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CPM CRU-WEAR and original MagnaCut have the same abrasive edge-retention rating. CRU-WEAR rates higher for toughness, while MagnaCut offers much higher corrosion resistance. For everyday carry, this is mainly a choice about toughness and rust care, not a promise that one will stay sharp longer.
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 | CPM CRU-WEAR | CPM MagnaCut |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
Equal Edge-Retention Scores, Different Knives
Both steels rate 5 for abrasive edge retention. There is no numerical wear advantage to sell here. If you are choosing between two versions of the same model, price and the maker’s specifications can be more useful than looking for a winner in this category.
If the models differ, compare edge thickness and geometry before drawing conclusions from the alloy. A thin blade that suits your cutting can be more pleasant to use than a thicker blade with an appealing steel label.
See our CPM CRU-WEAR steel profile for more on its properties and care.
The Toughness Answer Depends on the MagnaCut Version
CPM CRU-WEAR rates 8 for toughness, compared with 7 for original MagnaCut. That gives CRU-WEAR a reason to stay on your shortlist if chipping resistance matters and you are comfortable caring for a non-stainless blade.
Erasteel MagnaCut changes that comparison. Dr. Thomas supplied a toughness rating of 8.5 for it in written feedback. That is a small numerical lead over CRU-WEAR’s 8, rather than the disadvantage shown for original MagnaCut in the table. Check the maker’s description before assuming which version a knife uses.
See our CPM MagnaCut steel profile for more on its properties and care.
MagnaCut’s Clearest Advantage Is Corrosion Resistance
MagnaCut rates 9.5 for corrosion resistance and CRU-WEAR 5.5. We would lean toward MagnaCut for frequent food cutting, humid carry or a knife that gets wet regularly. CRU-WEAR is still a reasonable choice for someone who cleans, dries and protects the blade as part of normal ownership.
A coated CRU-WEAR blade still has an exposed cutting edge. A coating can help protect the blade’s covered surfaces, but it does not turn the underlying steel into stainless steel.
Is There a Reason to Replace a Good CRU-WEAR Knife?
If your current CRU-WEAR knife stays free of rust and suits your work, the equal edge-retention ratings give little reason to replace it for longer wear alone. MagnaCut becomes more attractive when rust care is a nuisance, or when the particular knife is a better fit.
This article compares the powder metallurgy CPM CRU-WEAR version, not conventionally produced CRU-WEAR. Both it and MagnaCut contain hard carbides; diamond or cubic boron nitride (CBN) abrasives are practical sharpening options. Equal wear scores do not guarantee identical sharpening feel or time.
Composition
Our steel composition guide explains what the elements do and how to read these values.
CPM CRU-WEAR: Selected nominal/typical values, mass %; not a batch certificate or complete analysis. Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM CRU-WEAR.
CPM MagnaCut: Niagara typical composition, mass %; selected elements, not a batch analysis. Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM MagnaCut.
| Element | CPM CRU-WEAR | CPM MagnaCut |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.15% | 1.15% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 7.5% | 10.7% |
| Tungsten (W) | 1% | Not listed |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 1.6% | 2% |
| Vanadium (V) | 2.4% | 4% |
| 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 and their limits.
- Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM CRU-WEAR · Powder metallurgy grade and typical composition; distinct from conventional CRU-WEAR.
- Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM MagnaCut · Typical composition and material properties.
- Dr. Larrin Thomas: Erasteel and original MagnaCut · Research comparing the two versions; the numeric 8.5 rating was supplied separately in written feedback.
