MagnaCut has been available for a couple of years now. When it was first introduced, it was just a fantasy for the knife community to have a knife made of this renowned steel. However, now knife enthusiasts worldwide have this steel in their collections. With MagnaCut being used in mainstream production, we have gained a lot more insight into it. So, if you have any questions about MagnaCut, you’ve come to the right place!
What is MagnaCut?
CPM MagnaCut is a steel alloy specifically designed for premium knife use. It excels in all areas, offering excellent toughness, edge retention, and exceptional corrosion resistance. Many knife steels usually involve tradeoffs, sacrificing one quality for another, but Dr. Larrin Thomas, a professional metallurgist and writer of knifesteelnerds.com, incorporated innovative techniques to ensure that MagnaCut excels simultaneously in all aspects. It possesses the toughness of CPM-4V (a hard-use steel commonly found in high-end fixed blades) and the stainless properties of CPM-20CV (a well-established premium knife steel predominantly used in folders). Truly impressive!
Is MagnaCut a Great Steel?
Yes, MagnaCut offers a combination of properties that make it suitable for any knife. Its toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention are all exceptional, making it a reliable choice for everything from small folders to large choppers. Furthermore, knifemakers appreciate its fine and consistent grain, which simplifies the grinding and polishing process.
Is MagnaCut Expensive?
While MagnaCut is pricier than many conventional blade steels, it is on par with other powder steels. Its production process does not involve unconventional ingredients or techniques that require new equipment or personnel, resulting in a cost similar to other premium steels. In fact, due to its lower wear resistance compared to many other powder steels, it requires less abrasives for grinding, making it often slightly less expensive than alternatives.
It’s important to note that the price of a knife, regardless of its steel, is influenced by factors such as design, brand, maker, country of origin, size, and mechanism. Thus, knives with the same blade steel can vary significantly in price. Nonetheless, many enthusiasts, including myself, find the small premium for MagnaCut worthwhile. Ultimately, its value is for you to determine.
Is MagnaCut Stainless?
MagnaCut exhibits exceptional corrosion resistance. This is evident from its use by Benchmade and Spyderco in their Water and Salt lines, respectively. It can withstand regular use in and around saltwater without rusting. However, it’s important to note that while MagnaCut has superb corrosion resistance, it is not rustproof. Extreme conditions, such as cutting car batteries in the Dead Sea (which is discouraged), may lead to some rust.
MagnaCut contains only 10.5% chromium, so by strict definitions, it may not be considered strictly “stainless.” Nevertheless, for practical purposes, it can be treated as a stainless steel without any noticeable differences.
Is MagnaCut Easy to Sharpen?
Similar to many other powder steels, MagnaCut can be somewhat challenging to sharpen using conventional whetstones due to its high wear resistance. Achieving sharpness requires spending a considerable amount of time holding the knife at a very precise angle, demanding patience and practice.
For those looking for an easier way to sharpen MagnaCut, using a diamond plate is recommended. The Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener is a popular choice, as it is affordable, portable, and helps maintain a consistent angle. Alternatively, if you prefer a simpler approach, the Work Sharp Pro PA offers an effortless solution.
Regardless of the steel used, investing in a good diamond sharpener is advisable. It will benefit your knives in the long run.
Is MagnaCut the Ultimate Blade Steel?
No, because there is no singular “ultimate” blade steel. MagnaCut is a well-balanced blade steel, but it may be surpassed by other steels in certain aspects. For instance, CPM S90V boasts superior edge retention, CPM 3V delivers greater toughness, and Vanax exhibits superior corrosion resistance. Various steel alloys offer different performance characteristics, each with its own strengths.
Consequently, it’s not appropriate to compare MagnaCut to other blade steels in a quest to find the “best” option. MagnaCut offers distinctive advantages, excelling in some areas while falling short in others.
MagnaCut, being a highly capable steel, is a safe choice for various knives. A video was created last year to validate its performance (embedded above). Its balanced attributes make it a reliable option for all types of knives. If I had to choose just one knife for the rest of my life, I would opt for something made of MagnaCut. However, opinions may vary, and there are individuals with differing perspectives.
Where is MagnaCut Produced?
MagnaCut is manufactured by Crucible Industries in Syracuse, New York, USA. As of the time of writing, knifemakers in the United States and Europe have access to this steel, while Asian companies are patiently awaiting increased supply or reduced demand. The future will reveal the developments, but for the time being, most MagnaCut knives originate from the USA and Europe.
Why Invest in a MagnaCut Knife?
Having owned and used several knives made of MagnaCut for over a year, I can confidently say that it is my favorite blade steel. As a knife enthusiast, MagnaCut resonates with my preferences. If MagnaCut aligns with your requirements, there are numerous options available at Blade HQ. In recent years, knifemakers worldwide have increasingly utilized MagnaCut in everything from CA-Legal autos to robust fixed blades, catering to a wide range of preferences. Long live MagnaCut!
