Have you ever wondered why two pairs of scissors that look nearly identical can feel completely different behind the chair?

This is one of the most common questions I hear from stylists and barbers — especially when comparing steels like 440C and VG10. On paper, both are “Japanese steel.” In real-world use, they behave very differently.

How to Choose Between 440C Steel and VG10 Steel for Your Scissors

Steel choice plays a major role in how your scissors cut, how long they stay sharp, and how they respond to sharpening over time. Two of the most talked-about options in professional hair shears are Japanese 440C steel and VG10 steel.

This guide breaks down the real-world differences between 440C and VG10 — without marketing hype — so you can choose the steel that actually fits how you work. For more professional tool education, visit our Education Center.

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What Is 440C Steel?

440C is a high-carbon stainless steel that has been used in professional hair shears for decades. When properly heat-treated, it delivers a strong balance of sharpness, durability, and corrosion resistance.

• Consistent, reliable cutting performance
• Good corrosion resistance
• More forgiving if dropped or mishandled
• Handles regular sharpening very well

Because of its stability and durability, 440C is often chosen for everyday professional use. You’ll find this steel in our Craft Series shears, which are designed to work hard without being overly delicate.

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What Is VG10 Steel?

VG10 is a premium Japanese steel originally developed for high-performance cutting tools. It contains additional alloying elements that allow for a finer grain structure and higher hardness potential.

• Extremely sharp cutting potential
• Longer edge retention
• Smoother, lighter cutting feel
• Higher hardness than 440C

VG10 is typically chosen by professionals who prioritize ultra-smooth cutting and longer intervals between sharpenings. This steel is used in our Master Series shears, where precision and refinement matter most.

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440C vs VG10: Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	440C Steel	VG10 Steel
Initial Sharpness	Very good	Excellent
Edge Retention	Good	Very long-lasting
Durability	Highly durable	Slightly more brittle if abused
Sharpening Forgiveness	More forgiving	Requires precision sharpening
Best Use Case	Everyday professional cutting	Precision and advanced techniques

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Which Steel Is Right for You?

Choose 440C Steel If You:

• Cut hair all day and need durability
• Want a forgiving, stable shear
• Sharpen regularly
• Prefer performance without premium pricing

Choose VG10 Steel If You:

• Use advanced techniques like slide or dry cutting
• Want smoother cutting with less resistance
• Prefer longer edge life between sharpenings
• Take meticulous care of your tools

Neither steel is “better” across the board — they’re simply designed for different working styles.

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How Steel Choice Affects Sharpening

Steel quality directly impacts sharpening results.

440C steel responds very well to regular professional shear sharpening and maintenance and tolerates minor errors without major performance loss.

VG10 steel can achieve superior sharpness, but it requires precision sharpening and proper setup to maintain edge integrity. This is where experienced sharpening makes a noticeable difference.

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Final Thoughts

Choosing between 440C steel and VG10 steel comes down to how you cut, how you maintain your tools, and what you expect long-term.

440C offers reliability and durability for daily work. VG10 offers refinement and extended edge life for professionals who want peak performance and are willing to care for their tools accordingly.

For more guidance on steel selection, shear maintenance, and sharpening, visit our Education Center. You can also explore our Craft Series (440C) and Master Series (VG10) shears to see which fits your cutting style best.

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About the Author

Scott Wilson is the founder of Shear Fanatic® Scissor Company and a professional scissor sharpener with years of hands-on experience working directly with stylists and barbers.

After sharpening thousands of shears from nearly every major brand, Scott saw a consistent issue in the industry: professionals were often overpaying for tools they didn’t fully understand — and blaming themselves when performance fell short.

Shear Fanatic was built on education, transparency, and real-world performance. The company helps professionals understand steel quality, ergonomics, blade geometry, sharpening, and proper maintenance so they can make confident, informed decisions.

Scott believes great tools should protect your hands, support your technique, and earn their place behind the chair — not fight against you.