Why steel choice matters
Steel determines how the edge feels on day one and how it holds up after 200 clients. VG-10 and 440C sit at the heart of our value and professional tiers, so understanding the gap helps you time upgrades without guesswork.
| Factor | VG-10 | 440C |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness (HRC) | 60-62 | 58-60 |
| Edge retention (pro use) | 8-12 months between sharpenings | 4-6 months between sharpenings |
| Cutting feel | Smooth convex glide for slide and point work | Firm bite that excels at blunt work |
| Corrosion resistance | Excellent thanks to vanadium content | Strong chromium base, still needs diligent drying |
| Typical price (AUD) | $450-$750 in pro-tier kits | $200-$400 in value kits |
| Ideal user | Full-time stylists ready for longer service intervals | Apprentices and mobile stylists building habits |
How VG-10 behaves on the floor
VG-10 mixes carbon, chromium, molybdenum, and vanadium to create a hard matrix that resists micro-chipping. The payoff is a blade that glides through slide cutting and keeps tension consistent across long booking blocks.
Expect to book specialist convex sharpeners every 8-12 months if you log daily care properly. That longer cadence offsets the higher ticket price and keeps your kit in service while you are busiest.
Brands using VG-10 well
- Juntetsu: Direct-from-Japan QC and offset handles make the upgrade from value kits painless.
- Ichiro VG-10 sets: Extend edge life while keeping the familiar ergonomics apprentices already trust.
- Select Mizutani models: Pair VG-10 cores with proprietary cladding for stylists not ready for full cobalt.
From Experience: When you are ready to feel how a premium edge glides through dry slide work, VG-10 is the sweet spot before you jump into cobalt alloys.
Where 440C still shines
440C offers a slightly softer matrix that forgives inconsistent tension and the occasional nick from comb contact. That makes it ideal while you are still enforcing the daily wipe, oil, and log routine with new team members.
Sharpen 440C every 4-6 months under professional workloads. Budget the shorter cadence into your maintenance plan and rotate backups so no one pushes a dull edge through a Saturday rush.
Brands keeping 440C honest
- Mina: Bundled kits teach apprentices to respect maintenance while staying inside a starter budget.
- Ichiro 440C ranges: Reliable backups for mobile stylists who need predictable ergonomics without premium pricing.
- Yasaka entry models: A solid choice for blunt work when you have access to competent local sharpeners.
Pro Tip: Pair a 440C workhorse with a VG-10 or cobalt edge so you can alternate between heavy scissor-over-comb days and precision sessions without burning through a single blade.
Choosing the right upgrade path
- Audit your cadence: If you are sharpening every 4 months and the edge still collapses mid-week, it is time to step into VG-10.
- Match technique to edge: Slide cutting loves VG-10, while pure blunt work can stay on 440C longer.
- Check budget vs downtime: Spending more upfront on VG-10 is cheaper than losing clients while waiting for an urgent sharpening.
- Plan maintenance: Lock in specialists using the sharpening protocol before you upgrade.
- Verify authenticity: Use the authenticity checklist so the steel inside the blade matches the engraving.
Need help mapping the next step? Email me via the contact page with your current kit, service mix, and sharpening access, and I’ll point you to the right combination.