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MagnaCut leads N690 in all three ratings, but the differences are not equally large. Toughness is the strongest separation; the abrasive edge-retention gap is small. For everyday buying decisions, that distinction is more useful than calling one steel better at everything.
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 | Böhler N690 |
|---|---|---|
| Abrasive edge retention | ||
| Toughness | ||
| Corrosion resistance |
Heat treatment, hardness and geometry affect actual knives.
MagnaCut Has Much More Toughness
Original MagnaCut rates 7 for toughness against N690 at 3.5. We would value that margin when resistance to edge damage matters.
The Erasteel production update is separated in the rating note. The score still does not guarantee how a particular thin tip or edge will behave.
Our MAGNACUT steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.
The Wear Gain Is Modest
MagnaCut rates 5 for abrasive edge retention and N690 4.5. That half-point improvement is small compared with the toughness difference.
We would not buy MagnaCut solely expecting dramatically longer cutting life over N690. Compare the grind and treatment too.
Our N690 steel profile explains its properties and care in more detail.
MagnaCut Has More Corrosion Margin
MagnaCut rates 9.5 for corrosion resistance and N690 8. Both are stainless; MagnaCut has more rated margin for moisture.
A well-cared-for N690 knife remains practical. The larger number is useful context, not evidence that N690 cannot handle everyday tasks.
Pay for Benefits You Will Notice
If the models suit you equally well, we would choose MagnaCut for its stronger toughness/corrosion balance. We would still choose an N690 knife with a substantially better grip or grind for the job.
For occasional light cutting, the design and price may be more important than the modest wear difference.
Composition
Our steel composition guide explains the elements and the differences between reported values, ranges and limits.
CPM MagnaCut: Niagara typical composition, mass %; selected elements, not a batch analysis. Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM MagnaCut.
Böhler N690: Böhler N690 average composition, mass %; not a finished-blade assay. Böhler: N690.
| Element | CPM MagnaCut | Böhler N690 |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 1.15% | 1.08% |
| Chromium (Cr) | 10.7% | 17.3% |
| Vanadium (V) | 4% | 0.1% |
| Molybdenum (Mo) | 2% | 1.1% |
| Niobium (Nb) | 2% | Not listed |
| Nitrogen (N) | 0.2% | Not listed |
| Silicon (Si) | Not listed | 0.4% |
| Manganese (Mn) | Not listed | 0.4% |
| Cobalt (Co) | Not listed | 1.5% |
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.
- Niagara Specialty Metals: CPM MagnaCut
- Böhler: N690
