CPM CruWear is the Toughness Specialist. It dominates the Tactical market by offering extreme impact resistance that few steels can match, though it requires a protective coating to prevent rust.
CPM MagnaCut is the Premium Stainless Standard. It eliminates the trade-off between toughness and corrosion resistance. It offers impact strength comparable to non-stainless tool steels, but with the rust immunity of a saltwater knife.
For OEMs, the choice is functional: Do you need a coated, heavy-duty tool (CruWear) or an uncoated, rust-proof premium blade (MagnaCut)?
Steel Overview: CruWear & MagnaCut
CPM CruWear
Developed by Crucible Industries as a powder metallurgy upgrade to D2, CruWear is designed for maximum resistance to chipping. Factories prefer it because it offers predictable dimensional stability during heat treatment. However, due to its non-stainless nature (7.5% Chromium), it almost always requires a blade coating (like DLC) for commercial applications.
CPM MagnaCut
Released in 2021 by Dr. Larrin Thomas, MagnaCut was engineered specifically for cutlery. Its unique “small carbide” philosophy eliminates large chromium carbides. This allows the chromium to stay in solution to fight rust, while Vanadium and Niobium provide wear resistance. It is the first stainless steel to successfully challenge the toughness levels of non-stainless tool steels.
Chemical Composition
| Element | CPM CruWear | CPM MagnaCut |
| Carbon (C) | 1.10% | 1.15% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 7.50% | 10.70% |
| Vanadium (V) | 2.40% | 4.00% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.60% | 2.00% |
| Tungsten (W) | 1.15% | – |
| Niobium (Nb) | – | 2.00% |
| Nitrogen (N) | – | 0.20% |
Manufacturer’s Interpretation: CruWear keeps Chromium low (7.5%) to focus entirely on toughness. MagnaCut uses a smart mix of Niobium and Nitrogen. This eliminates the brittle carbides that usually make stainless steel weak, allowing it to stay tough while fighting rust.
Performance Scorecard: CruWear vs. MagnaCut
| Performance Indicator | CPM CruWear | CPM MagnaCut | Winner |
| Edge Retention | 5.5/10 ★★★ | 6.0/10 ★★★ | MagnaCut (Slightly more wear resistance) |
| Toughness | 8.5/10 ★★★★★ | 7.5/10 ★★★★ | CruWear (The industry standard for impact) |
| Corrosion Resistance | 5.5/10 ★★★ | 9.5/10 ★★★★★ | MagnaCut (Virtually rust-proof) |
| Ease of Sharpening | 7.0/10 ★★★★ | 6.5/10 ★★★★ | CruWear (Easier to deburr) |
| Hardness (HRC) | 60–65 | 60–64 | CruWear (Higher ceiling) |
Detailed Performance Breakdown
Edge Retention
Both steels offer great “working edges.” MagnaCut has slightly better wear resistance due to higher Vanadium. However, CruWear can be hardened to 64-65 HRC. This high hardness allows it to keep a sharp edge longer during heavy-impact tasks where softer steels might roll or deform.
Toughness
CruWear is built for abuse. It resists snapping during prying or heavy chopping much better than MagnaCut. While MagnaCut is impressive for a stainless steel, CruWear remains the safer choice for extreme impact.
Impact Data (Charpy C-Notch):
- CruWear (@62 HRC): ~38 ft-lbs
- MagnaCut (@62 HRC): ~30-35 ft-lbs
Manufacturer’s Note: For large fixed blades, choosing CruWear directly reduces warranty returns caused by broken tips. It tends to bend rather than snap under catastrophic stress.
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Corrosion Resistance
This is the deciding factor.
- CPM CruWear: It is not stainless. It will patina and eventually rust if wet. It requires oiling or a coating.
- CPM MagnaCut: It is effectively “Saltwater Safe.” It competes with nitrogen steels like LC200N. If your user hates maintenance, MagnaCut is the only choice.
Sharpening
- CruWear: Famous for taking a “scary sharp” edge easily. It feels crisp on the stone and is very easy to deburr.
- MagnaCut: Slightly harder to grind due to Vanadium carbides, but still much easier to sharpen than S90V or M390.
Production Insight: Coatings & Heat Treat
The CruWear Advantage (DLC Friendly) : CruWear uses “Secondary Hardening.” It is tempered at high temperatures (approx. 500°C+).
- Why this matters: This temperature matches the heat required for PVD/DLC coatings. You can coat the blade without softening it.
- Verdict: Perfect for black-coated tactical knives.
The MagnaCut Limitation (Process Sensitivity): MagnaCut reaches peak toughness when tempered at low temperatures (approx. 175°C).
- The Risk: High-heat PVD cycles are hotter than 175°C. This can “over-temper” MagnaCut, causing the hardness to drop significantly.
- Verdict: We recommend Stonewash or Satin finishes for MagnaCut. If you must coat it, specialized low-temp protocols are required.
Cost Analysis & Market Pricing
CPM CruWear: The “Hard-Use Workhorse”
- Target Price: $180–$250 MSRP.
- Strategy: Best for tactical brands or hard-use outdoor tools where performance is measured by durability. Use it for coated blades to mitigate rust concerns.
CPM MagnaCut: The “Modern Premium”
- Target Price: $250–$400+ MSRP.
- Strategy: Best for flagship models and EDC enthusiasts. The “MagnaCut” name currently carries high marketing weight, allowing for higher margins on clean, uncoated satin finishes.
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Application Guide: Best Use Cases
Scenario A: Hard-Use Tactical / Fixed Blades
- Preferred: CPM CruWear.
- The Logic: In a combat or survival situation, a blade that bends but doesn’t break is a lifesaver. When paired with a quality coating, CruWear’s superior impact resistance makes it the ultimate choice for heavy-duty fixed blades.
Scenario B: Premium Daily Carry (EDC)
- Preferred: CPM MagnaCut.
- The Logic: Most EDC users encounter sweat, fruit acids, and humidity more often than they encounter bricks or concrete. MagnaCut’s “set it and forget it” nature makes it the perfect EDC steel.
Scenario C: Maritime & Coastal Environments
- Verdict: Clear Winner: CPM MagnaCut.
- The Logic: Even a coated CruWear blade will eventually rust at the exposed sharpened edge. For fishing, sailing, or high-humidity regions, MagnaCut is the only viable choice among these two.
Partner with Keganico
At Keganico, we optimize steel selection based on your target margin and intended user base.
- For Rugged Tactical Lines: We recommend CPM CruWear. Our factory has extensive experience with high-HRC vacuum heat treatment and premium PVD coatings to ensure your hard-use tools never fail in the field.
- For Flagship Boutique Projects: We offer professional oem knife manufacturer services for CPM MagnaCut. We ensure the precise cryo-cycles required to maximize the toughness and corrosion resistance that this steel is famous for.
[Contact Keganico Today] to discuss which steel fits your budget best.
