The Finish & Steel Library
What a designer finish actually is — and the steel underneath it.
A rose gold or gold scissor is only as good as the steel under the colour. This is the part worth understanding before you buy.
What a designer finish actually is
A quality coloured finish is a hard surface bonded to the blade — usually a titanium or PVD (physical vapour deposition) coating, or a plated layer — not a coat of paint. It changes how the scissor looks, not how it cuts: the cutting edge is ground into the steel first, then the finish goes on the body. A damascus pattern is different again — it is the steel itself, folded and etched, so the pattern runs right through.
The steels we put it on
- 440C stainless — honest value steel. Takes a clean edge, easy to service, ideal for a first designer pair or a backup.
- VG-10 cobalt — the mid-tier sweet spot: holds a fine edge far longer than 440C.
- ATS-314 / cobalt alloys — premium edge retention, the flagship feel.
Does the colour affect the cut?
No. A well-made finish is durable and edge-neutral. The honest caveat: a cheap coating can wear or chip, which is exactly why we list the steel, hardness and finish on every product and curate finishes that hold up on a working bench.
Next: the buyers guide and caring for a designer finish.