VG-2 Steel

VG-2 Steel

Quick look

  • Hardness window: 59–61 HRC once heat-treated to Takefu’s spec.1
  • Toughness: Low-impurity billet and added molybdenum keep the edge resilient even under heavy salon loads.1
  • Corrosion profile: Stainless matrix with balanced chromium/carbon ratio resists humidity and chemical splash.1
  • Weight/feel: Forged blanks stay light and controllable—ideal for all-day use without wrist fatigue.

Why it matters

VG-2 sits between workhorse 440C-class steels and premium VG-10. Takefu dialed back carbon slightly while boosting molybdenum, delivering a stainless alloy that sharpens easily, holds its polish longer than entry steels, and shrugs off daily sanitation cycles.1 Stylists get predictable performance without the brittleness that can accompany higher-end cobalt blends.

Shear pairing & edge compatibility

  • Semi-convex utility shears (5.5–6.0 in): Balanced hardness lets you switch between wet lines and dry refinement without changing tools.
  • Hybrid texturizers: VG-2’s toughness handles polished teeth for controlled slide and channel work on medium densities.

Technique map

  • Mixed salon rotations—blunt foundations, interior point detailing, and contour polishing.
  • High-traffic unisex studios that demand reliable stainless behavior in humid or chemical-heavy stations.
  • Apprentices stepping up from entry alloys who need easy sharpening and forgiving feel.

Real-world stress tests

  • Edge retention: Expect roughly 800–1,000 salon cuts (~4–5 weeks at 25 cuts/day) before a professional tune-up. The 59–61 HRC hardness and refined carbide structure documented by Takefu support the longer interval versus 5Cr/3Cr grades.1
  • Impact/drop resilience: VG-2 is formulated to minimize coarse carbides, so dropped tips tend to roll rather than chip—most nicks can be reset during a standard service.1
  • Weight & in-hand feel: The fine grain keeps the closing action smooth, helping stylists maintain light touch even during marathon blowout or clipper-over-comb sessions.

Maintenance notes

Wipe, dry, and oil after each guest; stainless protects the blade, but salon residue still accelerates dulling. Reset tension weekly and schedule sharpening every six to eight weeks (or as soon as glide degrades) to preserve the semi-convex polish.

Industry snapshot

  • Scissors Uchiyama “Coreless” series: Japanese craftsmen laminate VG-2 with VG-10 for 70-layer blades that deliver standout longevity in pro salons.2

Trade-offs

  • Edge life trails cobalt and powder steels—stay disciplined with service intervals if you lean on heavy dry work.
  • Slightly softer than VG-10; aggressive slide cutting on coarse hair may need more frequent stropping.
  • Limited marketing outside Japan—verify supplier documentation to ensure you’re getting genuine VG-2 billets.

Sources

  1. Takefu Special Steel – V Gold 1/2/5 Overview (Japanese)
  2. Scissors Uchiyama – Coreless Series Instagram Caption (Japanese)

Related: VG-10 • VG-1 • Scissor Maintenance

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