Dr. Larrin Thomas designed CPM MagnaCut in 2021 to combine toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance in ways that older premium steels rarely achieved simultaneously. Five years later, MagnaCut appears across nearly every major knife catalog, and the conversation has shifted from the steel itself to the knife designs built around it. Our current MagnaCut lineup includes folding knives by Jesper Voxnaes, Jared Oeser, Maximilian Tietzel, and the Chris Reeve Sebenza 31.
What Makes MagnaCut Special
MagnaCut is a powder-metallurgy stainless tool steel developed specifically for knives. Most premium blade steels originated in other industries before being adapted for knife use, but Thomas developed MagnaCut to address failure points that persisted in older alloys.
MagnaCut contains roughly 10.7% chromium, below the traditional threshold for stainless steels. Instead of relying on chromium carbides, the alloy uses vanadium and niobium carbides, leaving more chromium available in solution to form the oxide layer that resists corrosion. That metallurgy allows MagnaCut to maintain stainless performance despite the lower chromium percentage on paper.
The toughness lands near CPM-4V, while edge retention falls between S35VN and S45VN in CATRA testing, with wear occurring gradually rather than through frequent micro-chipping. In corrosion testing, MagnaCut showed no visible corrosion after 72 hours in a 1% saltwater solution, while CruWear developed visible corrosion under the same conditions. Our specifications for MagnaCut models range from 62 to 64 HRC.
How MagnaCut Compares with M390, S35VN, and CPM-3V
M390 posts slightly higher CATRA edge-retention numbers but gives up toughness and some corrosion resistance while remaining more prone to chipping under hard use. S35VN remains one of the more balanced stainless steels, though MagnaCut outperforms it overall. CPM-3V offers greater toughness but demands more corrosion maintenance, particularly in humid climates or coastal carry.
MagnaCut is also easier to sharpen than steels such as M390 or S90V because of its lower carbide volume. Diamond or CBN abrasives still produce the best results due to the steel’s 4% vanadium content, since vanadium carbides are harder than the aluminum oxide used in conventional sharpening stones.
Our MagnaCut Folding Knives
Our MagnaCut lineup ranges from the F5.5 series to the semi-integral Nitroglide, with clean, compact folding-knife designs serving as the common thread throughout the collection.
The URBAN F5.5 Family by Jesper Voxnaes
The F5.5 is one of our most recognizable folding knives. Based on Voxnaes’s custom Vox F5, the production version uses a 2.9-inch MagnaCut blade hardened to 62-64 HRC on 4 mm stock, with nested titanium liners, a ceramic pivot, and a liner lock.
Current MagnaCut configurations include Dark-Rubbed MagnaCut with Darkwashed Titanium, Acid-Etched MagnaCut with Natural Brown Micarta, and Belt Satin DLC MagnaCut with Purple Flow Camo Carbon Fiber. The Polished DLC MagnaCut with Burgundy Micarta is a Yamato Club Exclusive.
The weight ranges from 3.1 to 4.4 ounces depending on handle material. Differences between the models come down to carry preference and visual character, rather than mechanical changes.
The URBAN Straighthawk Wharncliffe by Jared Oeser
The Straighthawk emerged from a three-year collaboration with custom maker Jared Oeser. Its modified Wharncliffe MagnaCut blade favors precise cutting work where the F5.5’s broader drop-point profile is less focused. The stonewashed MagnaCut blade measures 2.57 inches, while total length remains under six inches. The handle combines micro-milled stonewashed titanium scales with a solid titanium pocket clip.
The knife opens through either a nail nick or front flipper tab, uses a liner lock, and weighs 2.8 ounces. Buyers working with packaging, scribe lines, or detailed cutting tasks get blade geometry tailored more closely to those tasks while retaining the same MagnaCut steel used in the F5.5.
The URBAN Nitroglide Semi-Integral by Toni Tietzel
The Nitroglide was developed by Maximilian Tietzel as a semi-integral frame lock. Instead of using conventional scales, a backspacer, and a stop pin, the titanium handle relies on a two-piece construction that keeps the profile minimal and uninterrupted. The MagnaCut blade measures 3.42 inches and is 0.126 inches thick, with integrated bearings and washers, along with front-flipper and reverse-flick deployment.
Current configurations include the Blurple Anodized Stonewashed Titanium model, as well as Two-Toned MagnaCut with Blasted Titanium and Darkwashed MagnaCut with Darkwashed Titanium, all weighing 3.4 ounces. The Nitroglide suits buyers who want a larger MagnaCut folder with a stronger focus on industrial design and construction details, without sacrificing everyday utility.
The URBAN Finback Frame-Lock With Micarta Scales
The Finback is the most pocketable knife in the lineup. It uses a three-inch darkwashed acid-etched or stonewashed MagnaCut blade hardened to 62-64 HRC, combined with a titanium frame lock and Micarta scales in either Blue Denim or Natural Linen.
A low-profile titanium pocket clip keeps the knife riding deep in the pocket without adding unnecessary weight. Buyers wanting a compact MagnaCut frame lock with a slightly larger blade profile than the F5.5 will likely choose the Finback.
Chris Reeve’s MagnaCut Sebenza 31
The Sebenza is one of the defining modern frame-lock folding knives. Chris Reeve developed the Integral Lock in 1987 as an evolution of Michael Walker’s liner lock, and the current MagnaCut Sebenza 31 remains one of the most popular American titanium folders.
The Small Sebenza 31 in Glass-Blasted Titanium
We offer the Small Sebenza 31 in stonewashed MagnaCut with a glass-blasted 6AL4V titanium frame and Black Canvas Micarta inlays, plus a polished drop point MagnaCut version with Natural Canvas Micarta. The blade measures 2.99 inches long, 0.12 inches thick, and 6.98 inches overall.
Both use the Reeve Integral Lock with the Ceramic Ball Interface and an offset pocket clip. They weigh 2.7 to 2.8 ounces, depending on configuration. Chris Reeve Knives builds the Sebenza in Idaho and backs it with a Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Why a Drop Point Sebenza in MagnaCut Is a Long-Term Buy
The Sebenza 31 built its reputation on tight tolerances and a frame-lock interface designed for years of repeated use. MagnaCut adds strong corrosion resistance, edge retention comparable to M390, and easier sharpening than many high-carbide stainless steels.
Buyers wanting a durable folding knife will find a strong case for the MagnaCut Sebenza 31. The platform combines proven construction with a steel that handles humid pocket carry, extended cutting use, and routine maintenance without specialized care or frequent sharpening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPM MagnaCut steel?
CPM MagnaCut is a powder-metallurgy stainless tool steel engineered specifically for knives, with a chemistry that delivers toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance.
How was MagnaCut invented?
Dr. Larrin Thomas developed MagnaCut after studying the trade-offs in premium knife steels, particularly the balance among toughness, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. Crucible Industries produced the first heats in 2021, while Niagara Specialty Metals handled early test batches. Following Crucible’s bankruptcy, production later continued under Erasteel.
Is MagnaCut a good EDC steel?
Yes. MagnaCut performs especially well for EDC because it combines strong corrosion resistance with relatively manageable sharpening and dependable edge stability under regular use. It handles humid carry conditions, extended cutting tasks, and routine maintenance better than many older premium stainless steels.
Is MagnaCut better than M390?
MagnaCut scores slightly lower than M390 in pure CATRA edge-retention testing, but offers greater toughness and stronger corrosion resistance. M390 is more prone to chipping under hard use and requires more attention in humid carry conditions. For humid conditions, heavy use, and low maintenance, MagnaCut is usually the more practical choice.
Is MagnaCut better than S35VN?
Compared with S35VN, MagnaCut handles harder use and humid carry conditions more effectively while maintaining similar sharpening difficulty. S35VN remains a dependable premium stainless steel, though MagnaCut generally performs better under heavier day-to-day use.
Does MagnaCut rust?
Under normal everyday carry conditions, corrosion is rarely a concern with MagnaCut. Humid climates, pocket sweat, and routine exposure to moisture are unlikely to cause problems with basic maintenance, though prolonged contact with saltwater or acidic materials can still affect the steel over time.
How hard is MagnaCut?
Depending on heat treatment, hardness typically ranges from 59 to 64 HRC, with the best balance near 62 to 63 HRC. Our specifications for the F5.5, Straighthawk, Nitroglide, and Finback range from 62 to 64 HRC.
Is MagnaCut hard to sharpen?
Sharpening is relatively easy compared to other powder-metallurgy stainless steels. MagnaCut has a lower carbide volume than M390 or S90V, which reduces abrasive resistance during sharpening. Diamond or CBN stones are preferred because of the steel’s 4% vanadium content, though conventional stones can still produce an effective working edge.
Which MagnaCut EDC knives deserve the most attention?
Our MagnaCut lineup includes designs by Jesper Voxnaes, Jared Oeser, and Maximilian Tietzel. In addition, the Chris Reeve Sebenza 31 remains one of the defining American titanium-frame-lock platforms in the Lineup.
What is the URBAN F5.5?
The URBAN F5.5 is our best-selling production folding knife, based on Voxnaes’s custom Vox F5. Its current MagnaCut configurations use a 2.9-inch blade with 62 to 64 HRC, featuring nested titanium liners, a ceramic pivot, and a liner-lock action.
Is the Chris Reeve Sebenza available in MagnaCut?
Yes. The Small Sebenza 31 ships in CPM MagnaCut with glass-blasted titanium frames in either Black Canvas Micarta or Natural Canvas Micarta inlay configurations. Both feature the Reeve Integral Lock and Ceramic Ball Interface.
