price point.2

Trade-offs

  • Lacks the glassy slide of VG-10 or ATS-314—expect a touch more feedback on dry slicing.
  • Performance varies with heat treat; off-brand imports labelled “SUS440C” can run soft and dull quickly.
  • Needs steady sanitation habits—trapped moisture around the pivot will still spot stainless over time.

Sources

  1. AZoM – Stainless Steel Grade 440C
  2. Japan Scissors – Yasaka SA Classic Precision Shears
  3. Japan Scissors – Hair Scissor Steel & Materials Guide

Related: 440C Stainless • Edge Types • Scissor Maintenance

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