What Does The Rockwell Hardness Rating Mean?

What Does The Rockwell Hardness Rating Mean When Applied To Hair Shear Steel?

The hardness of steel is usually stated as a number on the Rockwell Hardness C Scale (RHC). The higher the number, the harder the steel. As it applies to shears, the old axiom was that softer steel (RHC 48-55) produced the sharpest edge but got dull faster. The harder steels (RHC 56-62) produced a longer lasting edge. You had to choose. Not anymore!

New Innovations In Steel Technology Give Shear Scissors An

Exquisitely Sharp Edge That Stays Sharp Longer

A decade or so ago, new types of steel were fabricated in Japan -Hitachi ATS 314 and VG-10 Gold (often referred to as SuperSteel). These alloys proved to be a game-changer in scissor manufacturing. By adding elements such as Vanadium (the “V” in VG-10) Molybdenum and Titanium, these steels were able to hone the blade to a razor’s edge while delivering a soft, silky cut. (see table below)

As I write this (2016) VG-10 Gold and ATS 314 have become the preferred steels for high-quality salon and barber shears simply because they do it all. Great, long lasting edge and a soft, silky cut. Here’s a chart to break it down.

Type Of Steel	Rockwell Rating	Features	Price of Shears
420 Stainless	50-55	Can be honed to fine edge, but loses sharpness faster. Cut has softer feel.	$$
440 Cobalted Stainless	55-62	Edge isn’t as sharp as softer steel, but keep its sharpness longer.	$$$
VG-10 Gold alloy and Hitachi ATS 314 alloy	59-61	Shears start sharper and stay sharp longer. Cut is softer yet more precise.	$$$$