100% HANDMADE Our craftsman trained in Japan only uses the finest HITACHI/AICHI/YAMAMURA ATS-314 Japanese steel to ensure unmatched razor-sharp convex edges. They are 30% lighter than conventional shears. The Monarch comes with a ball bearing system in the pivot area and a swivel thumb for effortless movement with crisp clean cuts. We have added nylon glide strips at the back of the blades for an additional silky smooth feel. They have a Rockwell hardness of 62-63.