We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. Any products or services put forward appear in no particular order. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
14C28N remains a strong choice even beside MagnaCut. MagnaCut has higher abrasive edge-retention and corrosion-resistance ratings, while 14C28N is tougher than original MagnaCut in the framework used here. For a buyer, this is a useful reminder that moving to a newer steel does not improve every property.
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 | 14C28N | CPM MagnaCut |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
MagnaCut Favors Longer Abrasive Cutting
MagnaCut rates 5 for abrasive edge retention against 14C28N at 3. That gives MagnaCut the stronger case for repeated abrasive slicing, but the advantage should be weighed against the blade’s thickness and edge angle.
For a knife used mainly to open a few packages and prepare occasional food, a comfortable 14C28N model may deliver everything you need. A higher rating is most useful when wear is a real part of your workload.
Our 14C28N steel profile takes a closer look at its properties and care.
14C28N Is Tougher Than Original MagnaCut
The toughness scores are 9 for 14C28N and 7 for original MagnaCut. We would value that margin in a thin cutting edge where resistance to chipping matters. It does not mean a knife should be used as a pry bar.
The original MagnaCut rating is kept separate from Erasteel MagnaCut. Check the rating-version note when comparing claims about a particular production version.
Our MagnaCut steel profile takes a closer look at its properties and care.
Both Are Stainless, with More Corrosion Margin in MagnaCut
14C28N rates 8.5 for corrosion resistance and MagnaCut 9.5. Both are stainless choices; MagnaCut adds margin for wet carry. Neither score is a guarantee against rust under every finish, heat treatment or exposure.
If the knife will spend time around salt water, consider the handle hardware and the maker’s intended use as well as the blade steel. A corrosion-resistant blade is only part of a knife.
Is MagnaCut Worth the Upgrade?
We would pay more for MagnaCut when its added wear and corrosion resistance fit the work and the knife itself is equally appealing. We would happily choose 14C28N when toughness, a useful grind and the overall design matter more.
There is no steel-only reason to replace a 14C28N knife that already cuts well for you. Let the upgrade solve a specific limitation rather than buying the name alone.
Composition
Our steel composition guide explains the elements and the differences between reported values, ranges and limits.
14C28N: Alleima nominal composition, mass %; selected elements, not a batch analysis. Alleima: 14C28N datasheet.
CPM MagnaCut: Niagara typical composition, mass %; selected elements, not a batch analysis. Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM MagnaCut.
| Element | 14C28N | CPM MagnaCut |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.62% | 1.15% |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.2% | Not listed |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.6% | Not listed |
| Chromium (Cr) | 14% | 10.7% |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.11% | 0.2% |
| Vanadium (V) | Not listed | 4% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | Not listed | 2% |
| Niobium (Nb) | Not listed | 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.
- Alleima: 14C28N datasheet
- Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM MagnaCut
