A key difference between LC200N and MagnaCut is that LC200N prioritizes maximum corrosion resistance, making it a true “saltwater” steel capable of prolonged saltwater exposure without corrosion.
In contrast, MagnaCut focuses more on achieving a balance of high hardness, edge retention, toughness, and good corrosion resistance, offering better wear resistance and edge retention due to its higher achievable hardness.
LC200N and MagnaCut are two premium stainless steel alloys that offer an exceptional combination of corrosion resistance and toughness for knife applications.
LC200N is produced by Zapp using the PESR– (Pressurized Electric Slag Remelting) Process with a smart forging technology to increase nitrogen content in its alloy and is sold under the name Zapp LC200N.
MagnaCut is a newer stainless steel developed by metallurgist Dr. Larrin Thomas and produced by Crucible Industries using Crucible Particle Metallurgy.
LC200N vs MagnaCut At A Glance
| Property | LC200N Steel | MagnaCut Steel |
|---|---|---|
| Hardness | 58-60 HRC (recommended), 60-61 HRC (limit) | 62+ HRC (achievable, higher with cryo) |
| Toughness | Excellent toughness | Slightly lower than LC200N |
| Edge Retention | Lower edge retention | Significantly better edge retention |
| Corrosion Resistance | Extreme corrosion resistance is considered a “saltwater” steel | Excellent corrosion resistance, but slightly less than LC200N |
| Ease of Sharpening | Easier to sharpen than Magnacut | Easy to sharpen |
| Overall Performance | Excellent for saltwater applications, slightly better toughness and ease of sharpening | Unparalleled balance of toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance; best edge retention in Spyderco Salt series |
Hardness
LC200N steel is a high-nitrogen stainless steel that is limited to a hardness of around 60-61 HRC, even with cryogenic treatments. Zapp LC200N datasheet encourages an operating hardness of 58-60 HRc.
In contrast, MagnaCut steel can reach significantly higher hardness levels of over 63 HRC without cold treatment, and over 64 HRC with cryogenic treatment.
While LC200N is limited to 60-61 HRC due to its focus on maximizing corrosion resistance, MagnaCut can reach hardness levels of 63 HRC or higher due to its balanced composition designed to produce a fine carbide structure.
In knife application, the higher hardness of MagnaCut gives it an advantage over LC200N in edge retention and wear resistance.
Toughness
Toughness in knife steel refers to its ability to withstand chipping, cracking, or breaking when subjected to impact or stress during use.
LC200N steel has better toughness than MagnaCut, LC200N steel’s excellent toughness matches top-performing stainless steel like AEB-L and 14C28N steel.
LC200N steel’s high toughness is due to its fine carbide structure and focus on corrosion resistance rather than wear resistance.
This excellent toughness is attributed to the composition that contains a low volume of fine carbide and nitride structure.
MagnaCut was designed to match the toughness of non-stainless steels like CPM-4V and Vanadis 4 Extra while also being stainless.
Testing by Dr Larrin Thomas showed MagnaCut had toughness similar to CPM-4V when heat treated to 62-64 HRC.
This is significantly higher toughness than other powder metallurgy stainless steels like S30V, S35VN, and M390.
When compared at maximum hardness, MagnaCut matches the toughness of other top-toughness stainless steels like S35VN but does not quite match LC200N steel.
LC200N stainless steel knives exhibit superior toughness compared to MagnaCut stainless steel knives.
Edge Retention
MagnaCut higher achievable hardness of 62+ HRC, combined with its vanadium niobium carbide structure, gives it significantly better edge retention than LC200N.
LC200N is not specifically designed for maximizing edge retention but instead focused on corrosion resistance. Its lower hardness limit of 60-61 HRC also limits its potential edge retention and wear resistance.
MagnaCut was designed to match the edge retention of non-stainless blade steels like CPM-4V and Vanadis 4 Extra while also being stainless.
Testing shows MagnaCut has similar edge retention to S35VN and CPM-4V in standard abrasive wear tests.
Knifemakers have also reported that MagnaCut knife steel matched or exceeded CPM-4V and other high-edge retention stainless steels in rope-cutting tests.
MagnaCut matches or exceeds the edge retention of LC200N due to its higher hardness potential and carbide structure, while also providing excellent corrosion resistance and toughness.
Corrosion Resistance
MagnaCut offers excellent corrosion resistance that matches or exceeds other premium stainless steels, but does not quite equal LC200N corrosion resistance in prolonged saltwater exposure.
LC200N is considered a “saltwater” stainless steel and is known for having extreme corrosion resistance. In saltwater spray testing, it showed no signs of corrosion even after 72 hours.
MagnaCut was designed to have good corrosion resistance, but testing showed it exceeded expectations.
In 1% saltwater spray, MagnaCut showed no corrosion after 72 hours, similar to LC200N and superior to other stainless steels like 20CV.
In more demanding 3.5% saltwater spray testing, MagnaCut stainless steel developed some small spots of corrosion after 72 hours.
According to Spyderco’s testing, MagnaCut corrosion resistance does not quite reach the level of “saltwater” steels like Vanax and LC200N.
Spyderco states that MagnaCut has impressive corrosion resistance that made it worthy of inclusion in their Salt knife series, but it is less corrosion resistant than LC200N.
LC200N stainless steel is more corrosion resistant than magnacut stainless steel and is considered a true “saltwater” steel.
For non-saltwater applications, MagnaCut matches the corrosion performance of LC200N while offering higher hardness potential.
If maximum corrosion resistance is the top priority for you, LC200N is the best choice, it can be used in highly corrosive environments like under oceans without experiencing corrosion.
Ease of Sharpening
Both LC200N and MagnaCut stainless steels are easy to sharpen and grind compared to other high-carbide stainless steels.
However, LC200N has a slight advantage over MagnaCut due to its lower attainable hardness and finer carbides that are focused on corrosion resistance rather than wear resistance.
In practice, LC200N knives are generally easier to put an edge on compared to MagnaCut knives, though MagnaCut knives are capable of achieving a thin edge and will retain the edge much longer.
As a user, you will likely find yourself sharpening MagnaCut steel knives fewer times due to its good edge retention and high wear resistance.
Final Thoughts on LC200N vs MagnaCut
In summary, LC200N and MagnaCut both provide excellent corrosion resistance, toughness, and grindability for knife applications, but have different strengths based on their design goals.
LC200N prioritizes maximum corrosion resistance and has proven itself as a true “saltwater” steel, capable of prolonged saltwater exposure without corrosion.
L200N stainless steel also offers slightly greater ease of sharpening and toughness compared to MagnaCut.
However, CPM MagnaCut provides higher achievable hardness up to 63+ HRC, giving it better edge retention and wear resistance.
MagnaCut also has impressive toughness and a level of corrosion resistance approaching LC200N stainless steel.
While LC200N is the choice for absolute corrosion resistance, CPM MagnaCut offers an unparalleled balance of toughness edge retention, and corrosion resistance.
You can find these steels in the Spyderco Native 5 Salt series of knives, Spyderco states that MagnaCut offers the best edge retention of all their Salt knife steels.