Choosing the right steel helps you schedule maintenance properly and keep clients happy. Use this quick cheat sheet to align alloys with everyday services. All recommendations draw from our steel explainers and publicly documented manufacturer data.
| Service type | Recommended steel(s) | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship basics, blunt cutting, sectioning | 440C | Affordable, easy to sharpen, teaches tension control |
| Mixed wet/dry salon work, colour-heavy schedules | VG-10, ZA-18 | Balanced glide, corrosion resistance, manageable maintenance |
| Precision slide/point cutting, advanced salon work | ATS-314, Cobalt Alloy | Silky glide, higher hardness, holds edges longer |
| Dry cutting, editorial detail, education demos | Nano Powder Metal (NPM) | Ultra-low drag, long-lasting convex edge |
| Premium bridal/editorial services where presentation matters | Powder Damascus | Powder-core performance with showpiece aesthetics |
How to use this guide
- Audit your service mix: Note hours spent on blunt work, colour services, dry cutting, and education per stylist.
- Match alloys: Start with steels that align with the majority of the work; use premium alloys for specialised services.
- Plan maintenance: Follow the maintenance hub for daily care and set reminders using the annual calendar.
- Review upgrade paths: Use the ATS-314 vs ZA-18 comparison and other steel guides when planning new investments.
Related resources
- 440C steel overview
- VG-10 steel guide
- ZA-18 steel guide
- ATS-314 steel guide
- Cobalt alloy explainer
- Nano Powder Metal guide
- Powder Damascus guide
Need help selecting a steel mix for your team? Share your current kit via the contact page and we’ll respond with factual guidance.