Japanese ATS-314 Steel: Why ShearGenius Chose the Best Scissor Steel
Not every scissor we sell is ATS-314 — steel varies by model, and I'll tell you straight which is which. But when a hairdresser asks me what the top of the steel tree looks like, this is it. After decades on the bench testing alloys, Hitachi ATS-314 keeps coming out in front for edge retention, corrosion resistance and cutting feel — which is why it sits in our premium models.
What Is ATS-314?
ATS-314 is a high-carbon martensitic stainless steel produced by Hitachi Metals in Japan. It belongs to a family of premium tool steels specifically engineered for applications where a fine, durable cutting edge is critical. The steel is widely used in surgical instruments, precision cutting tools, and high-end cutlery, in addition to professional scissors.
Chemical Composition
| Element | Percentage | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.05-1.10% | Hardness and edge retention |
| Chromium (Cr) | 13.0-14.5% | Corrosion resistance and hardness |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.0-1.3% | Strength and toughness |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.2-0.4% | Grain refinement and wear resistance |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.5-0.8% | Strength and deoxidation |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.3-0.6% | Strength and heat resistance |
The high carbon content (over 1%) is what allows ATS-314 to achieve exceptional hardness and edge retention. The chromium content exceeds the 12% threshold required for stainless classification, providing strong corrosion resistance even in humid salon environments.
Rockwell Hardness
Hardness is measured on the Rockwell C scale (HRC). Higher numbers mean harder steel, which generally translates to longer edge retention. ShearGenius scissors are heat-treated to two hardness levels:
- Standard ATS-314: 58-60 HRC — our standard across most models
- Forged ATS-314 Ultimate Alloy: 60-62 HRC — our premium line for maximum edge retention
For context, most kitchen knives sit at 54-58 HRC. German hairdressing scissors typically range from 52-56 HRC. ATS-314 at 58-62 HRC delivers noticeably longer edge life.
What those numbers mean at the basin: a harder edge holds its bite through more haircuts before it starts pushing hair instead of cutting it. You feel it as the day the scissor stops gliding — with ATS-314 that day arrives a lot later.
How ATS-314 Compares to Other Scissor Steels
| Property | ATS-314 | VG10 | Cobalt Alloy | 440C | German Steel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness (HRC) | 58-62 | 57-59 | 56-58 | 54-56 | 52-56 |
| Edge Retention | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Moderate | Moderate |
| Corrosion Resistance | Very Good | Good | Good | Moderate | Good |
| Sharpening Ease | Moderate | Moderate | Easy | Easy | Easy |
| Toughness | Good | Good | Very Good | Moderate | Very Good |
| Typical Price Range | Premium | Mid-Premium | Mid-Range | Budget | Varies |
| Haircuts Between Sharpenings | 600-800+ | 500-700 | 400-600 | 300-400 | 250-400 |
Why Edge Retention Matters
Every haircut dulls your scissors slightly. A steel that maintains its edge longer means fewer sharpenings per year, more consistent cutting performance, and lower long-term cost of ownership. If you sharpen once instead of three times per year, that saves both money and downtime.
Worth being honest here though: steel is only one part of the picture. Your cutting style, hair volume and technique change what steel actually suits you — I've talked plenty of hairdressers out of the dearest option. If you're not sure, book a free fitting and we'll work out what your hands actually need before you spend a dollar.
How We Heat-Treat ATS-314
Raw steel is only half the equation. The heat treatment process determines the final hardness, toughness, and grain structure of the blade. Our heat treatment includes:
- Austenitizing: Heating to precise temperatures to dissolve carbon into the steel matrix
- Quenching: Rapid cooling to lock the carbon in place and create the hard martensitic structure
- Tempering: Controlled reheating to relieve internal stresses and achieve the target hardness (58-60 or 60-62 HRC)
- Cryogenic treatment: Sub-zero cooling to convert retained austenite, further improving edge stability
Caring for ATS-314 Scissors
- Wipe after every client with a soft, dry cloth
- Oil the pivot weekly with one drop of scissor oil
- Store in a case or pouch — never loose in a drawer
- Never cut anything except hair — tape, foil, and synthetics damage the edge
- Professional sharpening only — DIY methods destroy the convex edge
On that last point — sharpening's a paid service (we charge $70–80 a scissor and we've hand-finished over 100,000 of them), and the good news with ATS-314 is you need it less often. Look after the edge between services and it'll look after you.
Browse Our ATS-314 Range
The ShearGenius Ultimate Range is forged from Japanese Hitachi ATS-314 steel — other ranges use different named Japanese steels, listed on every product page — and every scissor we sell is backed by our Unconditional Lifetime Guarantee. Browse our full range or read our complete buying guide to find the right model for your technique.