Nitro-V vs MagnaCut Steel

Nitro V stainless steel is sold by New Jersey Steel Baron, while Magnacut steel was developed by Dr Larrin and produced by Crucible Industries.

The key difference lies in their edge retention and wear resistance. Magnacut was designed specifically to match non-stainless tool steels like CPM-4V in edge holding, while maintaining stainless properties. 

Nitro-V on the other hand, offers moderate wear resistance on par with steels like AEB-L that emphasize toughness over edge retention.

While both steels present advances over older options, Magnacut stands out with its exceptional edge retention rivaling non-stainless tool steels. 

However, for applications demanding toughness, Nitro-V fills that role. 

Nitro-V vs MagnaCut Steel At A Glance 

Toughness

Nitro V steel demonstrates slightly higher toughness compared to Magnacut steel in testing. 

Nitro-V knives can better withstand impacts and abuse without chipping or cracking. Its higher toughness makes Nitro-V suitable for larger, tougher knives that may experience impacts. 

According to Dr. Larrin tests, Nitro V achieved toughness values around 23 ft-lbs in longitudinal Charpy impact tests at around 61.5 HRC. 

In contrast, Magnacut steel reached a toughness of 18 ft-lbs when tempered to 61.5HRC. This is attributed to Nitro-V’s fine carbide structure and lower hardness potential. 

Magnacut is more prone to chipping at high hardness and in abusive cutting tasks. 

Nitro-V demonstrates substantially higher toughness compared to Magnacut, giving it an advantage for larger knives and applications where toughness is critical.

Hardness

Nitro-V reaches a maximum hardness of 64 HRC, In contrast, Magnacut can reach over 65 HRC with cryogenic treatment, or 63-64 HRC with just an oil or plate quench. 

The higher hardness potential of Magnacut is attributed to its higher alloy content, including vanadium, niobium, and nitrogen. 

The hardness advantage of Magnacut means it can obtain better wear resistance and edge retention in very thin and acute edges, desirable for pocket knives. 

Magnacut’s higher achievable hardness gives it an advantage for knives requiring extreme sharpness and edge stability. 

But both steels offer a good combination of wear resistance, toughness, and corrosion resistance that improves on previous stainless steels.

Edge Retention

MagnaCut steel has better edge retention and wear resistance than Nitro-V steel.

Nitro-V steel composition and microstructure suggest it should perform similarly to AEB-L and 14C28N. 

This means moderate wear resistance, lower than high carbide steels but with good toughness. 

In contrast, Magnacut was specifically designed to match the edge retention of non-stainless steels like CPM-4V and CPM-CruWear while also being stainless. 

CATRA testing showed Magnacut to have 135% the edge retention of 440C at 62 HRC, on par with S35VN. 

Rope cutting tests also put it in line with S35VN and above S30V. Its fine vanadium and niobium carbides provide excellent wear resistance. 

This means Magnacut knives should significantly outperform Nitro-V knives in terms of edge retention and wear resistance. 

Magnacut can maintain sharp edges for much longer under abrasive cutting conditions. However, the higher wear resistance comes at some cost to toughness compared to Nitro-V. 

Magnacut provides markedly improved edge retention compared to Nitro-V, which is a major advantage for knives requiring extended sharpness, but Nitro-V may be tougher.

Corrosion Resistance

While both Nitro-V and Magnacut are stainless steels, Magnacut demonstrates better corrosion resistance in testing. 

Nitro-V is expected to have slightly improved corrosion resistance over AEB-L due to its nitrogen addition.

Magnacut, on the other hand, showed no corrosion after 72 hours in a 1% saltwater spray test, outperforming steels like S110V, S35VN, and 20CV. 

Even in a 3.5% saltwater test, Magnacut resisted corrosion better than 20CV. This is attributed to Magnacut’s lack of chromium carbides creating a more homogeneous chromium distribution. 

Magnacut knives superior corrosion resistance means it can better withstand wet conditions, exposure to acidic foods, and occasional water contact. 

Nitro-V steel while still stainless, may develop some surface corrosion over time.

Magnacut provides substantially better corrosion and rust resistance compared to Nitro-V, giving it an advantage for kitchen knives and others exposed to moisture.

Ease of sharpening

Nitro-V generally outperforms Magnacut in terms of ease of sharpening and grinding, providing better workability for knife makers and users, especially apparent at high hardness levels.

The lower hardness potential of Nitro-V, maxing out around 64 HRC, makes sharpening easier compared to Magnacut which can reach over 65 HRC in optimal heat treatment.

Additionally, Nitro-V lacks the high volume of vanadium and niobium carbides present in Magnacut that can cause abrasion resistance during grinding and sharpening. 

While both steels contain some carbides, the higher alloy content of Magnacut makes processing more difficult. 

When sharpening the two steels at the same hardness level, the difference is not as substantial. However, the difficulty sharpening Magnacut becomes more apparent at high hardness levels above 64 HRC. 

For knives, the easier sharpening and grinding of Nitro-V can save time and consumables. But Magnacut’s superior edge retention means it does not need to be sharpened as frequently. 

Final Thoughts on Nitro-V vs MagnaCut

Magnacut stands out for matching or exceeding non-stainless steels in wear resistance and edge retention while still maintaining stainless properties. 

For most cutting applications, especially those requiring extended sharpness, Magnacut is hard to beat. Its well-balanced qualities make it an easy recommendation for many uses.

However, Nitro-V fills an important role where toughness and ease of sharpening are prioritized over edge retention. 

Its combination of good corrosion resistance, grindability, and toughness make Nitro-V an attractive choice for hard-use knives that may see impacts. 

Experienced knifemakers have also optimized heat treats for Nitro-V stainless steel to maximize its capabilities.

While I generally prefer Magnacut for its exceptional performance, Nitro-V is also a capable steel that produces high-quality knives when crafted properly.