Compare material names, then check the specification and service options for the exact pair you plan to buy.
A steel name identifies a material, not the cutting performance of a finished scissor. Heat treatment, blade shape, edge finish, tension, assembly and maintenance also matter. Hardness may be reported on the Rockwell C scale (HRC), but an alloy maker’s typical figure is not a measurement of every shear made from it. Use these guides to understand the labels, then ask for the exact model’s material and service information.
For the underlying material descriptions, see Carpenter's 440C sheet, Takefu's VG-10 specification, Yasaka's scissor-material guide and Kennametal Stellite's alloy catalogue. Each describes a material or named maker use; none promises how long every hair shear will cut between services.
An umbrella label for several different materials; ask for the exact alloy and model.
Read moreA way of making steel, not one grade or a promised service interval.
Read moreA cobalt-alloy family rather than conventional stainless steel; check the maker's model sheet.
Read moreA broad stainless label; ask for the full grade, heat treatment and finished-shear specification.
Read moreStart with your cutting task and hand fit. For each candidate, confirm its model code, blade material, edge, size, handedness and local sharpening options. A brand may use several materials across its range.
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