When choosing hair shears, the metal they’re made from determines how long they last, how sharp they stay, and how much maintenance they need. For hairstylists and barbers, corrosion resistance is critical since shears are exposed to moisture, chemicals, and hair products daily. Below are the top 5 metals used for corrosion-resistant hair shears, along with their key features:
- VG-10 Stainless Steel: High-end Japanese steel with excellent corrosion resistance, superior edge retention, and a hardness of 60–62 HRC. Perfect for advanced techniques and heavy use.
- ATS-314 Japanese Steel: Premium steel offering exceptional sharpness, durability, and corrosion resistance. Ideal for professional salon work.
- 440C Stainless Steel: A balanced option with good corrosion resistance, durability, and affordability. Suitable for general salon use.
- S3 (Yasuki Silver) Steel: High-carbon steel known for sharpness and durability but requires more maintenance due to lower corrosion resistance.
- 7CR Stainless Steel: Budget-friendly steel with moderate corrosion resistance and edge retention. Great for beginners or as backup shears.
Quick Comparison:
| Steel Type | Corrosion Resistance | Hardness (HRC) | Edge Retention | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VG-10 Stainless Steel | Excellent | 60–62 | Superior | Precision cutting, high-volume work |
| ATS-314 Japanese Steel | Excellent | 60–62 | Superior | Professional salon use |
| 440C Stainless Steel | Very Good | 58–60 | Good | Everyday salon tasks |
| S3 (Yasuki Silver) Steel | Good | 61–63 | Excellent | Advanced techniques, master barbers |
| 7CR Stainless Steel | Good | 56–58 | Moderate | Beginners, budget-conscious stylists |
Investing in high-quality shears like VG-10 or ATS-314 can save money long-term due to their durability and low maintenance needs. For those starting out, 440C or 7CR offers reliable performance at a lower cost.
Rockwell Hardness Japanese vs. German Steel for Hair Cutting Shears - Scissor Mall
1. VG-10 Stainless Steel
VG-10 stainless steel stands out as a top-tier material for hair shears, thanks to its carefully balanced mix of carbon, chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium. Originally developed in Japan for kitchen knives, this steel has since earned its place as a favorite among professional hairstylists.
Corrosion Resistance
One of VG-10's standout features is its ability to resist corrosion. Its high chromium content forms a protective oxide layer, shielding the steel from moisture, hair products, and sanitizing chemicals. This makes it perfect for salon environments where tools are constantly exposed to humidity and harsh substances. It’s not just about staying rust-free - VG-10 also resists staining and pitting, helping shears maintain their sleek appearance and reliable performance even after heavy daily use.
The addition of vanadium takes things a step further by forming carbides that enhance the steel's resistance to the chemicals found in modern hair treatments like bleaches, perms, and dyes. These treatments can quickly damage lower-quality metals, but VG-10 holds up under the pressure.
Durability and Hardness
VG-10 offers an impressive hardness rating of 60–62 HRC on the Rockwell C scale. This means it’s tough enough to handle demanding use while maintaining the flexibility required for precision cutting. For hairstylists, this balance is crucial - shears need to stay razor-sharp without becoming brittle.
The steel achieves its durability through a well-calibrated carbon content of about 1%, paired with the strengthening properties of molybdenum. This combination ensures VG-10 shears can handle thousands of cuts without chipping or cracking, making them a reliable choice for professionals.
Edge Retention
When it comes to edge retention, VG-10 is in a league of its own. Its fine carbide structure allows shears to stay sharp for extended periods, reducing the need for frequent sharpening. Many stylists notice that VG-10 shears maintain their cutting performance far longer than standard stainless steel options.
This long-lasting sharpness makes VG-10 shears ideal for intricate techniques like point cutting, slide cutting, and texturizing. A consistently sharp edge ensures clean cuts and protects the hair’s cuticles, resulting in healthier, smoother styles.
Suitability for Professional Use
For busy salons and barbershops, VG-10 shears are a practical and worthwhile investment. For example, Shihan Shears incorporates VG-10 steel in their premium models, such as the Red Moon Hair Shears Set priced at $274.95. This set includes a 5.5-inch cutting shear and a 6-inch thinning shear, offering versatility for various styling needs.
The combination of low maintenance, durability, and precision makes VG-10 a favorite among high-volume stylists and educators. Its reliability ensures that professionals can focus on their craft without worrying about frequent upkeep. Next, let’s explore another premium material used in professional hair shears.
2. ATS-314 Japanese Steel
ATS-314 is a top-tier Japanese steel, specifically designed for high-performance cutting. It’s a favorite in professional salon settings, where precision, reliability, and durability are non-negotiable.
Corrosion Resistance
One standout feature of ATS-314 is its impressive resistance to corrosion. This steel forms a protective barrier that shields it from moisture, chemicals, and oxidation - making it a dependable choice for the fast-paced, high-moisture environment of a salon.
Durability and Hardness
Built to handle demanding tasks, ATS-314 strikes the perfect balance between toughness and resilience. Its carefully calibrated heat treatment ensures long-lasting durability without making the steel brittle. This means it can handle extended use without compromising performance.
Edge Retention
ATS-314 is also known for its exceptional ability to hold an edge. Its composition allows the blades to stay sharp for longer periods, cutting down on the need for frequent sharpening and ensuring consistent performance.
Perfect for Professionals
ATS-314 is tailor-made for high-volume salon work, meeting the intense demands of professional hair cutting. Shihan Shears incorporates this premium steel in their Legacy Hair Shears Set, which is priced at $269.00. The set includes a 6.8-inch cutting scissor and a 6-inch thinning shear. With its corrosion resistance, durability, and sharpness retention, this steel is a go-to choice for master stylists, salon owners, and educators who need tools they can trust during long, busy days. Let’s move on to explore another exceptional material option.
3. 440C Stainless Steel
440C stainless steel has earned its place as a go-to material in the world of hair-cutting tools. This high-carbon stainless steel strikes a balance between durability, sharpness, and affordability, making it a favorite among professional stylists across the United States.
Corrosion Resistance
One of the standout features of 440C is its ability to resist corrosion. Thanks to its chromium content, this steel forms a protective barrier against moisture, hair products, and cleaning chemicals commonly found in salons. While it doesn’t quite match the corrosion resistance of some premium Japanese steels, it still holds up well under heavy use, maintaining both functionality and appearance over time. This makes it a practical choice for stylists who need tools that stay reliable and polished.
Durability and Hardness
When it comes to durability, 440C delivers. It can be heat-treated to reach impressive levels of hardness, allowing it to endure the constant wear and tear of daily salon work. Its toughness helps prevent chipping or cracking, even in high-volume settings. For salon owners, this means fewer replacements and lower equipment expenses - a win for both performance and budget.
Edge Retention
Another key advantage of 440C is its ability to hold a sharp edge. Stylists can rely on it for clean, precise cuts without the hassle of frequent sharpening. This is especially important for professionals who handle a high number of clients each day, as it ensures consistent results and saves time.
Suitability for Professional Use
440C stainless steel offers a great combination of performance and cost-effectiveness, making it a smart choice for stylists at all experience levels. It’s particularly versatile, performing well in general cutting techniques and allowing stylists to maintain multiple pairs of shears for different tasks. Up next, we’ll explore other metals that take professional shears to the next level.
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4. S3 (Yasuki Silver) Steel
S3 steel, often referred to as Yasuki Silver steel, is a high-grade carbon steel specifically designed for hair shears. Known for its exceptional performance, it's a popular choice among professionals in the hair industry.
Corrosion Resistance
Unlike stainless steel, S3 steel isn’t naturally resistant to corrosion. To combat this, blades made from S3 steel are often treated with protective finishes to shield them from moisture and chemicals commonly found in salons. Regular cleaning and drying are essential to keep oxidation at bay and maintain the blade’s condition.
Durability and Hardness
S3 steel is crafted to achieve impressive hardness, which directly contributes to its durability. Through precise forging techniques, its grain structure is refined, allowing the blade to resist wear and maintain its integrity over time. This durability ensures the blade stays strong and reliable, even with frequent use.
Edge Retention
Thanks to its high carbon content, S3 steel is capable of holding a sharp edge for an extended period. This reduces the need for constant sharpening and ensures consistent, precise cuts, making it a favorite among professionals.
Suitability for Professional Use
Shears made from S3 steel are tailored for professionals who demand accuracy and reliability. These tools excel in intricate tasks like layering and texturizing, offering versatility for various hair types. While they require more maintenance than some other materials, their exceptional sharpness and durability make them worth the effort. Shihan Shears incorporates S3 steel in their premium line, pairing this high-performance material with ergonomic designs to meet the rigorous demands of barbers, hairstylists, and educators alike.
5. 7CR (7Cr17MoV) Stainless Steel
7CR (7Cr17MoV) stainless steel is a budget-friendly option for professional hair shears, widely used in the hair industry for its combination of performance and affordability. Manufactured in China, this steel's "7Cr" label highlights its chromium content, while added molybdenum and vanadium enhance its durability.
Corrosion Resistance
Thanks to its chromium content, 7CR forms a protective oxide layer that shields it from moisture and chemicals commonly encountered in salons. While it doesn’t rival premium steels like VG-10 in corrosion resistance, it still offers solid protection against rust and staining. With proper care - like regular cleaning and drying - these shears can maintain their performance over time.
Durability and Hardness
With a hardness rating of 56-58 HRC, 7CR falls into a moderate range, striking a balance between edge retention and toughness. This means it’s less likely to chip or break during regular use. The molybdenum and vanadium additions refine the steel’s grain structure, boosting its durability and wear resistance. Stylists working long hours will appreciate how well these shears hold up under consistent use.
Edge Retention
7CR provides a sharp edge suitable for most standard cutting techniques. Under typical salon conditions, these shears usually require sharpening every 3–4 months, which is manageable for many professionals. The steel sharpens easily, making maintenance both simple and affordable. This balance between performance and upkeep makes 7CR a practical choice, especially for those just starting out.
Suitability for Professional Use
7CR shears are a great fit for beginners, students, or as a reliable backup tool. They perform well for basic cuts, blunt styles, and general salon tasks. While they might not deliver the razor-sharp precision needed for advanced techniques, they offer dependable functionality for everyday use. Their affordability makes them an excellent choice for those building their toolkit or operating on a budget, delivering professional-grade results without the high cost of more exotic steel options.
Metal Comparison Chart
The table below provides a quick side-by-side comparison of key characteristics for different steel types used in hair shears. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned stylist, this chart can help you find the right steel based on your needs, skill level, and salon environment.
| Steel Type | Corrosion Resistance | Hardness (HRC) | Edge Retention | Typical Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VG-10 Stainless Steel | Excellent | 60–62 | Superior | Master stylists, precision cutting, advanced techniques |
| ATS-314 Japanese Steel | Excellent | 60–62 | Superior | High-end salons, detailed work, professional competitions |
| 440C Stainless Steel | Very Good | 58–60 | Good | General salon work, everyday cutting, reliable performance |
| S3 (Yasuki Silver) Steel | Good | 61–63 | Excellent | Traditional craftsmanship, collectors, master barbers |
| 7CR (7Cr17MoV) Stainless Steel | Good | 56–58 | Moderate | Beginners, students, backup shears, budget-conscious professionals |
Key Points to Consider:
- Hardness (HRC): A higher HRC rating often means better edge retention and cutting precision but may require expert sharpening to maintain performance.
- Corrosion Resistance: Essential for humid environments or salons using chemicals, as it helps maintain the shears' longevity.
- Skill Level and Workload: New stylists might lean toward 440C or 7CR for their affordability and reliability, while seasoned professionals handling high-volume work might prefer the durability of VG-10 or ATS-314.
For more in-depth information about each steel type, refer to the detailed reviews above.
Conclusion
Selecting the right metal for your shears is more than just a choice - it's an investment in your craft and your clients' satisfaction. Each metal brings unique qualities that can elevate your performance in the salon.
For professionals working across diverse U.S. climates, corrosion resistance is key. Premium Japanese steels like VG-10 and ATS-314 are designed to withstand heavy use and exposure to hair treatment chemicals, maintaining their sharpness and polished look over time.
While steels like 7CR provide a budget-friendly option, premium choices such as VG-10 and ATS-314 offer unmatched edge retention and durability. This not only reduces long-term expenses but also supports the demands of high-volume work. New stylists may appreciate the versatility of balanced steels like 440C, while seasoned professionals and salon owners often rely on the precision of premium steels for advanced techniques.
In U.S. salons, where reliability is non-negotiable, these metals deliver consistent performance. Shihan Shears, crafted from these premium materials and backed by a lifetime warranty, meet the high standards expected by top stylists.
Ultimately, the steel you choose speaks volumes about your dedication to precision, quality, and client care - principles that define true professionalism in hair cutting.
FAQs
What should I look for when selecting the best metal for hair shears?
When selecting the right metal for hair shears, pay close attention to corrosion resistance, durability, and edge retention. Metals like Japanese steel are highly regarded for their sharpness and ability to maintain performance over time. Alloys with cobalt additions take it a step further, boosting hardness and precision - perfect for professional hairstylists who need tools they can count on.
Choose materials that can handle the demands of daily use while keeping their cutting edge intact. High-grade shears are a smart investment, offering both reliability and comfort for those in the hairstyling industry.
What does the hardness rating (HRC) mean for the performance and care of hair shears?
The hardness rating (HRC) is a key indicator of how tough and durable the metal in hair shears is. Generally, the higher the HRC, the sharper the shears tend to be. They’re also better at resisting wear, rust, and corrosion, which means less frequent sharpening and maintenance - perfect for professional stylists who need reliable tools.
That said, metals with a higher HRC can be more brittle. This makes the shears more susceptible to chipping if they’re dropped or handled improperly. To keep them in top shape and ensure they last for years, proper care and careful use are a must.
Why do professional hairstylists choose high-quality steels like VG-10 or ATS-314 instead of more affordable options like 7CR?
Professional hairstylists often opt for premium steels like VG-10 or ATS-314 because these materials deliver top-tier hardness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. This makes them perfect for achieving precise cuts and ensuring long-lasting performance. On the other hand, more affordable options like 7CR tend to dull quicker, need sharpening more often, and don't hold up as well over time.
Choosing high-quality steel isn't just about sharpness - it also means smoother cutting, less strain on the hands, and resistance to rust or stains, even with the constant demands of a busy salon.