Which type of scissor blades hold a sharp edge longer: tungsten carbide or stainless steel?
True
Tungsten Carbide vs. Stainless Steel: The Battle of Hardness
Tungsten Carbide Scissor Blades
Tungsten carbide is a material known for its exceptional hardness. In fact, it is significantly harder than stainless steel. This hardness is a result of the chemical composition of tungsten carbide, which includes tungsten and carbon.
Stainless Steel Scissor Blades
Stainless steel is a durable and corrosion-resistant material commonly used in various applications, including scissor blades. While stainless steel is strong, it is not as hard as tungsten carbide.
Edge Retention
Due to its high hardness, tungsten carbide scissor blades can hold a sharp edge much longer than stainless steel blades. The hardness of a material is crucial in determining its ability to maintain a sharp edge over time.
Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness
To put things into perspective, tungsten carbide typically ranks around 8.5 to 9 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, while stainless steel falls around 6. This significant difference in hardness explains why tungsten carbide blades outperform stainless steel blades in terms of edge retention.
Applications
Tungsten carbide scissor blades are often preferred in applications where long-lasting sharpness is crucial, such as in surgical instruments, industrial cutting tools, and high-end crafting scissors. On the other hand, stainless steel blades are more commonly found in everyday household scissors.
In conclusion, the statement that tungsten carbide scissor blades hold a sharp edge longer than stainless steel ones is true. The superior hardness of tungsten carbide plays a key role in ensuring the longevity of the blade's sharpness, making it a preferred choice for applications requiring extended use without the need for frequent sharpening.