Canada is a place where barbers can be professional and an amateur hairdresser is referred to as "barber".
Which is the best steel to cut? How can I determine whether it's worth the investment?
These are the most frequently asked questions that you will hear from people. They seem like easy questions. However, the fact is not so simple. It's the hardest part of buying good haircutting scissors or barber shears.
What type of steel is my shears made from? What is the difference between high-quality hairdressing scissors and cheap steel?
What makes scissor steel different from other steels?
- The blades' sharpness is a sign of their quality.
- How easily you can make them sharper?
- Resistance to corrosion
- The force of the scissor
- The delicate and brittle nature the blades
- How many years it will continue to
If you think about this you'll be able to comprehend why $300 is a superior price for scissors to cut hair than $99. When you're working with hair on a regular basis, it's wise to have the best tools. It lasts longer and performs with precision.
Understanding the different types of scissor steel
It is not an easy job to locate a great pair of hair-cutting scissors. This is because different brands and models use different types of steel. Which steel is the best for hairdressing scissors and barber shears?
The Rockwell Hardness Rating or HRC/HR measures the quality of scissor steel. This rating focuses on the overall strength and hardness of the blades. You will get superior quality with the most durable scissor blades.
Haircutting scissors are made from stainless steel. The Rockwell Hardness Scale is used to determine the grade of steel. This is a listing of what you can expect from high-end and low-cost haircutting scissors sold in Canada.
| Hardness | Quality | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| 50-55 HRC 50 to 55 | Soft cutting, low-quality blade | From $50 from $50 to $199 |
| 55-57 HRC | Hairdressing scissor blades that are entry-level | $99 to $299 |
| between 57 and 59 HRC | Mid-level scissor blade. It is easy to sharpen, rust-resistant and stronger. | From $149 to $499 |
| 58-60 HRC | High-end to mid-quality scissor cutting | $249 to $800 |
| 60-62 HRC | A high-quality blade to cut hair. Top quality scissors come with this feature. This feature is easy to use, and rust resistant, tougher and sharper edge. | $299 - $1000 |
| From 61 to 63 HRC | The finest quality hair cutting blade. Only the finest scissors come with them. | $700 to $1500 |
So, everything depends on the HRC aspect. A higher HRC means the strength of the material, a more shaped blade, and more resistance to corrosion.
If you are trying to decide between good and low-quality hair cutting scissors you need to consider more than HRC. Quality and manufacturing standards determine the efficiency of a scissors as well.
Let's look at the top steel names so that we provide a complete understanding of the steel names.
The stainless steel's quality and craftsmanship determines the difference in the quality of haircutting scissors.
The difference between using high-end and low-cost materials for making hair scissors means a difference in price.
In the next article, we will talk about the best hair care materials available for scissors. We will also discuss the top quality steel used for haircutting shears.
The best stainless steel for cutting hairdressing scissors
All types of hair scissors are made of stainless steel. Japan makes the best hair scissors that are made of stainless steel.
There are numerous benefits when you use Japanese steel for your scissors. The Japanese steel is extremely sharp and balanced, which makes for great ergonomics. It also requires less sharpening.
The most effective Japanese steel to use to cut hair is ATS314 and VG1. VG10, VG1 and 440C.
Better metal means better blades
Japanese hair scissors have sharp blades and convex edges. It is therefore, required to be high-quality, hardened steel. This ensures that the edge remains for a lengthy time. The steel is hardened, which means you don't have to sharpen it.
Better metal means better ergonomics
Steel of high-quality has a lightweight weight. It weighs less therefore it doesn't exert any pressure on your elbows, wrists, shoulders, or fingers when you cut hair.
A longer lifespan for a scissor is better quality of the metal
Premium Japanese steel means that the hair scissors are stronger and more resistant to corrosion. Japanese steel is able to last 20 years, or more If you take treatment of them.
Where can you locate the most effective hair scissors?
This steel makes the finest hair scissors.
- Japanese steel The steel that Japan produces is one of the finest in the world.
- German steel - The top quality from an European nation
- Korean steel - The best in Asia
- Chinese steel - Great quality
- Taiwanese steel - Good quality
Pakistan, India, and Vietnam produce the poorest steel of any quality. The hair scissors from these countries have sharp edges. They require sharpening often before they are damaged.
Top 10 Hair-Straightening Steel Scissors
It isn't easy to select the ideal barber shears due to the various types of metals. Here is the list of the top 10 types of steel hair scissors, arranged from best to worst.
| Steel Rankings | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The ATS314 (ATS-314). | Premium Japanese steel containing Vanadium, Titanium and cobalt in great amounts |
| 2 | VG10 Gold (VG-10) | Japanese steel with high-quality Vanadium or Titanium. It is ideal for cutting knives and scissors |
| 3 | V10 (V-10). | Intense levels of Vanadium and Titanium, which gives an extra strength to hair scissor blades |
| 4 | V1 (V-1) | Starter-level Vanadium and Titanium for sharper scissor edge |
| 5 | S3 (S-3). | The highest levels of Supreme Cobalt for sharp cutting edges |
| 6 | S1 (S-1) | Cobalt entry-level for cutting the edges of hair that has hardened |
| 7 | 440C | Hair scissors of the highest quality, with hardened Japanese steel |
| 8 | 440A | Normal cutting blades made of normal steel |
| 9 | 420 | For scissors and knives, low-priced stainlesssteel |
| 10 | 410 | Steel of sub-standard quality is not suggested for professional hairscissors. |
Hair scissors are more durable and stronger than the ones composed of titanium and vanadium. Additionally, they make the scissors lighter to allow you to easily cut through.
Cobalt steel ensures that the blade is strong and lightweight. It provides an extremely sharp cutting edge, and can keep that edge for a long time. It means you don't have to sharpen it every time.
Top 15 hairdressing scissor steel
The following rankings for the top steel are based on efficiency, value, and the quality. The finest quality scissor-steel readily available. We've listed them below in accordance with your budget.
Here is the best quality steel for your hair scissors, as suggested by barbers and hairstylists all around the world.
1. 64 HRC: V1
The V1 steel is undisputedly high-quality, premium steel. The majority of barbers and hairdressing scissors utilize this type of iron. The V1 is the successor to V10 steel. It comes with improved toughness, crack resistance, and harder blades.
Scissors manufactured using V1 steel grades provide premium quality. It also comes with a hefty price for.
2. 2.
Japan's Hitachi Metals corporation manufactures the ATS314 steel. This kind of steel is used in premium barber shears and hairdressing scissors. There are many brands that mention the ATS314-steel alloy for their hair scissors. Some manufacturers utilize the iron produced by Hitachi.
This form of steel is the highest-quality scissor knife. It has a superior hardness. The blades stay sharper for longer time due to the superior hardness. It is capable of handling convex or clam-shaped blade edges.
3. 60 HRC 3.60 HRC: VG10 (VG-10)
VG10 is also known as V Gold 10, is another top-quality Japanese steel used in hairdressing scissors. Takefu Special Steel is the manufacturer. This premium steel can be employed for cutting hair. It has anti-corrosion properties and prevents the abrasion.
The VG10 haircutting scissors provide razor-sharper blades that include beveled, clam, or convex edge.
The VG10 steel version is very light and sharp. Additionally, only top quality scissors make use of this type of steel. It's not just limited to Japan. Because Japanese metal firms are famous to export internationally,
4. 60 to 62 HRC 10CR
Are you in search of an upgraded version of 440C? The 10CR steel is suitable for use in professional settings. It's quite similar to Hitachi's VG10 or Takefu. The quality of the steel gives ultimate precision for cutting scissors.
Other characteristics include corrosion and wear resistance, sharpness retention pricing, and durability. For the record it's a high quality stainless steel barber and haircutting scissors priced less than $1000.
5. Between 58 and 60 HRC: 440C
You can locate the 440C variant on famous brands like Yasaka. This steel provides a wonderful combination of toughness, resistance, and toughness.
The steel blade is also inexpensive. They are good with sharp edge that is convex. It makes an excellent barber or hairdressing scissor.
6. 6.
This steel is an excellent choice to make high-end cutting tools and barbering tools. It operates in the same manner as Hitachi's 405C . It creates every scissor as a professional tool.
With excellent blade edge retention, it helps keep the shears' edge sharper for several years. For extra durability, the steel is impervious to wear and corrosion. Furthermore, the cutting tools made from this steel satisfy all hair styling expert.
7. 7.
The 7CR is often referred to as the more durable version of 4CR. The steel is extremely tough and can endure wear and corrosion. It also has the ability to sharpen easily.
This kind of steel is great for cutting hair in the middle-range. This makes it great for both professionals and hairdressers in the home, as well in the case of apprentices.
8. 56-58 HRC: 420
The 420-steel type is slightly more brittle than Japanese steel of 440C. This steel is great to cut hair that is the mid-level. Furthermore, you can count on an affordable price from this type of steel. It's still a good option for professionals.
9. 55-58 HRC: Stainless Alloy Steel
The use of stainless steel is to create hair scissors using any steel. In essence, it's an umbrella term which doesn't give enough details about the hair scissor that you purchase.
In Canada, you can find stainless steel items from several brands between 55 to 58 HRC. They are able to produce excellent results. Additionally, you can purchase the products for a price between $99 and $200 which is considerably less.
10. 62 HRC S3 (S-3)
Rare and unique steel from Japan's Yasuki Silver. The S3 is famous for its high hardness as well as cutting blades. You can find them in the kitchen , as well as chef knives. Additionally, you can find these in a couple barber shears and hairdressing scissor blades.
The S3 steel blades are also resistant to corrosion and feature premium hardness. In other words, they are perfect tools for professionals.
11. 56 HRC: 410
Common Chrome Steel 56 HRC offers wear resistance, corrosion resistance and damage. You can find them in mid-level hair cutting scissors made in Japan.
12. 53-56 HRC Chromium Steel
With different sub-categories, chromium steel is a low-to-mid-level metal. It is found on European and German hair scissors. When manufacturing entry-level haircutting tools well-known brands like Jaguar utilize Chromium steel.
Chromium steel scissors are a fantastic choice if you have an extremely tight budget. In other words, they can be quite inexpensive. They're perfect for use with blades that have bevel edges due to their sharpness.
13. 56 to 58 HRC: 4CR14MOV
The 4CR14MOV steel version is identical to 4CR13. They are easily found in all mid-level hairdressing scissors due their availability.
They also enjoy a lot of popularity with scissor makers outside of Japan.
14. 53-55 HRC: 3CR13
3CR13 is a popular Chinese stainless steel version. It also has similar characteristics to the famed 420J2 (AUS4). It's a basic steel that is used to make average haircutting scissors. It is, however, better not to use thin shears made of this type.
15. 55-57 HRC 5-57 HRC
Otherwise known as 40CR13 The 4CR13 is a standard steel variant. It is more durable and harder comparable to 3CR13 steel. It is stronger and can be used by makers of scissor to make sharp convex and bevel cutting edges.
Do you think it is a good idea to purchase the steel scissors 4CR13? They are as effective as mid-level hair-cutting tools. Another option to cut hair , without having to spend the money.
Canadian scissors can show the difference between high-quality and low-quality steel
There is no question that all types of scissors are made of stainless steel. There are however certain standards of quality for steel. This is what differentiates stainless steel from other forms. The quality of the stainless-steel is also an element in the efficiency of the hair scissors.
A premium stainless steel hair scissor has superior performance as compared to a less-than-quality hair shear. The overall performance of the hairdressing tool is influenced by the quality of the steel.
The best hair scissor made of steel you could find is in Japan. Moreover, the hair scissors are made from Japanese stainless steel will have sharper edges and a more perfect cut. The light balance on the device aids in the ergonomics too. And, because of the excellent build quality, the tool doesn't need frequent sharpening.
While with a less-than-stellar steel scissor, you don't receive the same functionality. A good pair of steel scissors are required for every hairdresser, whether beginner or professional. Popular Japanese steels include ATS314 or 440C, and VG1 as well as VG10.
Superior quality steel results in better blades. With superior steel that has been tempered cutting blades, they are sharper. This enhances the hair's cutting efficiency. Japanese shears use convex edge blades. In this way, it needs less sharpening due to hard steel.
Quality steel offers good ergonomics. Not only do scissors made with top-quality steel are lighter and durable, but they also possess great ergonomics. Premium quality steel is generally lighter. It's why there's no pressure on your shoulder, elbow fingers, wrist, or elbow. This is particularly useful when doing a haircut.
High-quality steel gives the scissor an extended life. Japanese hair scissors, made of premium Japanese steel are much more resistant to wear and corrosion and other issues. They are tough and can last for a lengthy duration. The Japanese scissor could last from 10 to 20 years. It could last longer based on how well you take care for them.
Which countries produce the top scissor steel?
Germany, Japan, and China create the finest hair scissor steel. Japan produces the best quality scissor-steel. This is the reason why there is an abundance of buzz about Japanese cutting scissors.
Germany is the largest producer of chromium steel of the highest quality. Jaguar, one of the most successful scissor brands is known for making high-quality hairdressing scissors.
China is the largest manufacturer of high quality steel in large quantities. Also, they can be competitive with Germany and Japan in regards to quality. Furthermore, China produces the best value steel for the price for professionals.
Commonly asked questions: Scissor steel
Here are the most frequently asked questions regarding hair scissor steel.
1. Which one is right for me?
The right scissor material is based on your budget. V1, VG10 and ATS314, are the best quality. These could each cost around $1000. To get the most value for money it is recommended to focus on the hardness that is the level of 58 HRC or higher.
2. 2. What about Titanium-steel scissors?
There are many instances where Titanium steel cutting tools appear to mislead. They are the color of a coating or as a small amount of it is added to the making of steel scissors. To get the best scissor steel for you look at its hardness.
3. Which is the most budget-friendly steel?
The 440C is a good choice if you have limited funds. Steel scissors that have 56 HRC are inexpensive and offer good performance.
4. What are the best hair-cutting scissors?
The quality of the steel is what determines the difference between the efficiency of scissors and their price. Quality steel is priced higher. However, the scissors are sharper for a longer time.
5. What can I do to stay away from fake or low-quality steel made in China or Pakistan?
Pakistan produces the most harmful hair scissors, and you should avoid buying them. There are a variety of Chinese steel that include premium and low-quality varieties. When buying hair scissors online, avoid Amazon, eBay, and Wish. Make sure you shop on sites that offer exchange or guarantee. This way, you will be able to test the scissors and assess the quality.
6. What is the most well-known scissor steel for cutting hair?
The standard 440C steel used for hair scissors.
7. Which scissor steel for cutting hair is best for professionals?
Professionals favor Japanese steel at 440C.
8. Which is the best steel for hairdressers who are students or apprentices?
The 440A is the best basic haircutting tool.
9. Is there a 100% titanium hair scissor actually exist?
There isn't hair scissors that are 100% titanium. There are however shears with 21% and 2-10 percent titanium.
10. What exactly is stainless steel?
It is used in all scissor blades. There are many kinds of stainless steel. the top-quality versions are extremely hard.
11. Which metal is the best to use for cutting hair?
VG10 or ATS314 premium stainless steel for hair slicers from Japan.
12. 12.
The Damascus steel for making hair scissors is just a design. It hasn't been utilized for more than 300 years.
13. Are Titanium scissor steel better?
The blades are stronger and longer-lasting due to Titanium. High-quality hair scissors can be found with Titanium. Titanium blades are lightweight and more durable than other types of blades.
14. What is 6CR steel?
The 6CR13MOV, also known as 6CR steel is comprised of the 0.66 carbon additive element in the metal. It is a good material to make basic hair-cut shears.
15. What about the 9CR steel version?
The best quality Chinese steel is 9CR13MOVCO or 9CR18MOV , or 9CR. It's used in the finest barber and hairdressing scissors.
16. What is an Titanium coated scissor?
The coating made of Titanium on hair scissors is designed to style hair. It does not impact the sharpness or performance of the hair scissors.
17. Is powder steel for hair scissors effective?
Powder steel is a high-quality metal that results from an innovative process. So, shears made from this metal possess sharper blades, better corrosion resistance and a light design. The Japanese Takefu VG10, Hitachi ATS314 and Japanese Hitachi ATS314 scissors are comparable to those made of powder steel.
Conclusion: Which scissor steel do I need to use in Canada?
If you are looking for a pair of professional scissors, you should choose a pair of haircutting or thinning cutters with an HRC in the range of 60 (HRC).
The most well-known scissor-steel for professional use is the 440C. But, there are also foreign versions (non Japanese) that can offer cutting services of a professional quality at a lower price.
Tell us your thoughts on the most effective haircutting scissor products you've come across in Canada!