Best MagnaCut Guide In 2023
Hey, BBQ aficionados and kitchen warriors! Tired of your knife dulling faster than a sitcom without a laugh track? Enter Magnacut—the superhero of knife steels! This bad boy grabs your attention like a perfect cup of Ethiopian coffee—bold and complex. Now, why should you care? Simple. Magnacut offers a trifecta of benefits that’ll make your slicing, dicing, and chopping game stronger than ever. Think of it as the lovechild of durability, sharpness, and anti-rust magic. So, if you’re craving knives that stay sharp as your wit and tough as that brisket you just smoked for 12 hours, keep reading. It’s Magnacut or bust!
What is a Magnacut?
Magnacut is a type of knife steel that’s got the knife community doing backflips. Why? Because it’s basically the Swiss Army knife of steels—versatile, durable, and oh-so-sharp.
Picture this: You’re by your BBQ, you’ve got that perfect cut of brisket ready to go, but your knife is duller than a decaf soy latte. A total buzzkill, right? That’s where Magnacut comes in. This steel is engineered for super high performance. It’s corrosion-resistant, so you can slice those tangy BBQ sauces and rubs without a worry. It also holds an edge like a pro, which means it stays sharp for a long time. And let’s not forget toughness. We’re talking “4-hour-smoked-pork-butt” kind of tough!

In short, Magnacut is the steel that’s setting the bar high for kitchen and outdoor knives alike. It’s the perfect blend of everything you’d want: sharpness that cuts through a tomato like it’s melted butter, toughness that can withstand the zombie apocalypse, and corrosion resistance that lets you go from sea salt to BBQ sauce without a hiccup. It’s like the triple-shot espresso of knife steels, and who doesn’t want that, right?
MagnaCut Stainless Steel Information and Composition
Buckle up, because this is like diving into the tasting notes of a fine bourbon.
So, MagnaCut is a creation from the brain of steel guru Larrin Thomas. The guy basically turned steel science into an art form. This new blend of steel takes your regular stainless steels and kicks ’em up several notches—imagine going from instant coffee to a lovingly brewed pour-over.

Composition-wise, MagnaCut is a cocktail of carbon, chromium, molybdenum, and some other elements that might remind you of your high school chemistry class. The specifics are something like 1.15% Carbon, 14% Chromium, 4% Molybdenum, 2% Manganese, and a sprinkle of Nitrogen, Silicon, and Vanadium for that extra flair.
Now let’s break down what this all means:
Carbon (1.15%) – The backbone of hardness. Just like the caffeine in your coffee, it gives the steel its kick.
Chromium (14%) – This is your anti-rust guy. Think of it like the char on a well-grilled steak, protecting the goodness inside.
Molybdenum (4%) – Adds toughness to the steel. It’s like the smokiness in a good bourbon—subtle but essential.
Manganese (2%) – Also aids in hardness and strength. Consider this the spice in your BBQ rub, not the star, but a strong supporting act.
Nitrogen, Silicon, Vanadium – These are like the special sauce, making MagnaCut easier to sharpen, stronger, and even more wear-resistant.

So there you have it, the MagnaCut rundown. It’s a perfectly balanced blend that makes it the go-to for anyone who wants their knives to be as versatile and reliable as a perfectly pulled espresso shot. Whether you’re slicing through a tough cut of meat or finely chopping veggies for your BBQ, MagnaCut’s got your back.
When Did CPM MagnaCut Steel Started?
CPM MagnaCut steel was introduced to the world in 2021. Yeah, it’s pretty much a Gen Z of knife steels, but don’t let its youth fool ya. This newbie took the stage and commanded attention like a freshly uncorked bottle of Pappy Van Winkle at a bourbon tasting.

It’s the brainchild of Larrin Thomas, who worked in collaboration with Crucible Industries, the folks behind some other rockstar steels like CPM-S30V and CPM-S90V. The goal? To make a steel that basically told compromises to take a hike. They wanted something that could do it all: resist corrosion, stay sharp, and withstand a beating—kinda like how you want your BBQ to be both tender and packed with flavor.
So, even though it’s only been around for a couple of years, MagnaCut’s already making waves and finding its way into top-of-the-line kitchen and outdoor knives. It’s like the new kid who shows up and suddenly becomes the star quarterback, the valedictorian, and the prom king, all rolled into one.
How Was MagnaCut Developed?
Ah, the origin story—every superhero, or in this case, super steel, needs one, right? So, sit back and let’s unravel this tale as if it were a complex bourbon with lots of layers to discover.

CPM MagnaCut was developed by Larrin Thomas, who is to steel what pitmasters are to BBQ—a total guru. This isn’t just some random mix of elements thrown together like a half-hearted rub for your ribs. Nah, this is science and engineering at its smoky, complex best.
Larrin worked in cahoots with Crucible Industries, the people who’ve given us other awesome steels like CPM-S30V and CPM-S90V. Together, they decided they wanted a do-it-all steel. You know, the kind that’s like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee—strong, yet smooth; complex, yet easy to enjoy.
They took the best attributes of existing steels—corrosion resistance, edge retention, toughness—and said, “Why not have it all?” It’s like they wanted a coffee that’s robust like a dark roast, smooth like a cold brew, and complex like a single-origin pour-over.
So, after a bunch of testing, tweaking, and probably a few Eureka moments that we’d all love to have been a fly on the wall for, MagnaCut was born. It’s like they found the secret sauce, or in my wheelhouse, the perfect BBQ rub, that makes everything better.
The result is a steel that can take the heat in the kitchen, endure the elements in the great outdoors, and keep an edge like a pro debater. This baby is designed for folks who don’t want to compromise, kinda like how you don’t want to compromise on the perfect blend of spices for your BBQ or the right aging for your bourbon.
And that, my friends, is how MagnaCut rode into town like a new sheriff, ready to lay down the law in the world of stainless steels.
What Makes MAGNACUT STEEL Different From Other Stainless Steel?
Ah, you’re asking the million-dollar question! What makes MagnaCut stand out in a world full of stainless steels is kinda like what sets a perfectly pulled shot of espresso apart from your run-of-the-mill office coffee—precision, balance, and a touch of genius!

- Edge Retention: Most stainless steels are good at one or two things, but MagnaCut’s like that jack-of-all-trades who’s actually a master of ’em all. It holds an edge like it’s clinging to the last piece of brisket at a BBQ competition.
- Corrosion Resistance: Many high-carbon steels can rust faster than you can say “overcooked ribs.” But MagnaCut? It laughs in the face of moisture and acidity, making it perfect for kitchen use or outdoor grilling adventures.
- Toughness: You want a knife that won’t chip when you’re working on that tough cut of meat, right? MagnaCut’s got that nailed down. It’s as if it went to the gym, worked out specifically for toughness, and got those gains!
- Versatility: Usually, with knife steels, you have to make compromises. It’s like choosing between a coffee that’s strong but bitter, or smooth but weak. MagnaCut gives you both—strength and finesse, baby!
- Ease of Sharpening: Some high-performance steels are a nightmare to sharpen, kinda like trying to sip bourbon through a coffee straw. MagnaCut, though, is much more forgiving. A few swipes on a decent stone and you’re back in business.
- Chemical Balance: Its unique composition makes it like the perfect BBQ rub—every element serves a purpose and complements the others. It’s not just a random mix of elements; it’s a finely-tuned recipe.
So, to wrap it up, CPM MagnaCut is like the Swiss Army knife of stainless steels—equally adept at a range of tasks and no significant weaknesses. It’s the steel you bring home to meet your parents, or at least show off at your next BBQ.
Who Makes MagnaCut and What Process Is Used?
MagnaCut is a product of Crucible Industries, a U.S.-based company that’s been stirring the steel pot for decades. These folks are the Willy Wonkas of the metal world, and they’ve teamed up with Larrin Thomas, a steel guru whose knowledge of metallurgy is as deep as the flavors in a well-aged single-barrel bourbon.
Now, what sets MagnaCut apart is also the way it’s made. We’re talking CPM (Crucible Particle Metallurgy) process here, which is a big deal in the knife world. This is like the slow-smoking of steel manufacturing. In this method, the alloy elements are super evenly distributed, making sure you get a perfect slice of every flavor in every bite, metaphorically speaking.
Here’s how it goes down:
Melting & Atomization: First, they melt down all the alloy ingredients in a furnace hotter than your grill on a summer day. This molten metal is then atomized into a powder. Think of this like grinding coffee beans to the perfect consistency.
Blending & Compacting: The powder is blended for uniformity, kind of like how you’d mix your BBQ rub. Then it’s compacted under intense pressure.
Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP): This step removes any leftover porosity, giving you a solid block of steel that’s as tightly knit as the community of coffee enthusiasts debating over the best brewing methods.
Rolling & Annealing: Finally, the steel is rolled to the desired thickness and annealed to relieve stresses. It’s like letting your meat rest after a long smoke session—utterly essential for peak performance.

The end result is MagnaCut, a steel that’s as versatile and reliable as a good espresso machine—able to pull off any task you throw at it with style and efficiency.
So, if you’re looking for a steel that’s been through a process as refined and meticulous as the making of a world-class bourbon or a champion-level BBQ, MagnaCut’s got your name written all over it.
What Does CPM Stand For?
Ah, CPM—those three little letters that make knife enthusiasts’ ears perk up like someone just whispered “limited edition bourbon” at a party. CPM stands for Crucible Particle Metallurgy. Let me break that down for you, BBQ pitmaster style.
You know how smoking meat low and slow gives you that perfect tenderness and flavor infusion? Well, the CPM process is kinda the “low and slow” of the steel world. It’s a manufacturing technique that ensures every element in the steel blend is evenly distributed. In simpler terms, think of it as making sure every bite of your pulled pork has just the right amount of smokiness, spice, and tenderness.
In this process, the steel is melted down and then turned into a fine powder. That powder gets some heavy-duty pressure treatment to turn it back into a solid piece of steel. This ensures each particle is where it should be, giving the steel its exceptional qualities like toughness, wear resistance, and edge retention.
So when you see “CPM” in front of a steel name like CPM MagnaCut, you know you’re getting something that’s been through the steel equivalent of a championship BBQ smoke-off. The end result is a super uniform, high-quality material that’s ready to tackle anything from slicing a tomato so thin you can see through it, to chopping through a rack of ribs like a hot knife through butter.
Magnacut Vs Other Types of Steel
Ah, the ol’ “MagnaCut vs. The World” showdown, eh? This is like comparing a top-shelf bourbon to a well whiskey, or a slow-smoked brisket to a fast-food burger. Let’s dive in.
MagnaCut vs. VG-10
- VG-10: This is your solid, everyday stainless steel—think of it like your reliable drip coffee maker. It’s got good corrosion resistance and decent edge retention.
- MagnaCut: This one’s like a high-end espresso machine, doing everything VG-10 does but cranking it up to 11. It holds an edge longer and resists corrosion even better.
MagnaCut vs. S30V
- S30V: Known for its excellent edge retention and toughness, S30V is like that craft bourbon you enjoy on special occasions.
- MagnaCut: While it holds an edge as well as S30V, MagnaCut adds a layer of corrosion resistance that makes it the full package. It’s like if that craft bourbon also mixed well in cocktails, not just sipped neat.
MagnaCut vs. M390
- M390: This is one of those super stainless steels, known for excellent wear resistance and edge retention. Think of it as the slow-cooked, fall-off-the-bone ribs of the knife world.
- MagnaCut: It gives M390 a run for its money with comparable edge retention, but it’s generally easier to sharpen. It’s like those ribs, but with a sauce that also complements the meat instead of overpowering it.
MagnaCut vs. D2
- D2: A tool steel that’s high in carbon and offers good edge retention but can rust if you look at it wrong. This is your strong, dark roast coffee that can be a bit bitter.
- MagnaCut: Again, it retains an edge like D2 but laughs in the face of rust. It’s like a dark roast that’s been perfectly brewed to bring out subtle flavors and eliminate bitterness.
In the MagnaCut vs. other steels arena, MagnaCut is like that perfect cup of coffee that’s strong, smooth, and nuanced all at the same time. It’s the steel you want in your corner whether you’re in the kitchen, out in the woods, or just opening a bottle of your favorite bourbon.
Key Considerations For Successfully Choosing a MagnaCut Steel Knife
Alright, so you’re sold on MagnaCut and want to welcome one into your knife family, huh? Great choice, but hold your horses! Before you rush in like someone hearing the words “free coffee,” there are a few extra things to chew on.
- Cost Factor: MagnaCut ain’t your bargain-bin steel. Just like how a well-aged bourbon has its price, so does this high-performance steel. Make sure you’re ready for the investment. But let me tell ya, it’s worth every penny. Kinda like splurging on that top-tier espresso machine that makes you wonder how you ever lived without it.
- Availability: It’s still a fairly new player in the game, so it’s not as widely available as say, VG-10 or S30V. It’s like that limited-edition bourbon that you might have to hunt for. Make sure to check if your favorite knife brands offer models in MagnaCut.
- Purpose: Are you a casual home cook, an outdoor enthusiast, or a professional chef? MagnaCut is versatile, but make sure it matches your needs. It’s like choosing between a fruity light roast coffee for a lazy Sunday morning and a strong espresso for a busy workday—both great, but for different vibes.
So go ahead, add a MagnaCut blade to your arsenal. You’ll find it slices through life’s challenges as smoothly as it does through a tender brisket.
Wrapping Up
So there you have it, folks, a deep dive into the world of MagnaCut steel. We’ve looked at how it’s made, how it stacks up against other steels, and what you should consider before jumping the gun. If steel had a flavor profile, MagnaCut would be like the perfect cup of coffee meets top-notch bourbon, all while slow-cooking some award-winning BBQ. It’s got balance, complexity, and it doesn’t disappoint.
Why listen to me? Well, I’m a guy who’s spent way too much time exploring the intricacies of coffee, bourbon, and BBQ. If I can discern the notes in a single-origin coffee or pick out the subtleties in a high-end bourbon, you better believe I can help you understand what makes MagnaCut a game-changer in the steel world. Trust me, if MagnaCut were a beverage or a BBQ dish, it’d be the kind you savor slowly, relishing every sip or bite.
So go ahead, get your hands on a MagnaCut knife and experience what it’s like to have the ‘creme de la creme’ of steel in your grip. You won’t regret it. Cheers!
Disclosure: Our blog contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
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