MagnaCut vs CPM 20CV
MagnaCut and CPM 20CV both sit near the top of the premium stainless steel world, but they were designed with different priorities. MagnaCut was engineered specifically to fix the toughness weaknesses of high-carbide steels like 20CV and M390, while CPM 20CV leans further into raw wear resistance. Here is how the two actually compare for knifemaking.
Quick Verdict
MagnaCut trades a small amount of edge retention for dramatically better toughness at the same excellent corrosion resistance, making it the more forgiving, harder-to-chip all-around choice. CPM 20CV pulls ahead only if maximum edge retention is the single priority and some added chipping risk is acceptable.
Toughness
This is where the two steels really diverge. MagnaCut was purpose-built by Larrin Thomas to solve the chipping problems common to high-vanadium steels like 20CV, and it shows: MagnaCut is significantly tougher and far more resistant to micro-chipping at the edge, especially at typical working hardness.
Edge Retention
CPM 20CV holds a slight edge here thanks to its heavier chromium and vanadium carbide load, giving it marginally better raw wear resistance. The gap is real but smaller than the toughness gap runs the other way, so most users will not notice a dramatic difference in sharpening interval.
Corrosion Resistance
Essentially tied. Both use roughly 20% chromium and are considered top-tier for stainless corrosion resistance, suitable for wet, humid, or marine environments without issue.
Heat Treat
MagnaCut was specifically designed to be more forgiving to heat treat, reaching excellent properties with equipment accessible to small shops. CPM 20CV demands a higher, more precise austenitizing temperature (around 2140 F) and benefits heavily from a professional-grade oven and controlled quench, making it less forgiving for makers without commercial equipment.
Grinding
MagnaCut is somewhat easier to grind and sharpen than CPM 20CV, though both are demanding compared to simpler steels and benefit from diamond or CBN sharpening abrasives once fully hardened.
Best-Use Scenarios
Choose MagnaCut for general-purpose EDC, hunting, and kitchen knives where you want excellent all-around performance with a low risk of chipping, and where working with a small shop heat-treat setup matters.
Choose CPM 20CV when maximum edge retention is the top priority, corrosion resistance still matters, and you have access to precise, professional-grade heat treating.