Forged Steel vs. Cast Steel: Which is Better for Shear Blades?

When it comes to purchasing a pair of hair cutting shears, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is choosing between forged steel and cast steel. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two methods of manufacturing shear blades and highlight the benefits of choosing forged steel.

What is Forging?

Forging involves the use of compressive force to shape metal, resulting in a material that will stay sharp longer. The process of forging dates back centuries when sword makers would pound the sword with hammers to drive the molecules more tightly together. Today, cutlery is drop forged with tremendous weight being dropped onto the mold to pound the steel into the shape desired. The steel is heated to about 1200F prior to the forging process, so it can be formed by the mold. After forging, the steel is put into a cold oil bath to crystallize and harden the steel, leaving it compressed, strong, and able to hold an edge well.

What is Casting?

Casting is the other method of giving a blade its shape, which involves heating the metal to a liquid form, around 2500F, and then pouring it into a mold. However, when the metal cools in the mold, it expands, leaving the molecules much more widely separated. As a result, cast shears do not stay sharp as long as forged shears. Furthermore, cast shears tend to become brittle and chip or nick more easily, and service technicians cannot make adjustments to the arch of the blade without it breaking. Therefore, cast shears have an overall shorter lifespan than forged shears.

Benefits of Forged Steel

1. Longer-lasting sharpness: Forged steel maintains a sharp edge longer than cast steel, making it an ideal choice for hair cutting shears.
2. Strength and durability: The compression process of forging steel results in a stronger and more durable material that can withstand the rigors of daily salon use.
3. Flexibility: Forged steel has a degree of flexibility that allows it to bend and flex without breaking or cracking, making it an excellent choice for thinning and texturizing shears.
4. Precision: The forging process results in a precise and accurate blade that can be sharpened to a fine edge, providing clean and precise cuts every time.
5. Quality: Forged steel is a mark of quality and craftsmanship, as it requires a higher level of skill and expertise to produce than cast steel.

Conclusion

While it may be difficult to tell the difference between forged and cast shears by sight, it is important to understand the manufacturing process and the benefits of each. Choosing forged steel for your hair cutting shears will provide you with a longer-lasting, durable, and precise tool that will help you create beautiful hairstyles for your clients.

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