Scissor Materials

[title text=”Scissor Materials – things to consider”]

The choice of scissor materials has a significant impact on the price, quality and style of hairdressing scissors. There are many grades of steel and the varieties used in the manufacture of scissors are too numerous to list. However, most scissors are made from a stainless steel of moderate hardness. The hardness is measured on a scale known as the ‘Rockwell’ scale. A proficient hairdressing scissor should have a Rockwell of between 55 and 60. The higher the number the harder the steel.

Generally, the harder… the better.

Many scissors are made from special steel alloys, which may include minerals such as Cobalt, Andium or Molybdenum. This increases the hardness of the metal. This will mean that a skilled sharpener will be able to get a better edge on the blade of the scissor and it will improve the general durability of the scissors. It does not mean that the scissors will not blunt with use.

There are some very special materials that makers have used in the manufacture of hairdressing scissors. This includes, but is not limited to Ceramic, Stellite and Carbon steel. These are exceptionally hard materials and the blade edges that can be produced from these materials can be exceptional. However, there is always a balance required when manufacturing from very hard materials. Some of these materials can be brittle (particularly ceramic) and so breakages are more common!

Materials used in the manufacture of scissors

• Stainless Steel
• Steel / Alloys

Specialist materials

• Ceramic
• Stellite
• Carbon steel

Remember, the main considerations are the hardness and the durability of the materials used.