Materials
"Materials play a significant role in the performance of scissors, with the bladesmiths who forge them being crucial. Japan is renowned as the world's premier location for crafting scissors. While numerous scissor companies may claim their products are made in Japan by using Japanese steel, it's important to note that this isn't always accurate; a substantial portion of scissors are mass-produced in China.
At JAXS, all our blades are meticulously fashioned from Japanese steel, which is widely regarded as the finest steel for hairdressing scissors globally.
Super Gold 2 (SPG2) stands out as our top performer. This exceptionally high-grade blade steel is the result of powder metallurgy. Advances in steelmaking technology have enabled the creation of rapidly solidified steel powder through atomizing refined molten steel. Powder metallurgy involves using this powder as a raw material, undergoing processes such as compacting, sintering, forging, and rolling. Compared to conventional remelted steel, blade steel produced through powder metallurgy displays uniform fine structure without segregation, leading to exceptional forgeability and machinability. Furthermore, this method permits the incorporation of a larger number of alloying elements, a feat unattainable through conventional melting methods. The outcome is Super Gold 2, an exceptionally high-grade blade steel boasting an unprecedented composition. It meets all four crucial blade requirements: high hardness, high toughness, satisfactory abrasion resistance, and excellent corrosion resistance.
VG-10 is another incredibly high-grade stainless steel developed by Takefu Steel Factory and currently produced by Hitachi Japan. The 'G' denotes gold, signifying superior quality. VG-10, with its well-established name "super steel," remains a top choice due to its ideal combination of steels, ensuring enduring sharpness.
440c is also a frequently used steel, known for its versatility and excellent properties, making it well-suited for daily use. However, it has become common in mass manufacturing blades in recent years. The reason for this shift is its accessibility, as anyone can produce it. 440c can be manufactured according to Japan's industrial standards, potentially using less pure materials than Hitachi would use.
In conclusion, if a scissor's description doesn't mention Hitachi steel, chances are it isn't an official Japanese steel. Additionally, if the product doesn't explicitly state it's made in Japan, it's likely not to be