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Maxamet favors exceptionally high abrasive edge retention; MagnaCut is the more balanced choice for a knife that will encounter moisture and varied cutting tasks. The gap is substantial in both directions: Maxamet resists abrasive wear far better in the ratings, while MagnaCut is tougher and much more corrosion resistant.
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 MagnaCut | Micro-Melt Maxamet |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
When Maxamet’s Wear Resistance Is Useful
Maxamet rates 11 for abrasive edge retention, compared with MagnaCut at 5. The 11 is intentional: Dr. Thomas extends his scale for exceptionally wear-resistant steels. It is not an 11-out-of-10 product review, and the numbers do not mean a Maxamet knife cuts 2.2 times as long.
For someone doing sustained, controlled slicing through abrasive material, Maxamet offers a distinct reason to buy it. For short everyday tasks with occasional touch-ups, its extra wear resistance may matter less than the compromises that come with it.
See our CPM MagnaCut steel profile for more on its properties and care.
Wear Resistance Does Not Prevent Every Kind of Dull Edge
Maxamet rates 2 for toughness, versus 7 for original MagnaCut. A blade can lose cutting ability through damage as well as gradual wear. If your cutting tends to chip edges, choosing the steel with the highest wear rating can miss the problem you need to solve.
We would favor MagnaCut for varied everyday cutting where the extra toughness is useful. Maxamet makes more sense when you can keep the cutting controlled and avoid twisting or levering with the edge. Blade geometry and heat treatment remain part of that decision.
See our Maxamet steel profile for more on its properties and care.
Rust Care and Sharpening Are Part of the Purchase
MagnaCut rates 9.5 for corrosion resistance, compared with Maxamet at 4.5. Maxamet is not stainless. If you cut damp packaging or food, clean and dry it promptly, and use appropriate protection before storage. MagnaCut is easier to live with when the blade gets wet regularly.
Maxamet’s very high wear resistance also matters when you need to remove metal. Diamond or cubic boron nitride (CBN) abrasives are practical choices, especially for repairing an edge. Plan around the sharpening equipment you actually have rather than assuming longer wear eliminates maintenance. The ratings do not provide a sharpening-time estimate.
Choose for Your Cutting, Not the Highest Number
We would choose Maxamet for a dedicated abrasive-slicing knife when its owner accepts the lower toughness and additional rust care. We would choose MagnaCut as the more versatile option for a single knife used across changing conditions.
If you already own a MagnaCut knife and simply want it to cut better, check its edge condition and geometry before buying another steel. Maxamet is a more specialized alternative, not a universal upgrade.
Composition
Our steel composition guide explains what the elements do and how to read these values.
CPM MagnaCut: Niagara typical composition, mass %; selected elements, not a batch analysis. Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM MagnaCut.
Micro-Melt Maxamet: Carpenter nominal composition. Carpenter Technology: Micro-Melt Maxamet.
| Element | CPM MagnaCut | Micro-Melt Maxamet |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.15% | 2.15% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 10.7% | 4.75% |
| Vanadium (V) | 4% | 6% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2% | Not listed |
| Niobium (Nb) | 2% | Not listed |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.2% | Not listed |
| Tungsten (W) | Not listed | 13% |
| Cobalt (Co) | Not listed | 10% |
Compare Two Knife Steels
Sources and Update Notes
- Dr. Larrin Thomas: knife steel ratings · Property ratings and their limits.
- Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM MagnaCut · Typical composition and material properties.
- Carpenter Technology: Micro-Melt Maxamet · Producer nominal composition and high-speed powder tool steel description.
- Dr. Larrin Thomas: Erasteel and original MagnaCut · Research comparing the two versions; the numeric 8.5 rating was supplied separately in written feedback.
