Two popular knife steel options known for their differing reputations are 7Cr17MoV and CPM-Magnacut. Both these steels have made their name in the industry, and for that reason, it is only fair to compare the two to see which is better. So in this article, we will compare these two steels and see why each steel is popular.
Here is the short answer:
7Cr17MoV is a budget-friendly steel that offers good corrosion resistance and is easy to sharpen. CPM-MagnaCut, on the other hand, is a premium steel that offers exceptional edge retention and toughness.
Now that we have looked at the short answer, we can look at each steel such as their composition, their best uses, how they compare in-depth, and what we have found to be the best knives in each steel.
Deep Dive on 7Cr17MoV
7Cr17MoV is a stainless steel that is commonly used in budget knives. It contains the following elements:
– 0.75% carbon
– 17% chromium
– 1.3% manganese
– 0.15% molybdenum
– 0.2% vanadium
These materials work together to create a steel that is easy to sharpen and has good corrosion resistance. While it may not offer the same level of performance as more premium steels, 7Cr17MoV is a popular choice for those on a budget.
Deep Dive on CPM-MagnaCut
CPM-MagnaCut is a premium steel that Crucible Industries developed. It’s known for its exceptional edge retention, toughness, and wear resistance. Its steel composition contains the following elements:
– 1.35% carbon
– 20% chromium
– 3% molybdenum
– 3.75% tungsten
– 1.5% vanadium
– 0.3% nitrogen
These materials work together to create a steel that is incredibly hard and wear-resistant, with excellent edge retention and toughness. CPM-MagnaCut is an excellent choice for high-performance knives that will be used for heavy-duty cutting tasks.
In-Depth Answer
When comparing 7Cr17MoV and CPM-MagnaCut, it’s important to consider the intended use for the knife. 7Cr17MoV is a budget-friendly steel that is easy to sharpen and offers good corrosion resistance. It’s a good choice for those who don’t need a high-performance knife and are looking for an affordable option.
CPM-MagnaCut, on the other hand, is a premium steel that offers exceptional edge retention and toughness. It’s an excellent choice for those who need a high-performance knife and will be using it for heavy-duty cutting tasks.
In terms of cost, 7Cr17MoV is significantly cheaper than CPM-MagnaCut. However, if performance is the top priority, CPM-MagnaCut is the better choice.
Best knives in each steel
Since we have looked at each steel in-depth and how they compare in-depth, we can look at what we have found to be the best knives in each steel.
Gerber EXO-MOD Drop Point (7cr17MoV)
The Gerber EXO-MOD Drop Point is a skeletonized lightweight fixed-blade knife. This knife has an orange handle to ensure you never lose it, has a 3.75-inch blade, an overall length of 8.56 inches, and weighs 2.6 ounces. If you want an affordable lightweight hunting knife, this might be the knife for you.
Check out this knife here (link to Amazon)
Houge knives Deka (Magnacut)
The Houge knives Deka is a unique knife that is great for any everyday carry task you could ever come across. This knife has a 3.25-inch black Cerakote finish blade, a 4.25-inch polymer handle, and weighs only 2.5 ounces. If you want a lightweight EDC for a reasonable price this is a knife you should look at.
Conclusion
7Cr17MoV is an affordable option that offers good corrosion resistance and is easy to sharpen. CPM-MagnaCut, on the other hand, is a premium steel that offers exceptional edge retention and toughness. While it’s more expensive, it’s the better choice for high-performance knives that will be used for heavy-duty cutting tasks. Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget and intended use for the knife.