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MagnaCut rates higher than CTS BD1N for all three properties shown here. That makes the material comparison straightforward, but it does not make every MagnaCut knife a better purchase. The useful question is whether its advantages solve a limitation in the knife you want.
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 | CTS BD1N | CPM MagnaCut |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
Keep CTS BD1N Separate from CTS BD1
CTS BD1N is the nitrogen-bearing grade in this comparison. A knife marked CTS BD1 without the N should not be assigned the same ratings or composition.
Check the maker’s exact specification if a retailer shortens the name. A single missing letter can change which material is being compared.
Our CTS BD1N steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.
MagnaCut Offers More Abrasive Edge Retention
MagnaCut rates 5 for abrasive edge retention and CTS BD1N 3.5. That favors MagnaCut for more sustained abrasive cutting, provided the knives are comparably suited to the task.
The score is not a promise of a specific sharpening interval. Different edge angles and grinds can change the practical experience.
Our MagnaCut steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.
More Toughness and Corrosion Margin
Original MagnaCut rates 7 for toughness and 9.5 for corrosion resistance, compared with CTS BD1N at 3.5 and 8.5. Toughness is the larger separation; both steels are stainless.
We would value MagnaCut’s balance when the knife needs to cope with both edge-damage risk and wet carry. The Erasteel update remains distinct from the original MagnaCut rating used here.
The Better Material May Not Be the Better Model
If the knives fit equally well and the price difference is acceptable, we would choose MagnaCut. If the CTS BD1N knife has the size, grip or grind you need, it can still be a sensible choice.
A CTS BD1N knife that already performs well does not need replacing to improve a chart score. Identify the practical benefit before paying for the upgrade.
Composition
Our steel composition guide explains the elements and the differences between reported values, ranges and limits.
CTS BD1N: Carpenter Type Analysis ranges and maxima, mass %. Iron is the balance; values describe this source rather than every producer’s material. Carpenter Technology: CTS BD1N alloy data sheet.
CPM MagnaCut: Niagara typical composition, mass %; selected elements, not a batch analysis. Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM MagnaCut.
| Element | CTS BD1N | CPM MagnaCut |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.85–0.95% | 1.15% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 15–17% | 10.7% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | ≤0.5% | 2% |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.1–0.15% | 0.2% |
| Manganese (Mn) | ≤1% | Not listed |
| Silicon (Si) | ≤1% | Not listed |
| Phosphorus (P) | ≤0.03% | Not listed |
| Sulfur (S) | ≤0.01% | Not listed |
| Vanadium (V) | Not listed | 4% |
| 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.
- Carpenter Technology: CTS BD1N alloy data sheet
- Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM MagnaCut
