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Japanese hair shears for considered cutting choices

VG-10 Steel in Hair Shears

A useful grade to recognise when comparing Japanese shear models.

By JapanShears Editorial Updated

Hands inspecting a closed shear beside a loupe, notebook and comb.
Read the listed steel grade alongside the blade geometry, handle and service requirements.

VG-10 is a stainless steel used in a range of Japanese shear models. The label helps identify material, while the blade and handle decide whether a particular shear suits you.

Look at the build

A VG-10 cutter can have different lengths, edge grinds and handle shapes. Compare those with your main technique. For a set, inspect the second tool too: a fine blending thinner and a wide-tooth texturiser do different jobs.

Browse Juntetsu or Ichiro for examples. Read the individual product variant for its stated steel and size rather than applying one specification to every shear in a brand.

Keep the edge working

Wipe, dry and store the tool protected. If the cut starts pushing hair, check cleanliness and tension before arranging service. Ask a sharpener to maintain the original grind. For a common comparison, see VG-10 versus 440C.