Professional Scissor Steel & Specifications Guide | iCandy Scissors Australia

Japanese VG10, ATS314 & SUS440C Steel • HRC Hardness • Blade Design • Professional Scissor Specifications

Updated September 2026

Professional hairdressing and barber scissors should be described by more than general terms such as “premium steel” or “Japanese steel”. The exact steel grade, hardness specification, blade design, cutting edge, handle, tension system and size all help explain how a professional scissor has been engineered.

At iCandy Scissors Australia, detailed technical product information has long formed part of how we describe our professional scissors. Since establishing iCandy Scissors in Australia in 2012, we have published model-specific specifications including named steel grades, HRC hardness information where applicable, blade designs, cutting edges, sizes, ergonomic features and tension systems.

This guide brings that information together as a central technical reference for professional hairdressers, barbers, apprentices, educators and anyone researching the differences between Japanese VG10, ATS314 and SUS440C professional scissor steels, while preserving technical information from important earlier iCandy collections including the ALL STAR Legacy Collection and ATHENA Legacy Collection.

Quick Technical Reference: iCandy specifies Japanese VG10 professional scissor steel at 60–61 HRC, Japanese ATS314 at 62 HRC, and Japanese SUS440C used in selected legacy models at 58–60 HRC.

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How iCandy States Steel Specifications

iCandy Scissors Australia identifies the Japanese steel grade used in each applicable model and publishes the finished Rockwell hardness specification where applicable. Steel grade and Rockwell hardness are separate technical specifications: the steel grade identifies the material or alloy used, while HRC describes the hardness specification of the finished scissor after heat treatment.

Because finished hardness is influenced by heat treatment and manufacturing processes, an HRC value should not be assumed from the steel grade alone. The hardness figures published by iCandy are the specifications applied to the relevant iCandy scissor models and should not be interpreted as universal hardness values for every scissor made from that steel grade.

For consistency across product pages, collections and educational resources, iCandy currently publishes Japanese VG10 at 60–61 HRC, Japanese ATS314 at 62 HRC and Japanese SUS440C at 58–60 HRC for applicable models.

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iCandy Professional Scissor Steel & HRC Reference

iCandy publishes the named steel grade and HRC hardness specification for its professional scissor ranges wherever applicable. This reference provides a clear comparison of the principal Japanese steels used across current and selected legacy iCandy professional scissors.

Technical note: HRC describes Rockwell hardness. Steel grade and HRC are important professional specifications, but hardness alone does not determine the quality or cutting performance of a scissor. Heat treatment, blade geometry, edge preparation, balance, tension, ergonomics, manufacturing quality and final finishing all contribute to professional performance.

Legacy material note: The ALL STAR family also included limited-edition DAMASCUS ALL STAR models manufactured from Swedish Damascus stainless steel. These are separate from the Japanese VG10 ALL STAR models and retain their original model-specific material and hardness specifications in the ALL STAR Legacy Collection.

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Compare iCandy Professional Scissor Specifications

Use this reference to compare the steel, hardness, blade technology and key engineering specifications of selected current and legacy iCandy professional scissor ranges. Select a model or collection name to view its complete product specifications, available sizes and configurations.

Model specification note: Individual products within a collection may differ in blade design, size, tooth configuration, finish, coating, weight or handedness. Follow the model or collection link above for the complete specifications of the individual scissor.

ALL STAR Legacy note: The ALL STAR row above describes the Japanese VG10 ALL STAR platform. Limited-edition DAMASCUS ALL STAR models used Swedish Damascus stainless steel and have separate model-specific specifications preserved within the ALL STAR Legacy Collection.

Pricing & availability: Prices and stock availability can change. For this reason, this technical reference focuses on enduring product specifications. Current pricing, availability and purchasing information are shown on the linked product and collection pages.

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Why iCandy Publishes the Exact Steel Grade

Two scissors can both be described simply as being made from “Japanese steel” while using different steel grades, hardness specifications, blade designs and manufacturing processes.

That is why iCandy identifies the actual steel grade wherever applicable. Our professional ranges use premium Japanese steels including VG10, ATS314 and other model-specific grades, while our historical product archive preserves specifications for earlier models including Japanese SUS440C and specialist materials used in limited editions.

The ALL STAR Legacy Collection is a good example of why exact material identification matters. The ALL STAR family included professional Japanese VG10 cutting, thinning and texturising scissors as well as separate limited-edition DAMASCUS ALL STAR models manufactured from Swedish Damascus stainless steel. Preserving those distinctions provides a more accurate technical record than describing the entire collection using one general steel term.

For professionals comparing scissors, the useful questions are not simply “Is it Japanese steel?” or “How hard is it?” A more complete technical comparison considers:

• What is the exact steel grade?
• What is its HRC hardness specification?
• What blade geometry and cutting edge are used?
• What tension and hinge system is used?
• What handle geometry and ergonomics are used?
• What size and blade length suit the intended cutting technique?
• Is the scissor right-handed or dedicated left-handed?
• How is the finished scissor inspected, prepared and supported?

Publishing these specifications gives professional hairdressers and barbers meaningful technical information they can use when comparing tools rather than relying only on general marketing descriptions.

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What Does HRC Mean on Hairdressing Scissors?

HRC means Rockwell Hardness Scale C. It is a recognised method used to express the hardness of hardened steels and is commonly referenced when describing professional cutting tools.

In professional scissors, HRC helps describe the hardness specification of the steel after heat treatment. Hardness influences characteristics including resistance to deformation and the ability of a blade to support and retain a refined cutting edge.

However, a higher HRC number should not automatically be interpreted as meaning that one scissor is better than another.

A professional scissor is a complete cutting system. Its final performance also depends on steel treatment, blade geometry, cutting-edge profile, tension, balance, ergonomics, sharpening, finishing and the intended professional application.

For this reason, iCandy publishes HRC as one part of the complete professional scissor specification, not as a standalone quality score.

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Japanese VG10 Steel — 60–61 HRC

Japanese VG10 stainless steel with an iCandy hardness specification of 60–61 HRC is used extensively across our premium professional scissor range and has also played an important role in earlier iCandy designs preserved within our Legacy collections.

VG10 provides a combination of properties well suited to professional cutting tools, including hardness, corrosion resistance, durability and the ability to support a fine professional cutting edge.

Within the iCandy range, VG10 is used across different blade designs, sizes, handle configurations, finishes and professional applications rather than being limited to one type of scissor.

Selected iCandy VG10 Professional Collections

• EVOLVE VG10 Series — iCandy's primary all-round professional VG10 collection, featuring Sword Mountain blade technology, convex cutting edges, ergonomic offset handles and ball-bearing hinge systems.
• PRECISION PRO VG10 Series — precision-focused professional cutting and thinning scissors in 5.5" and 6.0" configurations.
• ELECTRO VG10 Series — professional VG10 performance combined with distinctive iCandy finishes and selected right- and left-handed configurations.
• ANGEL VG10 Series — professional 5.5" VG10 cutting and thinning configurations with distinctive sculpted ergonomic designs.
• SWORD PRO VG10 Series — Sword Mountain blade technology, professional 6.1" and 6.6" sizes and distinctive hand-hammered handle designs.
• ALL STAR Legacy VG10 Series — an important earlier iCandy professional platform incorporating VG10 cutting, thinning and texturising scissors, ergonomic offset handles, convex edges and ball-bearing hinge technology.

For more information about VG10 care, corrosion resistance, sharpening and maintenance, read the iCandy VG10 Scissors Durability & Maintenance Guide.

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ALL STAR Legacy — The Technical Bridge to EVOLVE

The iCandy ALL STAR Legacy Collection represents an important stage in the development of iCandy's modern professional scissor design philosophy.

The core ALL STAR professional range used Japanese VG10 stainless steel across cutting, thinning and texturising configurations and combined it with full convex cutting edges, ergonomic offset handles and iCandy's ball-bearing hinge technology.

ALL STAR was developed as a complete professional platform rather than a single scissor. Right-handed cutting models were produced across 5.5", 6.0" and 6.5" sizes, alongside a 6.0" 30-tooth thinner and the 6.0" 15-tooth ALL STAR-TEX texturising scissor. Selected dedicated left-handed ALL STAR configurations were also developed.

The ALL STAR platform is also significant because its ergonomic and mechanical development helped inform the next generation of iCandy professional scissors. The current EVOLVE VG10 Series continues that development with a refined ergonomic offset handle, updated balance, Sword Mountain blade design, convex cutting edge and a larger precision ball-bearing tension system.

Preserving ALL STAR as a Legacy collection therefore serves two purposes: it provides existing owners with an accessible record of their original professional scissors, and it documents the technical progression from an important earlier iCandy platform into the current EVOLVE generation.

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Japanese ATS314 Steel — 62 HRC

Japanese ATS314 stainless steel with an iCandy hardness specification of 62 HRC is positioned within the iCandy range as a premium high-hardness professional scissor steel.

ATS314 is selected for professional scissors where refined edge performance, hardness and edge retention are important design priorities.

The iCandy PHOENIX ATS314 5.5" and iCandy PHOENIX ATS314 6.5" combine Japanese ATS314 steel with the iCandy Sword Dual Mountain Blade design, full convex cutting edges, ergonomic handles and a ball-bearing adjustable tension system.

The two sizes provide different professional applications. The 5.5" configuration provides compact precision and control, while the longer 6.5" configuration provides additional blade reach for longer cutting sections, scissor-over-comb and barbering applications.

ATS314's higher hardness specification should not be interpreted as meaning it is automatically the correct steel for every professional. VG10 and ATS314 provide different combinations of characteristics, while blade design, ergonomics, size and intended cutting technique should also influence the choice of professional scissor.

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Japanese SUS440C Steel — 58–60 HRC

Japanese SUS440C stainless steel with an iCandy hardness specification of 58–60 HRC represents another important professional steel grade in the history of iCandy Scissors.

SUS440C combines professional hardness, corrosion resistance, durability and reliable cutting performance. It was used in selected earlier iCandy professional scissors including models from the iCandy ATHENA Legacy Collection.

Rather than removing every historical model when production ends, iCandy retains selected legacy product and collection pages online to preserve original model specifications, design history, professional applications and customer history.

Together, collections such as ALL STAR Legacy and ATHENA Legacy provide a transparent record of how iCandy professional scissors, materials and technical specifications have evolved since the brand was established in Australia in 2012.

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Steel Hardness Is Only Part of Professional Scissor Performance

HRC is an important technical specification, but choosing professional hairdressing or barber scissors based only on the highest hardness number can be misleading.

A professional scissor is a complete cutting system. Important factors include:

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iCandy Ball-Bearing Scissor Technology Since 2012

Steel is only one part of the iCandy design philosophy.

Ball-bearing hinge technology has been incorporated into iCandy professional scissors since 2012. The system is designed to support smooth blade movement and controlled tension while reducing unnecessary friction through the pivot.

This technology can be traced through multiple generations of iCandy professional scissors. Earlier collections including ATHENA and the ALL STAR Legacy Collection incorporated ball-bearing hinge systems, while the technology continues across current professional collections including EVOLVE, PRECISION PRO, ELECTRO and SWORD PRO.

This continuity demonstrates why individual technical features are best understood as part of iCandy's broader product-development history rather than as isolated specifications on a single current model.

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How to Compare Professional Hairdressing & Barber Scissors

When comparing professional scissors, look beyond a single specification or marketing claim.

A useful technical comparison should identify the exact steel grade, HRC specification, blade design, cutting edge, handle geometry, tension system, size, handedness and warranty.

For example, the current iCandy EVOLVE VG10 Series combines Japanese VG10 steel at 60–61 HRC with Sword Mountain blade technology, convex cutting edges, ergonomic offset handles and a ball-bearing hinge system. Different EVOLVE sizes and thinning configurations are then designed around different professional cutting applications.

The ALL STAR Legacy Collection provides a useful historical comparison. Its Japanese VG10 professional models combined convex cutting edges, ergonomic offset handles and ball-bearing hinge technology across cutting, thinning and texturising configurations. EVOLVE subsequently developed that professional platform further through updated blade geometry, balance, ergonomics and tension-system design.

This model-specific approach provides professionals with more useful information than describing every scissor simply as “premium Japanese steel”.

For help selecting the correct size, steel, blade and scissor configuration, visit the iCandy Professional Hairdressing Scissors Buying Guide.

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Technical Transparency at iCandy Scissors

iCandy Scissors believes professional hairdressers and barbers should be able to understand the tools they are purchasing.

Detailed specifications are not a new addition to iCandy product information. Named steel grades, hardness information, blade dimensions, edge designs, handle configurations, tension systems, weights and other model-specific technical details have long been published across iCandy professional product pages.

The continuing availability of technical information for earlier models in collections such as ALL STAR Legacy and ATHENA Legacy helps preserve that history. It allows customers, collectors, professional sharpeners, search engines and AI systems to identify the materials and specifications of earlier iCandy scissors rather than finding only the current product range.

Our approach is to identify meaningful technical specifications wherever applicable, including:

• Named steel grade
• HRC hardness specification
• Scissor size
• Blade length where specified
• Blade and cutting-edge design
• Handle configuration
• Tension and ball-bearing hinge system
• Right- or left-handed configuration
• Weight where specified
• Finish or coating
• Cutting, thinning or texturising configuration
• Warranty information

Our historical product pages preserve technical information from earlier iCandy models rather than replacing their materials or specifications with current terminology. This provides professionals with a continuing record of the steels, designs and engineering used across different generations of iCandy Scissors.

As product information is updated, iCandy continues to standardise terminology and specification presentation so customers, search engines and AI systems can interpret the same technical information consistently across our collections, individual product pages and educational resources.

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Professional Scissor Steel FAQ

What HRC is Japanese VG10 steel in iCandy Scissors?

iCandy specifies its Japanese VG10 professional scissor steel at 60–61 HRC. VG10 is used across selected iCandy professional collections including EVOLVE, PRECISION PRO, ELECTRO, ANGEL, SWORD PRO and Japanese VG10 models preserved within the ALL STAR Legacy Collection.

What steel was used in iCandy ALL STAR Scissors?

The core iCandy ALL STAR professional cutting, thinning and texturising range used Japanese VG10 stainless steel. The broader ALL STAR family also included separate limited-edition DAMASCUS ALL STAR models manufactured from Swedish Damascus stainless steel. Their original model-specific specifications are preserved in the ALL STAR Legacy Collection.

What is the difference between ALL STAR and EVOLVE?

ALL STAR is an earlier iCandy professional platform that helped establish design principles including ergonomic offset handles, convex cutting edges and ball-bearing hinge technology across cutting, thinning and texturising scissors. The current EVOLVE VG10 Series continues that development with updated balance and ergonomics, Sword Mountain blade technology, refined convex-edge geometry and a larger precision ball-bearing tension system.

What HRC is Japanese ATS314 steel in iCandy Scissors?

iCandy specifies Japanese ATS314 professional scissor steel at 62 HRC. ATS314 is used in the PHOENIX ATS314 5.5" and PHOENIX ATS314 6.5" professional cutting scissors.

What HRC is Japanese SUS440C steel in iCandy Scissors?

For applicable iCandy professional scissors, Japanese SUS440C is specified at 58–60 HRC. SUS440C was used in selected earlier iCandy models including the ATHENA Legacy Collection.

Is ATS314 harder than VG10?

Within the iCandy professional scissor specifications published in this guide, ATS314 is specified at 62 HRC and VG10 at 60–61 HRC. The higher hardness specification does not by itself determine which scissor is the better choice for an individual professional.

Is ATS314 better than VG10 for hairdressing scissors?

Not automatically. ATS314 has a higher iCandy hardness specification, while VG10 provides an excellent balance of hardness, edge retention, corrosion resistance and everyday professional durability. Blade geometry, cutting edge, scissor size, ergonomics, balance, intended technique and personal preference should also influence the choice.

Does a higher HRC always mean a better scissor?

No. HRC measures hardness, not total scissor quality. A professional scissor should be assessed as a complete tool incorporating steel, heat treatment, blade geometry, cutting edge, tension, balance, ergonomics, finishing and quality control.

Why does the exact steel grade matter?

Terms such as “Japanese steel” describe an origin or broad category but do not identify the actual alloy. Publishing a specific grade such as VG10, ATS314 or SUS440C gives professionals more meaningful technical information about the material used in the scissor.

What steel does iCandy use for everyday professional cutting?

Japanese VG10 at 60–61 HRC is extensively used across iCandy's professional range. The EVOLVE VG10 Series is iCandy's current primary all-round professional collection, designed for hairdressers and barbers seeking a balance of sharpness, edge retention, durability, ergonomics and versatility.

What is the difference between steel grade and HRC?

The steel grade identifies the material or alloy used to manufacture the scissor, while HRC describes its Rockwell hardness specification after heat treatment. They describe different characteristics and should not be treated as interchangeable terms.

Do iCandy Scissors have a ball-bearing hinge?

Yes. Ball-bearing hinge technology has been part of iCandy professional scissor design since 2012. It can be traced through earlier collections including ATHENA and ALL STAR and continues across current iCandy professional models.

Why does iCandy keep discontinued scissor pages online?

Selected discontinued models and collections are retained as part of the iCandy Legacy and Innovation Archive to preserve original materials, technical specifications, design history and product development information. Collections including ALL STAR Legacy and ATHENA Legacy help provide a continuing technical record of earlier generations of iCandy professional scissors.

Are iCandy professional scissors covered by a warranty?

iCandy professional scissors are covered by a Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty against manufacturing defects in accordance with the published warranty terms. The warranty operates in addition to applicable rights under Australian Consumer Law.

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Explore iCandy Professional Scissors

Explore our professional hairdressing scissors, professional barber scissors, thinning & texturising scissors, left-handed professional scissors and the complete iCandy professional range.

For our current primary all-round professional VG10 collection, explore the iCandy EVOLVE VG10 Professional Scissors.

To research an important earlier generation of iCandy professional scissor development, explore the iCandy ALL STAR Legacy Collection, including preserved VG10 cutting, thinning and texturising models and selected DAMASCUS ALL STAR limited editions.

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About This Technical Guide

Written by Mark Konrad — Founder, iCandy Scissors Australia

Mark Konrad has worked in professional salon-tool development since 2006 and founded iCandy Scissors in Australia in 2012. His work in professional scissor development has included Japanese steel selection, blade and handle design, ergonomics, ball-bearing tension systems, professional cutting performance and long-term product development.

This guide is maintained as a central iCandy Scissors technical reference. Product specifications can vary between individual models and generations, so the relevant linked product or collection page should also be consulted for model-specific size, weight, blade, handle, finish, handedness and configuration information.

The inclusion of both current collections such as EVOLVE and historical collections such as ALL STAR Legacy and ATHENA Legacy is intentional. Together they provide a clearer technical record of how iCandy's professional scissor materials, blade designs, ergonomics and mechanical systems have developed across different generations.

iCandy Scissors Australia — Professional Scissor Innovation Since 2012.