Deciding between CPM S35VN and CPM MagnaCut isn’t just a technical debate—it is a strategic decision about your product’s market tier.
- CPM S35VN is the proven industry standard. It offers the perfect balance of cost, performance, and machinability for mid-to-high-end production knives ($100–$200 MSRP).
- CPM MagnaCut is the modern disruptor. It offers a generational leap in toughness and corrosion resistance, commanding a premium price tag for flagship models.
For OEMs and brands, the question is: Do you need a reliable volume seller, or a high-margin flagship statement?
Background: What Are These Steels?
CPM S35VN
Developed by Crucible Industries in collaboration with legendary knife maker Chris Reeve in 2009, S35VN was an evolution of the older S30V. By adding specific amounts of Niobium, Crucible made the steel tougher and much easier for factories to machine. It quickly became the “go-to” steel for premium EDC folders because of its predictable performance and ease of finishing.
CPM MagnaCut
Released in 2021 by Dr. Larrin Thomas, MagnaCut was built specifically for cutlery from the ground up. Its design philosophy was to eliminate the large, brittle chromium carbides that make traditional stainless steels prone to chipping. The result is a steel that behaves like a high-performance tool steel (like CPM-4V) but with better rust resistance than almost any other stainless alloy.
Chemical Composition Comparison
| Element | CPM S35VN | CPM MagnaCut |
| Carbon (C) | 1.40% | 1.15% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14.00% | 10.70% |
| Vanadium (V) | 3.00% | 4.00% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2.00% | 2.00% |
| Niobium (Nb) | 0.50% | 2.00% |
| Nitrogen (N) | – | 0.20% |
Core Interpretation:
Notice that S35VN has more Chromium (14%), yet MagnaCut is more rust-resistant. This is because S35VN’s Chromium binds with Carbon to form carbides, “using up” the Chromium that should be fighting rust. In MagnaCut, the Chromium is kept “in solution” to fight corrosion, while Vanadium and Niobium do the heavy lifting for edge holding.
Performance Comparison Chart
| Performance Indicator | S35VN | MagnaCut | Winner |
| Edge Retention | 5.0/10 ★★★ | 5.0/10 ★★★ | Tie (Similar slicing life) |
| Toughness | 5.0/10 ★★★ | 7.0/10 ★★★★★ | MagnaCut (+40% Tougher) |
| Corrosion Resistance | 7.5/10 ★★★★ | 9.5/10 ★★★★★ | MagnaCut (Saltwater safe) |
| Ease of Sharpening | 6.0/10 ★★★ | 6.5/10 ★★★★ | MagnaCut (Deburrs cleaner) |
| Hardness (HRC) | 58–61 | 60–64 | MagnaCut (Higher ceiling) |
Detailed Performance Analysis
Edge Retention
On paper, these two steels are very close. In actual use, S35VN provides a very stable working edge for daily tasks. MagnaCut offers similar longevity, but because it can be heat-treated to a higher hardness (up to 64 HRC) without becoming brittle, a high-end MagnaCut blade will often out-cut a standard S35VN blade in controlled testing.
Toughness
MagnaCut is roughly 40% tougher than S35VN. While S35VN is durable enough for most EDC tasks, it can still micro-chip on hard impact. MagnaCut’s fine microstructure allows the edge to flex and absorb impact rather than snapping.
Manufacturer’s Note: For thin-edged slicing knives, MagnaCut offers a safety margin that S35VN lacks, reducing the risk of warranty claims for blade breakage.
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Corrosion Resistance
S35VN is good for most environments but can develop “tea-staining” if left wet in coastal areas. MagnaCut is effectively “saltwater safe,” competing with specialized steels like LC200N.
Processing & Machinability
S35VN is famous for being “factory friendly.” It grinds consistently and polishes well. MagnaCut is surprisingly crisp; it deburrs easily and responds well to standard abrasives.
Production Insight: S35VN is generally cheaper to process in mass production due to lower abrasive wear and simpler heat treatment protocols compared to the high-temp/cryo requirements of MagnaCut.
Cost & Market Positioning
The Economics of Steel Selection For a manufacturer, the cost isn’t just the raw material; it’s the total production cost (machining time + abrasives + heat treat).
- S35VN (The “Value” King): It is widely available and factories have mastered its heat treatment over 15 years. It balances performance with production efficiency.
- Best Price Point: Ideal for Mid-Range Production Lines ($80 – $150 MSRP).
- Strategy: If you are upgrading your brand from budget steels (like 8Cr13MoV Steel), S35VN is the perfect next step. It allows you to offer “American Powder Steel” at a competitive price.
- MagnaCut (The “Premium” King): MagnaCut carries a higher raw material cost and requires strict, high-temperature vacuum heat treatment (often with cryo cycles) to justify its performance.
Product Strategy: Where to Use Which Steel
1. Outdoor & Survival Fixed Blades
- Verdict: CPM MagnaCut is Superior.
- Why: This is the most critical win for MagnaCut. S35VN is a great steel, but it can chip under heavy impact (chopping wood, batoning). MagnaCut offers tool-steel toughness (approaching CPM-4V) with stainless properties. For a large camp knife, MagnaCut is objectively safer and more durable.
2. Hunting & Skinning Knives
- Verdict: MagnaCut (Slight Edge) / S35VN (Good Value).
- Why: Both steels have enough vanadium carbides to hold a working edge for skinning game. However, MagnaCut wins on two fronts:
- Corrosion: It resists blood corrosion better.
- Toughness: It is less likely to micro-chip if the blade hits bone.
- Note: If cost is a major factor, S35VN remains a legendary hunting steel used by top brands like Bark River.
3. EDC & Folding Knives (General Utility)
- Verdict: It Depends on the User Profile.
- Urban / Office Carry: S35VN is sufficient. The user mainly cuts packages and food; they won’t notice the extra toughness of MagnaCut, but they will appreciate the lower price.
- Hard-Use / Tactical Carry: MagnaCut is better. If the user pries with the tip or works in wet environments (sweaty pockets, coastal areas), MagnaCut’s structural integrity and salt-proof nature offer a clear advantage.
4. Kitchen & Culinary Knives
- Verdict: CPM MagnaCut is Superior.
- Why: High-end chef knives require very thin, acute edge geometry (10-15 degrees per side) for laser-like slicing. S35VN can be too brittle at such thin angles, leading to micro-chips on cutting boards. MagnaCut’s fine grain structure supports these ultra-thin edges beautifully while remaining stainless.
Final Verdict
- Choose S35VN for a reliable, widely accepted premium steel that maximizes profit margins in high-volume production.
- Choose MagnaCut to offer a “no-compromise” blade for high-end boutique lines or hard-use professional tools.
Partner with Keganico: Manufacturing Solutions
At Keganico, we understand that steel choice dictates your market position.
- For High-Volume Production: We highly recommend CPM S35VN. Our factory has perfected the heat treatment and machining protocols for this steel over the last decade. It offers the most reliable path to scaling your premium line with consistent quality and healthy profit margins.
- For Specialized Projects: Interested in CPM MagnaCut? We offer OEM knife manufacturer services for brands looking to push the limits. Contact our engineering team to discuss the specific heat treat requirements and lead times for this advanced material.
Ready to launch your next bestseller? Whether you need the proven reliability of S35VN for a private label launch or want to explore custom options, we have the solutions.
Contact Keganico Today to request a quote and see which steel fits your budget best.
