What is the Best Quality Steel for Hairdressing Scissors?
From the handle design to the blade and tensioner, there are many aspects to consider for hairdressers and barbers when it comes to choosing which pair of scissors is best. It’s crucial hairstylists find the right pair in order to consistently provide a high-quality cut whilst also maintaining comfort.
Another factor that needs to be thought about is the type of steel the scissor has. Let us explain more…
The Rockwell Hardness Rating (HRC)
Scissor steel quality is determined by the Rockwell Hardness Rating/Scale (HRC). This scale measures the hardness of a blade’s steel and typically ranges between a rating of 52 to 67 HRC Rockwell. The higher the number, the harder the steel.
Scissors with a high rating reflect harder and sharper blades that maintain their cutting edges the longest. They are, however, more prone to chipping.
Scissors with a lower rating become more malleable, softer and will blunt quicker. Their cutting life is shorter, and they will lose their cutting edge sooner.
Professional hairdressers and barbers should be looking for scissors in the area of 55 to 63 HRC on the scale.
Which is the Best Type of Steel for Hairdressing & Barbering Scissors?
Hairdressing scissors are generally made from different grades and blends of stainless steel. The type of stainless steel used, and their overall craftsmanship, will have a considerable impact on the scissor quality.
The best steel for hairdressing and barbering scissors is produced in Japan and USA. Japan in particular is widely regarded as the world’s finest creators of hairdressing and barbering scissors. Their blades (which are made from premium steel) maintain incredibly sharp and precise edges, meaning the scissors are ideal for advanced cutting techniques. They also tend to have a higher tensile strength and a higher degree of flexibility. Scissors using Japanese stainless steel are therefore incredibly popular among stylists and salons across the globe.
Examples of high-quality Japanese hairdressing scissors include the Rembrandt and Picasso.
Benefits of High-Quality Steel
There are many benefits to using scissors with high-quality steel. Some of the main ones include:
Maintain a sharper edge for longer
Scissors manufactured from the highest-quality stainless steel, such as Japanese, use sharp convex edge blades that maintain a sharper edge for longer.
Require sharpening less frequently
Premium steel is harder and therefore doesn’t require sharpening as often.
Lighter and better ergonomics
The best quality steel is lightweight as well as hard. This can help to take pressure off your fingers, wrist, elbow and shoulder while cutting.
Longer scissor life
As the steel is more resistant to corrosion and rust, the expected blade life is extended.
Which Pair of Scissors Should You Buy?
Japanese and American stainless steel scissors with a high HRC lend themselves to the most clean, consistent and crisp cuts. They are usually more expensive than other hairdressing scissors, but the quality of cut they can help you achieve more than makes up for the outlay. They also last longer than other scissors, meaning you don’t have to pay to replace them as regularly.
Some of our favourite scissors manufactured from the highest-quality steel include the Rembrandt, Picasso and Sculptor.
Rembrandt Rose Gold Gutting Scissors
This scissor’s razor sharp blades are forged from extremely tough Japanese Hitachi stainless steel. The handles are offset with a fixed finger rest for comfort and to reduce hand fatigue, and the adjustable tensioners have a precision ball bearing core that provides smooth blade movement and ensures the ultimate accuracy.
Picasso Cutting Scissors
Also crafted from the specially hardened Hitachi steel, these scissors offer fantastic precision for geometric and fashion cutting. The incredible shape makes the scissors versatile and suited to all techniques, wet and dry cutting, texturising and personalising.
Sculptor Cutting Scissors
The bold, wide blade shape of these scissors makes point and slice cutting a pleasure. Specially machined blade-ends offer added safety, and the handles are slightly offset and ergonomically designed for maximum comfort and accuracy.
American & Japanese Stainless Steel Scissors with Kanpeki
Here at Kanpeki, we specialise in manufacturing high-end hairdressing and barbering scissors from the best quality Japanese and American stainless steel. Nearly all our products feature machined convex blades for soft smooth cutting, offset handles for comfort and control, and precision tensioners for accuracy.
All our scissors are guaranteed for life against any material, manufacturing of craftsmanship defect. And with our 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try them risk free.