In the world of premium knife steels, MagnaCut and S35VN are two highly regarded options that cater to different needs. Both are products of Crucible Industries, a leading manufacturer in the field of powder metallurgy (PM) steels. MagnaCut, developed by Dr. Larrin Thomas, was introduced in 2021 as a breakthrough steel that balances edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance in ways previously thought impossible.
On the other hand, S35VN, introduced in 2009, is a modified version of S30V with added niobium to improve toughness and ease of sharpening.
This article provides a detailed comparison between these two steels based on scientific data and measurable properties like chemical composition, hardness, edge retention (CATRA test results), toughness, and corrosion resistance. We will also explore their manufacturing processes, heat treatment requirements, real-world performance characteristics, and cost implications.
Composition Analysis
The chemical composition of a steel directly influences its performance characteristics such as hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance. Below is a breakdown of the key alloying elements in MagnaCut and S35VN:
| Element | MagnaCut (%) | S35VN (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.15 | 1.40 |
| Chromium (Cr) | 10.7 | 14.00 |
| Vanadium (V) | 4.00 | 3.00 |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Niobium (Nb) | – | 0.50 |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.20 | – |
Key Alloying Elements Explained:
- Carbon: Higher carbon content generally increases hardness and wear resistance but can reduce toughness.
- Chromium: Essential for corrosion resistance; S35VN has higher chromium content, making it more rust-resistant.
- Vanadium: Forms hard carbides that improve wear resistance and edge retention.
- Niobium: Present only in S35VN, it refines grain structure and improves toughness.
- Nitrogen: Found in MagnaCut to enhance corrosion resistance without forming large chromium carbides.
Direct Comparison Table
To provide a clear side-by-side comparison of key properties:
| Property | MagnaCut | S35VN |
|---|---|---|
| Edge Retention | Comparable to S45VN | Moderate |
| Toughness | Superior | Good |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent (10/10) | Very Good (8/10) |
| Hardness Range (HRC) | 62-64 | 59-61 |
| Cost Factor | Higher due to PM process | Lower |
Performance Metrics
Edge Retention
Edge retention is often measured using the CATRA test, which quantifies how long a blade can maintain its sharpness while cutting abrasive materials.
- MagnaCut: In CATRA tests, MagnaCut performs similarly to S45VN and slightly better than S35VN due to its finer carbide structure[4][6]. It maintains an edge longer at higher hardness levels (63-64 HRC), especially when compared to S35VN at typical hardness levels of 59-60 HRC[8].
- S35VN: This steel offers decent edge retention but falls short when compared to newer steels like MagnaCut or even its successor, S45VN[5]. At lower hardness levels (59-60 HRC), it tends to lose its sharpness faster under heavy use.
Toughness
Toughness refers to a material’s ability to resist chipping or cracking under impact or stress.
- MagnaCut: Known for its exceptional toughness at high hardness levels (~63 HRC), MagnaCut outperforms most stainless steels like S35VN[4]. It can withstand heavy-duty tasks without chipping or rolling the edge.
- S35VN: While tougher than its predecessor S30V due to the addition of niobium, it still doesn’t match the toughness of MagnaCut[5]. At typical hardness levels (~60 HRC), it performs well but may chip under extreme stress.
Corrosion Resistance
Corrosion resistance is critical for knives used in wet or humid environments.
- MagnaCut: One of the standout features of MagnaCut is its extraordinary corrosion resistance. With a chromium content optimized for stainless properties without forming large carbides, it excels in resisting rust even in saltwater environments[6][4].
- S35VN: While still highly resistant to corrosion due to its high chromium content (~14%), it doesn’t quite match the performance of MagnaCut in extreme conditions[5].
Hardness Range
Hardness is measured on the Rockwell C scale (HRC), with higher numbers indicating greater hardness.
- MagnaCut: Typically hardened between 62-64 HRC, MagnaCut achieves a balance between wear resistance and toughness at these levels[6].
- S35VN: Generally hardened between 59-61 HRC[5], which provides good toughness but limits its edge retention compared to harder steels like MagnaCut.
Heat Treatment Considerations
Heat treatment plays a crucial role in optimizing the performance of knife steels by balancing hardness with toughness.
MagnaCut
MagnaCut requires precise heat treatment to achieve its optimal properties:
- Austenitizing temperature: ~2050°F
- Quenching method: Oil or plate quenching
- Tempering temperature: 400°F for optimal balance between hardness and toughness[6].
At these parameters, MagnaCut reaches around 63 HRC with excellent toughness.
S35VN
S35VN is relatively easier to heat treat:
- Austenitizing temperature: ~1950°F
- Quenching method: Oil or plate quenching
- Tempering temperature: ~400°F for achieving around 60 HRC[5].
While easier to heat treat than some other high-end steels, improper heat treatment can lead to reduced performance in terms of both edge retention and toughness.
Real-World Performance
Edge Stability
Edge stability refers to how well a knife holds up during use without deforming or chipping.
- MagnaCut offers superior edge stability due to its fine carbide structure and high toughness at elevated hardness levels (~63 HRC). It resists deformation better than S35VN under heavy use[8].
- S35VN, while tough enough for most tasks, may experience minor chipping or rolling when subjected to hard impacts or twisting cuts[7].
Sharpening Behavior
Both steels are considered relatively easy to sharpen compared to other super steels like M390 or CPM-S110V.
- MagnaCut, despite its high hardness, is surprisingly easy to sharpen due to its fine microstructure[3]. It responds well to stropping and holds various edge geometries effectively.
- S35VN, known for being user-friendly in terms of sharpening, also takes an edge quickly but may dull faster than MagnaCut under similar conditions[5].
Wear Patterns
Wear patterns refer to how evenly the blade wears down over time with repeated use.
- MagnaCut, thanks to its balanced carbide structure, wears evenly without forming micro-chips or cracks along the edge[4].
- S35VN, while generally resistant to wear due to its vanadium carbides, may experience more noticeable wear patterns over time compared to MagnaCut[7].
Manufacturing Considerations
Production Methods
Both MagnaCut and S35VN are produced using Crucible’s Particle Metallurgy (CPM) process but differ slightly in terms of complexity:
- MagnaCut, being a newer steel with optimized carbide distribution, requires more precise control during manufacturing but benefits from the CPM process by achieving uniform carbide size[4].
- S35VN, although also made using CPM technology, is easier for manufacturers to work with due to its slightly coarser carbide structure and lower hardness requirements[5].
Cost Implications
The cost of these steels reflects their manufacturing complexity:
- MagnaCut, being more difficult to produce and requiring more precise heat treatment, tends to be more expensive than S35VN. A piece of Magnacut steel can cost significantly more per unit weight compared to S35VN due to its advanced properties and production challenges[1][3].
- S35VN, while still considered a premium steel, is more affordable for both manufacturers and consumers because it’s easier to work with during grinding and polishing stages[1].
Great! Let’s continue with the second part of the article, focusing on heat treatment considerations, real-world performance, and practical applications.
Heat Treatment Considerations
Heat treatment is a critical step in determining the final performance characteristics of any knife steel. Both MagnaCut and S35VN require specific heat treatment processes to maximize their potential. However, the complexity and precision required for each steel vary.
MagnaCut Heat Treatment
MagnaCut’s heat treatment is more demanding than that of S35VN due to its unique alloy composition. To achieve the best balance between hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance, precise control over temperature and quenching methods is essential.
- Austenitizing Temperature: MagnaCut requires an austenitizing temperature of around 2050°F (1121°C) to dissolve the carbides and prepare the steel for hardening. This temperature is slightly higher than that required for S35VN.
- Quenching: After austenitizing, MagnaCut benefits from rapid quenching using either oil or plate quenching methods. This ensures that the steel cools quickly enough to avoid forming undesirable phases that could reduce toughness.
- Tempering: Tempering MagnaCut at 400°F (204°C) yields an optimal hardness range of 62-64 HRC, which provides a good balance between edge retention and toughness. Higher tempering temperatures will reduce hardness but increase toughness slightly.
- Cryogenic Treatment: For optimal performance, many manufacturers also recommend cryogenic treatment (sub-zero quenching) after austenitizing to enhance wear resistance by converting retained austenite into martensite.
S35VN Heat Treatment
S35VN is generally easier to heat treat compared to MagnaCut. It’s known for being more forgiving during the heat treatment process, making it attractive to both large-scale manufacturers and custom knife makers.
- Austenitizing Temperature: S35VN requires an austenitizing temperature of around 1950°F (1066°C), which is lower than MagnaCut. This makes it somewhat easier to heat treat without risking overheating or decarburization.
- Quenching: Similar to MagnaCut, S35VN also benefits from oil or plate quenching to lock in its hardness. However, because S35VN is typically hardened to lower levels (59-61 HRC), the quenching process is less critical in terms of speed compared to MagnaCut.
- Tempering: Tempering at around 400°F (204°C) results in a hardness range of 59-61 HRC, which provides good toughness while maintaining decent edge retention. This lower hardness range makes S35VN more resistant to chipping but limits its wear resistance compared to harder steels like MagnaCut.
Real-World Performance Characteristics
While laboratory tests provide valuable insights into how steels perform under controlled conditions, real-world use often reveals additional nuances in performance. Let’s examine how MagnaCut and S35VN perform in practical applications such as edge stability, sharpening behavior, wear patterns, and specific use cases.
Edge Stability
Edge stability refers to how well a knife’s edge holds up under various types of stress—whether it’s chopping wood, slicing through tough materials, or enduring lateral forces during cutting tasks.
- MagnaCut: Thanks to its fine carbide structure and high toughness at elevated hardness levels (~63 HRC), MagnaCut offers superior edge stability. It resists chipping and rolling even under heavy-duty tasks like batoning or prying. This makes it ideal for survival knives or outdoor tools where durability is paramount.
- S35VN: While still offering good edge stability due to its niobium-enhanced grain structure, S35VN doesn’t quite match MagnaCut’s resilience under extreme conditions. It’s more prone to minor chipping or rolling when subjected to high-impact tasks or lateral stresses. However, for everyday carry (EDC) knives or kitchen knives where such stresses are less common, S35VN performs admirably.
Sharpening Behavior
Ease of sharpening is an important consideration for many knife users. Steels that are too hard can be difficult to sharpen without specialized equipment, while softer steels may sharpen easily but dull quickly.
- MagnaCut: Despite its high hardness (up to 64 HRC), MagnaCut is surprisingly easy to sharpen due to its fine grain structure. It responds well to sharpening stones and stropping, allowing users to maintain a razor-sharp edge with minimal effort. Additionally, it holds various edge geometries exceptionally well—whether you prefer a thin slicer or a robust working edge.
- S35VN: One of the reasons for S35VN’s popularity is its user-friendly sharpening behavior. Even at 60 HRC, it sharpens relatively easily compared to other high-end steels like M390 or CPM-S110V. However, because it doesn’t hold an edge as long as MagnaCut under heavy use, you may find yourself sharpening it more frequently if used in demanding applications.
Wear Patterns
Wear patterns refer to how evenly a blade wears down over time with repeated use. Uneven wear can lead to micro-chipping or dull spots along the edge.
- MagnaCut: Due to its balanced carbide distribution and high toughness at elevated hardness levels, MagnaCut wears evenly over time without forming micro-chips or cracks along the edge. This makes it ideal for tasks that involve repetitive cutting motions like food preparation or woodworking.
- S35VN: While still resistant to wear thanks to its vanadium carbides, S35VN may develop more noticeable wear patterns over time compared to MagnaCut—especially when used in abrasive environments like cutting cardboard or rope. However, for less abrasive tasks like slicing vegetables or trimming meat, S35VN holds up well without significant wear issues.
Practical Applications
Both MagnaCut and S35VN are versatile steels suitable for a wide range of knife applications. However, certain characteristics make each steel better suited for specific tasks.
Best Uses for MagnaCut
- Outdoor Knives (Survival/Hunting): With its superior toughness and corrosion resistance combined with excellent edge retention at high hardness levels (~63 HRC), MagnaCut excels in outdoor environments where durability and longevity are critical.
- Tactical Knives: For military or law enforcement applications where knives may be subjected to extreme conditions (e.g., prying open doors or cutting through hard materials), MagnaCut’s toughness and edge stability make it an excellent choice.
- High-End EDC Knives: Knife enthusiasts looking for premium performance will appreciate MagnaCut’s combination of ease of sharpening, long-lasting edge retention, and corrosion resistance in everyday carry knives.
Best Uses for S35VN
- Everyday Carry (EDC) Knives: For general-purpose EDC knives where ease of maintenance and sharpening are priorities over extreme toughness or wear resistance, S35VN offers an excellent balance between performance and user-friendliness.
- Kitchen Knives: In kitchen environments where corrosion resistance is important but extreme toughness isn’t necessary, S35VN performs well—especially in chef’s knives or paring knives used for slicing vegetables and meat.
- Custom Knives: Many custom knife makers prefer S35VN because it’s easier to work with during grinding and polishing stages compared to harder steels like MagnaCut or M390.
Manufacturing Considerations
Production Method
Both MagnaCut and S35VN are produced using Crucible’s Particle Metallurgy (CPM) process—a method that results in finer grain structures and more uniform carbide distribution compared to traditional ingot metallurgy steels.
- MagnaCut: As a newer steel with advanced properties (e.g., optimized carbide distribution), MagnaCut requires more precise control during manufacturing but benefits from the CPM process by achieving uniform carbide size throughout the steel matrix.
- S35VN: Although also made using CPM technology, S35VN is easier for manufacturers to work with due to its slightly coarser carbide structure and lower hardness requirements during grinding and polishing stages.
Heat Treatment Considerations
Heat treatment is a critical step in determining the final performance characteristics of any knife steel. Both MagnaCut and S35VN require specific heat treatment processes to maximize their potential. However, the complexity and precision required for each steel vary.
MagnaCut Heat Treatment
MagnaCut’s heat treatment is more demanding than that of S35VN due to its unique alloy composition. To achieve the best balance between hardness, toughness, and corrosion resistance, precise control over temperature and quenching methods is essential.
- Austenitizing Temperature: MagnaCut requires an austenitizing temperature of around 2050°F (1121°C) to dissolve the carbides and prepare the steel for hardening. This temperature is slightly higher than that required for S35VN.
- Quenching: After austenitizing, MagnaCut benefits from rapid quenching using either oil or plate quenching methods. This ensures that the steel cools quickly enough to avoid forming undesirable phases that could reduce toughness.
- Tempering: Tempering MagnaCut at 400°F (204°C) yields an optimal hardness range of 62-64 HRC, which provides a good balance between edge retention and toughness. Higher tempering temperatures will reduce hardness but increase toughness slightly.
- Cryogenic Treatment: For optimal performance, many manufacturers also recommend cryogenic treatment (sub-zero quenching) after austenitizing to enhance wear resistance by converting retained austenite into martensite.
S35VN Heat Treatment
S35VN is generally easier to heat treat compared to MagnaCut. It’s known for being more forgiving during the heat treatment process, making it attractive to both large-scale manufacturers and custom knife makers.
- Austenitizing Temperature: S35VN requires an austenitizing temperature of around 1950°F (1066°C), which is lower than MagnaCut. This makes it somewhat easier to heat treat without risking overheating or decarburization.
- Quenching: Similar to MagnaCut, S35VN also benefits from oil or plate quenching to lock in its hardness. However, because S35VN is typically hardened to lower levels (59-61 HRC), the quenching process is less critical in terms of speed compared to MagnaCut.
- Tempering: Tempering at around 400°F (204°C) results in a hardness range of 59-61 HRC, which provides good toughness while maintaining decent edge retention. This lower hardness range makes S35VN more resistant to chipping but limits its wear resistance compared to harder steels like MagnaCut.
Real-World Performance Characteristics
While laboratory tests provide valuable insights into how steels perform under controlled conditions, real-world use often reveals additional nuances in performance. Let’s examine how MagnaCut and S35VN perform in practical applications such as edge stability, sharpening behavior, wear patterns, and specific use cases.
Edge Stability
Edge stability refers to how well a knife’s edge holds up under various types of stress—whether it’s chopping wood, slicing through tough materials, or enduring lateral forces during cutting tasks.
- MagnaCut: Thanks to its fine carbide structure and high toughness at elevated hardness levels (~63 HRC), MagnaCut offers superior edge stability. It resists chipping and rolling even under heavy-duty tasks like batoning or prying. This makes it ideal for survival knives or outdoor tools where durability is paramount.
- S35VN: While still offering good edge stability due to its niobium-enhanced grain structure, S35VN doesn’t quite match MagnaCut’s resilience under extreme conditions. It’s more prone to minor chipping or rolling when subjected to high-impact tasks or lateral stresses. However, for everyday carry (EDC) knives or kitchen knives where such stresses are less common, S35VN performs admirably.
Sharpening Behavior
Ease of sharpening is an important consideration for many knife users. Steels that are too hard can be difficult to sharpen without specialized equipment, while softer steels may sharpen easily but dull quickly.
- MagnaCut: Despite its high hardness (up to 64 HRC), MagnaCut is surprisingly easy to sharpen due to its fine grain structure. It responds well to sharpening stones and stropping, allowing users to maintain a razor-sharp edge with minimal effort. Additionally, it holds various edge geometries exceptionally well—whether you prefer a thin slicer or a robust working edge.
- S35VN: One of the reasons for S35VN’s popularity is its user-friendly sharpening behavior. Even at 60 HRC, it sharpens relatively easily compared to other high-end steels like M390 or CPM-S110V. However, because it doesn’t hold an edge as long as MagnaCut under heavy use, you may find yourself sharpening it more frequently if used in demanding applications.
Wear Patterns
Wear patterns refer to how evenly a blade wears down over time with repeated use. Uneven wear can lead to micro-chipping or dull spots along the edge.
- MagnaCut: Due to its balanced carbide distribution and high toughness at elevated hardness levels, MagnaCut wears evenly over time without forming micro-chips or cracks along the edge. This makes it ideal for tasks that involve repetitive cutting motions like food preparation or woodworking.
- S35VN: While still resistant to wear thanks to its vanadium carbides, S35VN may develop more noticeable wear patterns over time compared to MagnaCut—especially when used in abrasive environments like cutting cardboard or rope. However, for less abrasive tasks like slicing vegetables or trimming meat, S35VN holds up well without significant wear issues.
Practical Applications
Both MagnaCut and S35VN are versatile steels suitable for a wide range of knife applications. However, certain characteristics make each steel better suited for specific tasks.
Best Uses for MagnaCut
- Outdoor Knives (Survival/Hunting): With its superior toughness and corrosion resistance combined with excellent edge retention at high hardness levels (~63 HRC), MagnaCut excels in outdoor environments where durability and longevity are critical.
- Tactical Knives: For military or law enforcement applications where knives may be subjected to extreme conditions (e.g., prying open doors or cutting through hard materials), MagnaCut’s toughness and edge stability make it an excellent choice.
- High-End EDC Knives: Knife enthusiasts looking for premium performance will appreciate MagnaCut’s combination of ease of sharpening, long-lasting edge retention, and corrosion resistance in everyday carry knives.
Best Uses for S35VN
- Everyday Carry (EDC) Knives: For general-purpose EDC knives where ease of maintenance and sharpening are priorities over extreme toughness or wear resistance, S35VN offers an excellent balance between performance and user-friendliness.
- Kitchen Knives: In kitchen environments where corrosion resistance is important but extreme toughness isn’t necessary, S35VN performs well—especially in chef’s knives or paring knives used for slicing vegetables and meat.
- Custom Knives: Many custom knife makers prefer S35VN because it’s easier to work with during grinding and polishing stages compared to harder steels like MagnaCut or M390.
Manufacturing Considerations
Production Method
Both MagnaCut and S35VN are produced using Crucible’s Particle Metallurgy (CPM) process—a method that results in finer grain structures and more uniform carbide distribution compared to traditional ingot metallurgy steels.
- MagnaCut: As a newer steel with advanced properties (e.g., optimized carbide distribution), MagnaCut requires more precise control during manufacturing but benefits from the CPM process by achieving uniform carbide size throughout the steel matrix.
- S35VN: Although also made using CPM technology, S35VN is easier for manufacturers to work with due to its slightly coarser carbide structure and lower hardness requirements during grinding and polishing stages.
Conclusion
In summary, both MagnaCut and S35VN are high-performance steels that offer distinct advantages depending on the intended application. Here’s a recap of their key strengths:
- MagnaCut excels in areas where a combination of toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance is critical. It is well-suited for outdoor knives, tactical tools, and high-end EDC knives. Its superior edge stability and wear resistance make it an excellent choice for users who need a blade that can withstand heavy-duty tasks without chipping or rolling. However, its higher cost and more complex heat treatment requirements may be a consideration for manufacturers and users alike.
- S35VN, on the other hand, provides a more balanced performance at a lower price point. It is easier to heat treat, sharpen, and maintain, making it ideal for everyday carry (EDC) knives, kitchen knives, and custom blades. While it doesn’t offer the same level of toughness or edge retention as MagnaCut, it still performs admirably in most general-purpose applications.
Use-Case Recommendations
- If you’re looking for a knife that will endure extreme outdoor conditions, resist corrosion in wet environments, and maintain a sharp edge through tough tasks like batoning or chopping, MagnaCut is the better choice.
- For users who prioritize ease of sharpening and want a knife that performs well in everyday cutting tasks—whether it’s opening boxes, slicing food, or light utility work—S35VN offers an excellent balance of performance and affordability.
Ultimately, both steels are excellent choices depending on your specific needs. If budget isn’t an issue and you want cutting-edge performance (pun intended), MagnaCut is hard to beat. However, for most users who need a reliable knife for general use, S35VN provides outstanding value.
FAQ
1. Which steel has better edge retention—MagnaCut or S35VN?
- MagnaCut offers better edge retention than S35VN due to its finer carbide structure and ability to achieve higher hardness levels (up to 64 HRC). In CATRA tests, MagnaCut performs similarly to S45VN and outperforms S35VN.
2. Is MagnaCut harder to sharpen than S35VN?
- Despite its higher hardness, MagnaCut is surprisingly easy to sharpen because of its fine grain structure. However, S35VN is still considered easier to sharpen overall due to its lower hardness range (59-61 HRC).
3. Which steel is more corrosion-resistant?
- MagnaCut has superior corrosion resistance compared to S35VN. Its optimized chromium content (10.7%) combined with nitrogen makes it highly resistant to rust even in saltwater environments.
4. What are the main differences in heat treatment between MagnaCut and S35VN?
- MagnaCut requires a more precise heat treatment process with higher austenitizing temperatures (~2050°F) and benefits from cryogenic treatment for optimal performance. S35VN is easier to heat treat with lower austenitizing temperatures (~1950°F) and does not require cryogenic treatment.
5. Which steel is more expensive—MagnaCut or S35VN?
- MagnaCut is generally more expensive due to its advanced properties and more complex manufacturing process. S35VN is more affordable while still offering excellent performance for most applications.
Citations:
[1] https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?t=94034
[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iJ5Qew2T6A
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/knifeclub/comments/w4aeij/whats_so_great_about_magnacut/
[4] https://knifesteelnerds.com/2021/03/25/cpm-magnacut/
[5] https://www.knifeart.com/s30vvss35vn.html
[6] https://www.knifeart.com/magnacut.html
[7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcPvidZFDGY
[8] https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/magnacut-vs-s35vn.1969706/
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