VG-10 Steel in Hair Scissors
By SalonScissors editorial team Updated
VG-10 is a stainless steel from Takefu Special Steel in Japan, with about 1.5% cobalt.
How we chose: Four VG10 cutters from our range, picked on maker specs, listings, size range and price. We sell them and haven’t run cutting tests. Prices checked 26 October 2026.
What’s in VG-10?
| VG-10 | Takefu’s figure |
|---|---|
| Carbon | 1.00% |
| Chromium | 15.00% |
| Molybdenum | 1.00% |
| Vanadium | 0.25% |
| Cobalt | 1.55% |
| Hardness | 60 HRC or more |
These are Takefu’s representative figures from its VG10 page. Takefu says the cobalt, chromium and molybdenum harden the steel, while vanadium refines the grain and hard carbides help it resist wear.
How hard is a VG-10 scissor?
About 60 HRC, but the scissor maker sets the final number with its own heat treatment. Jaguar, for example, lists 59 HRC for its VG-10 KAMIYU scissor, a touch under Takefu’s figure for the raw steel. That’s normal. If a listing gives a hardness, it’s that maker’s figure for that model.
Does a dearer VG-10 pair cut better?
Not because of the steel. Our VG10 cutters run from A$284.95 to A$680, and the steel name is the same at both ends.
The extra money goes on the handle, the edge, the finish and the maker’s heat treatment. Pay more when you can name what you’re getting, like the F-CUT’s French handle or a longer blade.
Does VG-10 rust?
It resists rust well, which Takefu lists as one of its strengths. It isn’t rust-proof, though, and Yasaka says the same of all its stainless scissor steels. Kasho warns that sterilising liquid, perm and colour solution can corrode scissors.
Wipe and dry the blades after every client, and dry the pivot after you disinfect.
How does VG-10 feel and sharpen?
You won’t feel the steel in your hand; weight, balance and handle shape do that. What VG-10 changes is how the edge wears. Takefu built it for wear resistance and calls it easy to sharpen, so a good sharpener can bring it back without fuss.
Who it’s for
- Salon
- Barber
Skip it if you want the cheapest first pair: 440C does that job for less
What the VG-10 name won’t tell you
- The finished hardness. That’s the scissor maker’s heat treatment, not the steel name.
- Where the scissor was made. Japanese steel doesn’t tell you where a model was ground and assembled.
- That it’s genuine. Takefu itself asks buyers to check a product really uses its VG10.
- Anything about VG-10W. That’s a different Takefu grade, VG10 with tungsten added.
Common questions
Is VG-10 good steel for hair scissors?
Yes. Takefu rates it at 60 HRC or more and builds it for wear and rust resistance. It’s a sensible step up from a first 440C pair, as long as the handle and length suit you.
Is VG-10 better than 440C?
Slightly, on paper. Both are about 60 HRC; VG-10 adds cobalt and vanadium for wear resistance. Our VG-10 vs 440C guide compares them side by side.
Are VG10 and VG-10 the same?
Yes. Takefu writes it VG10; many listings add the hyphen. VG-10W is the one to watch: it’s a different grade with tungsten.
Is VG-10 cobalt steel?
It contains about 1.5% cobalt, so listings often call it cobalt stainless. It isn’t a cobalt-base alloy like Joewell’s CBA-1, which is about half cobalt. The cobalt guide explains the difference.
Next step
Choosing between VG-10 and the cheaper steel? Read VG-10 vs 440C, then shortlist in the scissor finder.