MagnaMax Steel Explained: The Next Evolution
Posted by Knifeworks on 13th Jul 2026
Just when the knife world settled into CPM MagnaCut as the undisputed king of balanced blade steels, metallurgist Dr. Larrin Thomas struck again. MagnaMax is the next major powder-metallurgy breakthrough — a hyper-focused specialist built for one mission: extreme, long-lasting edge retention without sacrificing stainless properties.
What Is MagnaMax?
Developed by Dr. Larrin Thomas — the same metallurgist behind CPM MagnaCut — alongside Crucible Industries and Niagara Specialty Metals, MagnaMax is a premium powder metallurgy stainless steel built as MagnaCut's high-wear-resistance sibling: essentially a stainless version of CPM 10V or Böhler K390.
By increasing carbon, vanadium, and niobium content, Crucible roughly doubled the total carbide volume compared to CPM MagnaCut — from ~8% up to 16%.
MagnaMax vs. The Competition
| Steel Grade | Edge Retention | Toughness | Corrosion Resistance | Hardness (HRC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MagnaMax | Extreme | Moderate-High | Excellent | 63-65 |
| CPM MagnaCut | High | Very High | Excellent | 61-63 |
| CPM-S90V | Extreme | Low | Good | 59-61 |
| Böhler M390 / 20CV | High | Low | Excellent | 60-62 |
vs. CPM MagnaCut
Not a replacement — a different tool. CPM MagnaCut stays the more balanced steel; MagnaMax trades some toughness for a real leap in edge retention. In independent CATRA and cardboard-slicing tests, it holds an edge noticeably longer than CPM MagnaCut.
vs. CPM-S90V & Böhler M390
S90V and M390 have long been the extreme-edge-retention standard, but both chip more easily. MagnaMax's fine microstructure delivers roughly double the toughness of either while matching or beating them on edge retention and stain resistance.
The takeaway: MagnaMax delivers edge longevity closer to non-stainless heavyweights like Böhler K390 and CPM 10V — with the corrosion resistance of a true stainless steel.
Using and Sharpening It
Run at 63-65 HRC, MagnaMax feels crisp on the stones. No large chromium carbides means no carbide tear-out — though diamond or CBN abrasives are recommended given the hard vanadium/niobium content.
Its toughness allows thin, acute edge geometries (16°-18°) without excessive chipping risk, and its 16% carbide volume performs best with a slightly toothier edge (800-1,200 grit) for aggressive, long-lasting slicing.
Is MagnaMax Right for You?
Heavy prying, chopping, or staple-cutting abuse? CPM MagnaCut is still the better match. Want an elite EDC folder or compact fixed blade that slices for months without a trip to the stones? MagnaMax is worth serious consideration.
It's already earned a place in premium lineups from Spyderco (Manix 2, full flat grind), Pro-Tech (Scapegoat and Synapse 2), and Hogue (Saxum Collector Series) — proof top makers see this steel as here to stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MagnaMax steel?
MagnaMax is a premium powder metallurgy stainless steel developed by metallurgist Dr. Larrin Thomas alongside Crucible Industries and Niagara Specialty Metals. It's built as a high-wear-resistance sibling to CPM MagnaCut, essentially a stainless version of CPM 10V or Böhler K390.
Is MagnaMax better than CPM MagnaCut?
Not better, different. CPM MagnaCut remains the more balanced, tougher steel, while MagnaMax trades some toughness for noticeably longer edge retention. Heavy-use tasks like prying or chopping still favor CPM MagnaCut; slicing-focused EDC use favors MagnaMax.
How does MagnaMax compare to CPM-S90V or Böhler M390?
MagnaMax roughly doubles the toughness of S90V or M390 while matching or beating them on edge retention and stain resistance, thanks to its fine, uniform carbide microstructure.
What's the best way to sharpen MagnaMax?
Diamond or CBN abrasives are recommended due to the steel's hard vanadium and niobium carbides. A slightly toothier edge around 800-1,200 grit performs best for aggressive, long-lasting slicing.