Specialty Metals by Industry - CPM® MagnaCut®
* CPM®, 3V, 4V, S30-V, CPM® 154, 154-CM, 15V, S90V and S110-V are registered trademarks of Erasteel
What is CPM® MagnaCut®?
CPM® MagnaCut® is a premium stainless steel engineered by metallurgist Dr. Larrin Thomas to achieve an exceptional balance of toughness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. Produced using the Crucible Particle Metallurgy (CPM®) process, MagnaCut® features an ultra-fine, uniform microstructure that enhances both performance and consistency.
Its standout advantage is the ability to deliver high edge retention and strength without compromising outstanding corrosion resistance—a combination rarely achieved in stainless cutlery steels. This unique performance profile has made MagnaCut® one of the most sought-after materials in the knife industry, particularly for high-end, high-performance blades.
The CPM® Process Behind MagnaCut®
CPM® MagnaCut® is now produced using Erasteel’s state-of-the-art powder metallurgy process, a system that has been continuously refined since its introduction in 1969.
Erasteel operates two of the world’s largest metal powder atomizers and is recognized as a global leader in powder metallurgy innovation. The company pioneered the ESH (Electro Slag Heating) process for gas-atomized powders and has continued to advance the field through improvements in cleanliness, process control, and microstructural consistency.
Using technologies such as ESH, enclosed tundish pouring, synthetic slag covers, and other proprietary refinements, Erasteel ensures exceptional cleanliness during atomization. These methods produce a fine, uniform carbide structure on par with the original CPM® process—resulting in excellent grindability and the high-performance characteristics expected from premium PM steels.
Erasteel’s exceptionally clean processing route supports demanding applications across military, aerospace, Formula 1, and other advanced industries, as well as traditional tooling markets. For MagnaCut®, this level of process control translates to increased toughness, superior edge retention, and reduced risk of chipping—key performance advantages for high-end cutting tools and blades.
Key Properties of CPM® MagnaCut®
1. Corrosion Resistance: MagnaCut® achieves stainless-level corrosion resistance through its optimized mix of chromium, vanadium, and nitrogen. With approximately 10.7% chromium in solution, it provides excellent protection against rust in wet, humid, or high-use environments—without sacrificing toughness, a common tradeoff in traditional stainless steels.
2. Toughness: One of MagnaCut®’s standout qualities is its exceptional toughness, which exceeds that of many other high-edge-retention steels. This durability allows the steel to withstand impact, lateral stress, and demanding use, making it ideal for hard-use knives and professional cutting tools where resistance to chipping or breakage is critical.
3. Wear Resistance & Edge Retention: The steel’s balanced composition of carbon, vanadium, and nitrogen creates a fine, stable carbide structure that delivers long-lasting wear resistance and excellent edge retention. As a result, MagnaCut® performs consistently through prolonged cutting tasks, making it a preferred choice for premium knife makers.
4. Ease of Sharpening: Despite its high wear resistance, MagnaCut® remains surprisingly easy to sharpen compared to other ultra-hard steels. It provides a practical balance between edge longevity and maintenance, appealing to both end users and makers who want high performance without the sharpening difficulty associated with some super steels.
Applications of CPM® MagnaCut®
CPM® MagnaCut® is widely used in the knife industry thanks to its exceptional combination of corrosion resistance, edge retention, and toughness. It is a top choice for high-end kitchen knives, outdoor and survival blades, and everyday carry (EDC) knives. Its balanced performance also makes it suitable for several other demanding applications, including:
• Cutlery and Kitchen Tools: MagnaCut® has long-lasting edge retention and excellent corrosion resistance, making it ideal for culinary knives, food prep tools, and premium kitchen cutlery.
• Outdoor and Survival Tools: With outstanding toughness and reliability, MagnaCut® performs well in harsh environments, making it a preferred material for survival knives, field tools, hunting blades, and camping gear.
• Precision Cutting Tools: The fine, uniform grain structure achieved through powder metallurgy allows MagnaCut® to excel in precision applications where cutting accuracy, stability, and reliability are essential.
Why Choose CPM® MagnaCut®?
If you’re looking for a steel that performs reliably across a wide range of demanding conditions, CPM® MagnaCut® is an exceptional choice. Whether it’s a kitchen knife that must retain a sharp edge through daily use or an outdoor tool built to endure harsh environments, MagnaCut® offers consistent, high-level performance. Its rare combination of toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention sets it apart from other premium stainless steels.
Contact us to learn more about MagnaCut® or to place an order.