KnifeSteelDBknife steels, by spec

CPM MagnaCut vs CPM-S35VN

A side-by-side of two stainless knife steels on the specs that decide a purchase. CPM MagnaCut is a powder-metallurgy stainless steel; CPM-S35VN is a powder-metallurgy stainless steel.

Last verified 2026-06-11

PropertyCPM MagnaCutCPM-S35VNEdge
Hardness (HRC)60-6458-61
Edge retentionvery highhighCPM MagnaCut leads
Corrosion resistancevery highhighCPM MagnaCut leads
Toughnessvery highhighCPM MagnaCut leads
Ease of sharpeningmoderatemoderate
Price tierPremiumPremium

CPM MagnaCut suits edc / folders, kitchen, outdoor / bushcraft, hard-use / survival; CPM-S35VN suits edc / folders, kitchen, outdoor / bushcraft. Neither is universally "better" — match the steel to the job, and remember heat treat matters as much as the alloy.

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Full profiles: CPM MagnaCut · CPM-S35VN · best steel by purpose