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80CrV2 and MagnaCut are very different ways to build a knife. 80CrV2 is a non-stainless steel with high toughness, while MagnaCut adds much greater corrosion and abrasive-wear resistance with a lower toughness score than 80CrV2 in the original MagnaCut ratings. The choice is especially relevant when comparing outdoor knives.
Performance Ratings
For the science, we turn to Dr. Larrin Thomas of Knife Steel Nerds, who has kindly allowed us to share his ratings here.
The toughness score of 7 is for original Crucible MagnaCut. In written feedback to KnifeInformer, Dr. Thomas provided a toughness rating of 8.5 for Erasteel MagnaCut; his January 2026 testing explains the differences between the two versions. This table uses the original version.
| Property | 80CrV2 | CPM MagnaCut |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
The Biggest Everyday Difference Is Rust Care
80CrV2 rates 0 for corrosion resistance and MagnaCut 9.5. For wet trips or a knife you cannot always dry promptly, we would strongly favor MagnaCut between these two. That is a much larger distinction than their toughness gap.
80CrV2 needs cleaning, drying and suitable protection for storage. Even a coated blade has an exposed edge, and a damp sheath is not a good place to leave it.
Our 80CrV2 steel profile takes a closer look at its properties and care.
MagnaCut Has More Abrasive Edge Retention
MagnaCut rates 5 for abrasive edge retention and 80CrV2 1.5. That favors MagnaCut when your outdoor knife also does substantial abrasive slicing, rather than only short cutting tasks.
It does not mean the MagnaCut version of a knife must always cut better. Compare blade thickness and grind, especially if the two knives were designed for different jobs.
Our MagnaCut steel profile takes a closer look at its properties and care.
80CrV2 Keeps a Toughness Advantage
80CrV2 rates 8 for toughness against original MagnaCut at 7. We would consider that advantage when resistance to edge damage is the leading requirement, but both scores belong to steels rather than a guarantee about a completed knife.
The Erasteel version of MagnaCut has a separate rating note. Do not mix that update with the original rating used in this comparison.
Which Fits Your Outdoor Knife?
We would choose MagnaCut for a versatile outdoor blade when wet use and abrasive cutting are both expected. We would consider 80CrV2 when the knife’s design fits the work, toughness is the priority and regular rust care is acceptable.
If two otherwise similar knives have very different prices, weigh the actual benefit of reduced maintenance rather than treating either material as automatically the better value.
Composition
Our steel composition guide explains the elements and the differences between reported values, ranges and limits.
80CrV2: SIJ SIHARD 2235 average analysis, not every 80CrV2 stock; selected reported elements, not a finished-blade assay. SIJ Metal Ravne: SIHARD 2235 / 80CrV2.
CPM MagnaCut: Niagara typical composition, mass %; selected elements, not a batch analysis. Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM MagnaCut.
| Element | 80CrV2 | CPM MagnaCut |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.8% | 1.15% |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.33% | Not listed |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.4% | Not listed |
| Chromium (Cr) | 0.55% | 10.7% |
| Vanadium (V) | 0.2% | 4% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | Not listed | 2% |
| Niobium (Nb) | Not listed | 2% |
| Nitrogen (N) | Not listed | 0.2% |
Compare Two Knife Steels
Sources and Update Notes
- Dr. Larrin Thomas: knife steel ratings · Property ratings; the scores describe steels rather than individual finished knives.
- SIJ Metal Ravne: SIHARD 2235 / 80CrV2
- Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM MagnaCut
