New Zealand is a country in which a barber can be a professional hairdresser and an amateur is referred to as 'barber'.
Which is the best steel for cutting? How do I know whether it's worth the investment?
They are among the most frequent questions you get to hear from people. They appear to be easy questions. However, it's not. It's the hardest element of purchasing the right hairdressing scissors or barber shears.
What kind of steel is my shears made from? What's the difference between high-quality and low-quality hairdressing scissors?
What makes scissor steel different from other steels?
- Sharpness of the blades
- You'll be amazed at the easily they can be sharpened
- Corrosion resistance
- The force of the scissor
- The fragile and brittle nature of the blades
- For how long it could be
When you think about that this, it's simple to understand why you should pay $300 for a good haircutting scissors instead of the price of $99. When you're dealing with hair all day long, it's recommended to use the highest quality tools. It will last longer and works with precision.
Knowing the difference between scissor steel and sand steel
It's not an easy job to locate a great pair of hair-cutting scissors. This is because different brands and models utilize different kinds of steel. So, which are the steel types suited to barber shears and hairdressing scissors?
The Rockwell Hardness Rate or HRC/HR determines the quality of scissor-steel. This rating concentrates on the overall toughness and durability of the blades. You get better quality with the strongest scissor blades.
The use of stainless steel is to make cutting scissors. Additionally, the Rockwell Hardness Scale measures the quality of the steel. Below is a list of qualities and prices for cut-offs of low-quality in Australia.
| Hardness | Qualitative | Estimated Price |
|---|---|---|
| 50-55 HRC | Low quality soft cutting blade | From $50 to $199 |
| 55-57 HRC | Blades for hairdressing entry-level | From $99 up to $299 |
| Between 57 and 59 HRC | This blade is a mid-level scissor. It is easy to sharpen, rust-resistant and tougher. | From $149 to $400 |
| HRC 58-60 | High-quality, medium to high-end scissor cutting | $249 to $800 |
| 60-62 HRC | Blades of high-quality for cutting hair. This feature is offered in high-end scissors. Simple to sharpen, more resistant to rust, stronger, and sharper blade edge | $299 - $1000 |
| From 61 to 63 HRC | The finest high-quality hair cutting blade. Only the best scissors have them. | $700 to $1500 |
Hence, a lot depends on the HRC factor. Higher HRC leads to a stronger material, a better-shaped blade, and more resistance to corrosion.
But, when deciding between high and low quality hair cutting scissors, be sure to think beyond HRC. Manufacturing standards and quality determine the efficiency of a scissors in addition.
Let's start by looking at the most popular steel names.
The quality of stainless steel and the craftsmanship is what makes the difference in the cut quality of scissors.
There's a difference in price between the price of expensive and cheap hair scissors.
Then, we discuss the best material to use for cutting hair. Additionally, you will be aware of the quality of steel used in haircutting shears.
Hairdressing scissors made of stainless steel.
Hair scissors of all kinds are made from stainless steel. However, Japan produces the best stainless steel for hair scissors.
The Japanese steel comes with certain advantages of using them on scissors. The Japanese steel is razor-sharp and balanced to provide great ergonomics. It also requires less sharpening.
The finest Japanese steel for hair scissors is comprised of ATS314 as well as VG1, VG10 and 440C.
Better metal means better blades
Japanese hair scissors make use of sharp convex edges. It is made of high-end, hardened steel. So, the sharp edge on the blade will last for a longer period. The hardened steel is the reason why it doesn't require sharpening it.
Better metal means better ergonomics
High-quality steel is light in weight. It is, therefore, it exerts minimal pressure on your shoulders and wrists, elbows, and fingers when cutting hair.
Better metal means a prolonged length of scissor life
The hair scissors made of premium Japanese steel are much more durable against corrosion. Japanese steel is able to be used for up to twenty years, or even more, provided they are maintained.
Where can you buy the top hair scissor steel?
The steel below can be the best hair scissors.
- Japanese steel - They are the highest steel quality in the world.
- German steel - Best quality of a European country
- Korean steel is the most excellent in Asia
- Chinese steel - Great quality
- Taiwanese steel - High quality
Pakistan, India, and Vietnam produce the worst quality steel. The hair scissors from these nations have sharp edges. They must be sharpened often before they are damaged.
Top 10 hair steels for scissors
With various metals that are used, finding the right barber shears might be a challenge. This is a list of the top 10 varieties of steel hair scissors, arranged from best to worst.
| Steel Rankings | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The ATS314 (ATS-314). | Premium Japanese steel with Vanadium as well as Titanium in large quantities |
| 2 | VG10 Gold (VG-10) | Japanese steel that contains high levels of Vanadium and Titanium. Ideal for cutting knives and scissors |
| 3 | V10 (V-10) | Intense levels of Vanadium and Titanium that gives added strength to the hair scissor blades |
| 4 | V1 (V-1) | For sharper scissor edge edges, the entry-level Vanadium and Titanium |
| 5 | S3 (S-3). | High levels of Supreme Cobalt for sharp cutting edges |
| 6 | S1 (S-1). | Cobalt is a basic ingredient for cutting the edges of hair that has hardened |
| 7 | 440C | High-quality hair scissors made of Japanese steel and hardened. |
| 8 | 440A | Standard steel for normal cutting blades |
| 9 | 420 | The stainless steel is cheap for knives and scissors |
| 10 | 410 | Steel of sub-standard quality is not recommended for professional hair scissors. |
Titanium and Vanadium enhance the toughness and hardness of hair scissors. In addition, they create a lighter weight which allows you to cut through.
Cobalt steel is strong and light. The blade is sharp and lasts for the longest time. This means that you don't need to sharpen it frequently.
Top 15 hairdressing scissors for steel
These rankings of the best steel are based upon the most efficient performance, the highest value, and highest quality. You can find the best scissor steel that is of high-quality. However, we've listed the following options based on each person's budget.
This is the most recommended quality of steel for hair scissors. It is recommended by hair stylists across the globe.
1. 64 HRC 1. 64 HRC: V1
The steel V1 variant is without doubt a best quality steels. This type of steel is utilized by a variety of hairdressers and barbers. V10 steel is the successor to V1. It comes with increased toughness, crack resistance and sharper blades.
Scissors that uses the V1 steel grade provides high-end quality. Also, it comes with a high price.
2. 2.
The Japanese Hitachi Metals corporation manufactures the ATS314 steel. This kind of steel is used in the finest barber and hairdressing shears. There are many brands that speak about the ATS314 steel for their hair scissors. Only a few brands employ the steel made by Hitachi.
This kind of steel creates top-quality scissor blades. It is extremely durable. The blades remain sharper for an extended period of time. It's effective while handling a clam-shaped or convex blade edge.
3. 60 HRC: V10 (VG-10).
VG10 Also known as V Gold 10, is another top-quality Japanese steel that is used in hairdressing scissors. Takefu Special Steel is the manufacturer. This premium steel is ideal for cutting hair. The steel is resistant to corrosion and is resistant to abrasion.
The VG10 haircutting scissors feature more sharper blades, such as beveled, clam or convex edge.
The VG10 steel version is very light and sharp. This steel is exclusively used by high-end scissors. It's not only limited to Japan. That's because Japanese metal companies tend to sell internationally.
4. 60 to 62 HRC: 10CR
Are you seeking an updated version from 440C? The 10CR steel is suitable for use by professionals. It's close to Hitachi's VG10 or Takefu. The steel quality provides ultimate quality and sharpness for cutting scissors.
Other qualities include corrosion and wear resistance Sharpness retention pricing, as well as durability. In the end it's a top quality stainless steel barber and haircutting scissors priced below $1000.
5. The 58-60 HRC range is 440C.
The 440C model can be found on popular brands like Yasaka. The steel has an all-round performance with regards to hardness and resistance.
This type of steel blades is also inexpensive. The blades are sharp and have a convex edge. This makes them an excellent professional hairdresser and barber tool.
6. 6.
This is a good choice to make high-end scissors and barber tools. It functions the same manner as Hitachi's own 440C and transforms each scissor into an professional tool.
It is equipped with a superior blade edge retention , which ensures that your hair shears razor-sharp for many years. For additional durability, steel is impervious to wear and corrosion. This steel can also be used to create hairstyles.
7. Between 57 and 60 HRC: 7CR
7CR 7CR is often referred to as the more durable version of 4CR. The steel offers great edge retention, wear and corrosion resistance, and can be sharpened with ease.
This type of steel is ideal for mid-range hair scissors. This makes it excellent for professionals as well as hairdressers in the home, as well as apprentices.
8. 56 to 58 HRC 420
The 420 steel model is a bit softer than Japan's 440C. It's perfect for hair scissors that are mid-level. Moreover, you can expect an affordable price from this model of steel. It's a great choice for professionals.
9. 55 to 58 HRC Stainless Alloy Steel
Stainless steel can be used for making hair scissors made from any steel. It's just a generic word that doesn't provide enough information regarding the quality of the hair scissors that you are purchasing.
You can find stainless steel items from various manufacturers across Australia between 55 and 58 HRC. They are able to produce excellent results. Additionally, you can purchase these at prices between $99 and $200, which is significantly less.
10. 10.
Rare and unique steel made in Japan's Yasuki Silver. The S3 is popular for producing superior cutting blades in terms of hardness. They are available in the kitchen and chef knives. They can also be found in a couple of barber shears and hairdressing scissors.
Furthermore that, S3 steel blades also offer the highest quality of hardness, top performance and corrosion-resistant hair snippers. Also, they make excellent tools for professionals.
11. 56 HRC:
The 56 HRC is the most common chromium steel with damage, wear, and corrosion resistance. For instance, you could see them in mid-level haircutting scissors made in Japan.
12. 53-56 HRC: Chromium Steel
There are several sub-categories of chromium steel is a low-to-mid-level metal. It is available on hair cutting tools from Europe as well as Germany. When manufacturing entry-level haircutting tools well-known brands like Jaguar utilize Chromium steel.
If you're limited on funds the chromium steel scissors are the best option. They are very affordable. The sharpness is a good fit for blades that have bevel edges.
13. 13.
The 4CR14MOV steel variant is similar to 4CR13. Because of its accessibility, you can find them in nearly every mid-level hairdressing scissors.
Moreover, they perform well in this class and are popular with other scissor brands in Japan.
14. 52-55 HRC 53 to 55 HRC: 3CR13
The 3CR13 is a popular stainless steel variant made in China. It shares the same properties with the well-known 420J2 (AUS4). This is a simple steel that's used to make common hair cutting scissors. It is better to not employ this type of thinning shears.
15. 55-57 HRC: 4CR13
The 4CR13 commonly referred to as 40CR13 steel is a standard-steel variation. It is more durable and tougher than 3CR13 steel. It is stronger and allows scissor producers to design sharp bevel or convex edge cutting blades.
Are the steel scissors of the 4CR13 worth the cost? They offer the same performance as many of the mid-level haircutting scissors. This is an additional option to cut hair , without having to spend much.
Canadian scissors demonstrate the difference between low-quality steel and high-quality steel.
It's no secret that all types of scissors are manufactured from stainless steel. There are , however, certain high-quality levels of steel. This is the thing that differentiates stainless steel from other types. The performance of the hair scissors relies on the high-quality of the stainless steel.
A high-quality stainless steel hair scissor delivers great performance as compared to a less-than-quality hair shear. This is why the difference between low and high quality steel plays an important role in the overall performance of the hairdressing tool.
The most effective steel hair scissors you can buy is the one made in Japan. The Japanese stainless steel hair scissors are sharper edges, which makes it much easier to cut perfect hair. It's ergonomically designed and has a light weight. It doesn't require frequent sharpening because of its construction quality.
While with a less-than-stellar steel scissor, it is impossible to have the same functions. A pair of good quality steel scissors are required for anyone who is a hairdresser, novice or professional. The most popular Japanese steel comes in ATS314 as well as 440C, VGC1 and VG10.
The highest quality steel is more effective at cutting. This boosts hair's cutting quality. Japanese shears use convex edge blades. Therefore, they require less sharpening due to hard steel.
Steel of high-quality provides excellent ergonomics. Not just scissors made with premium steel are lightweight however, they also offer excellent ergonomics. The best quality steel is typically lighter. In the end, there is less pressure on your shoulder, elbow fingers, wrist, or elbow. It can be extremely beneficial when performing a haircut.
A high-quality steel material gives the scissor with a long-lasting life - The high-quality Japanese hair scissors are stronger against wear and corrosion as well as other problems. They're durable and can last for a lengthy time. It is possible for a Japanese scissor last anywhere between 10 to 20 years. Additionally, it could last even further based on the way you care for them.
Which countries make the best scissor-steel?
Germany, Japan, and China create the finest hair scissor steel. Japan produces the best quality scissor-steel. It is the source of the buzz surrounding Japanese cutting scissors.
Germany is the world's largest producer of chromium steel of the highest quality. Popular scissor brands like Jaguar has earned a reputable name for itself by offering high-quality hairdressing scissors.
China is the largest manufacturer of premium steel in huge quantities. They are also able to challenge Japan and Germany in quality. Additionally, China produces the best value steel at a reasonable price for professionals.
Most Frequently Asked Questions: Scissor Steel
Here are some commonly asked questions about hair scissors.
1. Which scissor-steel works best for me?
Your budget will determine the best scissor-steel for you. V1, VG10 and ATS314 are the highest quality. But all of them could cost you around $1000. If you're looking for the highest value, look for the degree of hardness that is at least 58 HRC or higher.
2. 2. What do you think of Titanium-steel-cutting tools?
On many occasions, Titanium steel scissors can mislead. They come as a color coating or a tiny fraction of the production of steel scissors. It is essential to concentrate on the strength of the scissor in order to find the right one to meet your requirements.
3. Which is the most budget-friendly steel?
If you are in a tight budget, the 440C is the ideal steel. Steel scissors that have 56 HRC can be purchased for a reasonable price and have a great performance.
4. How can I choose my hair cutting scissors?
The quality of the steel determines the difference between scissors' performance and their price. The best quality steel is more expensive. But the scissors stay sharper for a longer time.
5. How can I prevent low-quality or fake steel from Pakistan or China?
Pakistan makes the worst hair scissors and you should avoid buying the scissors from Pakistan. Chinese steel has a variety of features that include high-end and low-quality types. Avoid shopping online stores like Wish, eBay, and Amazon for purchasing hair scissors. Thus, you should look for sites that offer exchange or guarantee. So, you can play with the scissors and get a feel for the quality.
6. What is the most well-known scissor steel that cuts hair?
The most commonly used steel to make hair scissors is 440C.
7. Which hair cutting scissor steel is ideal for professionals?
It is 440C. Japanese steel is the finest scissor steel for professionals.
8. Which steel is good for student or apprentice hairdressers?
The 440A is the best basic haircutting tool.
9. Is there a 100% titanium hair scissor actually exist?
You won't find hair scissors made of 100% titanium. There are some shears however with 21% and 2-10 percent titanium.
10. What is stainless steel?
It is used in all scissor blades. There are various kinds of stainless steel, and the best-quality versions can be very hard.
11. Which metal is the best for hair scissors?
Premium steel VG10 and AT314 for hair scissors made in Japan.
12. What's the deal with Damascus scissor steel?
The Damascus steel used to create hair scissors is only a design. It's not useful over the span of 300 year.
13. Are Titanium scissor or steel better?
The blades are stronger and more durable thanks to Titanium. There is Titanium in high-end hair scissors. Moreover, Titanium blades have great quality, are light and are sharper.
14. What is the 6CR steel?
6CR13MOV, also known as 6CR steel, contains the 0.66 carbon addition element to the material. It is a good choice for basic hair cutting shears.
15. 15.
The best quality Chinese steel is 9CR13MOVCO, also known as 9CR18MOV or 9CR. It's used to make the finest haircutting and barbering scissors.
16. What is a Titanium-coated scissor?
Titanium can be used to fashion hair shears. It doesn't affect the sharpness or performance of the scissors.
17. Are powder steel hair scissors effective?
Powder steel is a top-quality metal, which results from an exclusive process. Shears made of this metal have sharper blades, greater strength and corrosion resistance as well as lighter designs. The Japanese Takefu VG10, Hitachi ATS314 and Japanese Hitachi ATS314 scissors have a similar design to those made of powder steel.
Conclusion: What Scissor Steel Should I Use in New Zealand?
Look for scissors with a professional look that have an HRC of 60 or less when shopping for these.
The most common type of professional scissor steel is 440C however, there are different versions (non-Japanese) from China and South Korea that provide you with a professional and less costly cutting experience.
Tell us your thoughts on the best haircutting scissor materials that you have found in New Zealand!