CPM MagnaCut - Stainless Steel Flat Bars

CPM MagnaCut - Stainless Steel Flat Bars

MagnaCut is atomized by Erasteel and hot rolled, annealed, and distributed in the US by Niagara Specialty Metals.

CPM MagnaCut Stainless Steel is a groundbreaking steel designed specifically for the knife industry by metallurgist Larrin Thomas. Released in 2021, it offers an impressive combination of toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance—qualities rarely found together in high-performance blade steels. Unlike many other stainless steels, MagnaCut achieves excellent hardness and edge retention without sacrificing toughness, making it highly versatile for a wide range of knife applications, from EDC to heavy-use outdoor blades.

The particle metallurgy process used to create MagnaCut ensures uniform carbide distribution, contributing to its superior wear resistance, fine edge stability, and ease of sharpening.

Composition

• Carbon – 1.15%
• Chromium – 10.70%
• Vanadium – 2.00%
• Molybdenum – 2.00%
• Niobium – 2.00% 
• Nitrogen – 0.20%
• Manganese – 0.50%
• Iron – Balance

Performance Characteristics

• Toughness 8.5/10 – CPM MagnaCut is exceptionally tough for a stainless steel, outperforming many other high-end stainless steels like CPM S35VN or M390 in this category. It resists chipping and breaking, making it suitable for everything from small EDC knives to larger survival or tactical blades.

• Edge retention 8/10 – MagnaCut offers excellent edge retention, performing similarly to steels like CPM 20CV and M390. Its fine carbide structure helps maintain a sharp edge over time, and its balanced composition makes it easier to sharpen compared to higher-vanadium steels while still offering strong wear resistance.

• Corrosion resistance 10/10 – One of MagnaCut’s standout features is its superior corrosion resistance. With nearly 11% chromium, it excels in harsh environments where exposure to moisture and corrosive elements would quickly degrade other steels. It is an ideal choice for knives used in marine, outdoor, or kitchen applications where corrosion resistance is critical.

Recommended Heat Treatment

• Coat blade in an anti-scale compound or seal in double crimped 309-grade stainless steel tool wrap
• Austenitise – Heat to 1080-1100°C and hold for 20-30 minutes
• Quench between aluminum plates, or oil quench
• Cryogenic Treatment – Immerse in liquid nitrogen or dry ice slurry for 1 hour or more to convert retained austenite to martensite and increase hardness
• Temper at 150-200°C for 2 hours, twice, depending on the desired hardness

Note: Cryogenic treatment is recommended for optimal performance, but MagnaCut can also achieve great results without it. For maximum toughness, aim for lower austenitising temperatures and moderate tempering. Higher temperatures yield better wear resistance and edge retention, making it versatile for different blade applications.

Approximate As-Quenched Hardness Before Tempering:

• 1080-1100°C followed by liquid nitrogen – 63-65HRC
• 1080-1100°C followed by dry ice – 62-64HRC

Recommended Working Hardness
61-63HRC