Steel selection dictates knife performance in daily use. CPM MagnaCut redefines stainless steel by achieving corrosion resistance through complete chromium dissolution rather than chromium carbide formation. This approach enhances toughness, hardness, and rust resistance in everyday carry knives.
MagnaCut was engineered to eliminate chromium carbides while keeping stainless properties, achieve high hardness with toughness, and create a composition for diverse cutting tasks, requiring a rethink of standard stainless steel chemistry.
The Science Behind MagnaCut’s Corrosion Resistance
MagnaCut features the lowest chromium content among peer stainless steels, yet surpasses many in corrosion resistance tests. Knife Steel Nerds’ metallurgical research found no visible corrosion on MagnaCut after 72 hours in a 1% saltwater solution.
CPM 20CV showed small spots under identical conditions, while other steels displayed substantial rusting. The zKnives metallurgical database ranks MagnaCut between CPM 20CV and Vanax for corrosion resistance, surpassing established steels such as CPM-154, CPM S30V, CPM S35VN, and Takefu SG2.
This result arises from the core chemistry of chromium. Knife Steel Nerds notes that MagnaCut achieves rust resistance by fully dissolving chromium in the steel. While most stainless steels generate chromium carbides during heat treatment, MagnaCut retains all chromium in solution.
Metallurgical analysis indicates that 10% to 13% chromium in solution provides stainless properties. MagnaCut operates at the lower end of this range but maximizes effectiveness by preventing chromium carbide formation entirely.
Hardness Specifications and Heat Treatment
MagnaCut reaches 59-65 HRC with cryogenic treatment, according to industry sources. The Crucible steel datasheet specifies an operational range of 60 to 64 HRC, with 62.5 HRC representing optimal toughness balance. Technical documentation confirms a maximum working hardness of 65 HRC through cryogenic processing, exceeding typical ranges for both carbon and stainless steels.
Heat treatment requires strict parameters for reproducible results. General guidance calls for austenitizing at 2050°F, followed by plate or oil quenching, then two 2-hour tempers at 350°F. This regimen yields 61 to 62.5 HRC with balanced edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Most makers choose 60-62 HRC for production knives to optimize performance.
Edge Retention Performance
CATRA testing by Crucible Industries measured MagnaCut at 62.5 HRC, scoring 135% relative to 440C baseline. This places it between S35VN at 130% and S45VN at 140%. Metallurgist testing confirmed edge retention matching S35VN, CPM-4V, and CPM-CruWear under standardized conditions.
The carbide structure contributes to these results. Technical documentation shows MagnaCut produces finer carbides than CPM-154, M390, Elmax, and S35VN. Only Vanax offers a similar carbide-refinement approach among stainless PM steels. MagnaCut’s structure is somewhat finer than that of CPM-4V and Vanadis 4 Extra, the non-stainless steels that served as design templates.
Toughness Characteristics
Knife steel testing resources report MagnaCut toughness matching CPM-4V and Vanadis 4 Extra, surpassing respected non-stainless options like CPM-M4 and A2. Performance exceeds that of common powder-metallurgy stainless steels, including 20CV, M390, S30V, S35VN, CPM-154, and S90V. A comparative analysis shows that MagnaCut at 65 HRC matches the toughness of S35VN and Vanax at 60 to 61 HRC.
Dr. Larrin Thomas, the steel’s developer, designed MagnaCut to replicate the microstructures of non-stainless steels while maintaining corrosion resistance. The composition balances carbon and chromium to prevent chromium carbide formation while keeping sufficient chromium in solution for rust prevention. Large chromium carbides in other PM stainless steels reduce both toughness and corrosion resistance.
Manufacturing Process
Crucible Industries produces CPM MagnaCut through its Crucible Particle Metallurgy process. Metallurgical sources describe the sequence: raw materials melt to form a uniform alloy, then atomization with high-pressure gas streams produces fine powder particles. This powder-consolidation method produces the refined carbide structure that is essential to MagnaCut’s properties.
The resulting microstructure differs from conventional stainless steels. Eliminating chromium carbides while maintaining fine, evenly distributed vanadium and niobium carbides creates the combination of toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance that characterizes MagnaCut performance.
Sharpening and Maintenance Properties
Knife experts cite specific sharpening benefits for MagnaCut. Chad Nell reported easier sharpening than CPM-154 with a crisper edge. Knifemakers note extremely sharp finishes, responsive stone feedback, and reliable stropping. Burr removal is simple, with users finding MagnaCut easier to sharpen than CPM-4V.
Machining characteristics favor production efficiency. User experience reports indicate that annealed MagnaCut machines are easier to use than 20CV and S30V. This workability reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining performance advantages in finished products.
EDC Applications and Versatility
Knife steel analysis shows CPM MagnaCut works well for many applications, from heavy-use blades to fine-edge cutters, with high stain resistance. Experts note that removing chromium carbides gives MagnaCut better edge retention and a superior toughness balance compared to previous PM stainless steels. This toughness allows for thinner, acute edges with less chipping, enhancing both cutting ability and retention when blade geometry matches the steel's properties.
The steel works well for different knife designs. Kitchen knives, thin slicers, large choppers, and outdoor tools all benefit from MagnaCut’s properties. Reviewers note good performance in hunting, fishing, and camping uses. Mid-sized folders and fixed blades perform strongly in these roles, with drop-point designs suited for outdoor tasks. Low maintenance needs and saltwater tolerance support its use in various settings.
Performance Comparisons
MagnaCut occupies a specific position in the steel hierarchy based on measurable properties. Corrosion resistance exceeds that of most stainless knife steels while approaching that of specialized alloys like Vanax and LC200N. Toughness matches or exceeds non-stainless favorites at higher hardness levels. Edge retention falls between S35VN and S45VN, providing practical cutting performance without extreme brittleness.
These characteristics create flexibility in knife design. Thin, hard edges become practical due to toughness reserves. Outdoor and marine environments pose minimal corrosion risk. Daily cutting tasks benefit from consistent edge retention without difficult maintenance requirements.
Practical Considerations
MagnaCut addresses common knife steel compromises through metallurgical innovation rather than incremental improvement. Complete chromium dissolution maximizes corrosion resistance efficiency. Fine carbide structure enables high hardness without brittleness penalties. A balanced composition supports a range of heat treatments for application-specific optimization.
Users benefit through reduced maintenance, extended edge life, and reliability across environmental conditions. Manufacturers gain workability advantages during production while delivering measurable performance improvements. The steel functions effectively across knife categories from kitchen cutlery to outdoor tools, reducing inventory complexity for makers and retailers.
MagnaCut results from deliberate engineering to meet specific performance goals. Its measurable advantages in corrosion resistance, achievable hardness, toughness at hardness, and practical sharpening characteristics provide real benefits for everyday carry applications. Our implementation of MagnaCut in the F5.5 and other models shows how we apply these properties to enhance cutting tool performance.