Why Is MagnaCut Steel So Popular? + The Best Under $200
Vložit
- čas přidán 13. 06. 2024
- Can you get a MagnaCut knife without paying an arm and a leg? Find yours here: kcoti.com/47qZJNI
Invented by Dr. Larrin Thomas in partnership with Crucible Industries, MagnaCut is the first blade steel designed to hold high marks in all three categories of performance - toughness, stainlessness, and edge retention. We’ve seen plenty of customs and high-end knives with this super steel, but now let’s look at some more affordable EDC folding knives that bring performance to the masses.
Learn more about MagnaCut from Larrin Thomas’s website: knifesteelnerds.com/2021/03/2...
00:00 Best MagnaCut Knives in 2023
02:54 Spyderco Native 5 Salt: kcoti.com/3YpuhuR
05:20 Kershaw Leek MagnaCut: kcoti.com/3rZ5QZk
06:12 Kershaw Dividend MagnaCut: kcoti.com/3DIPnuS
07:09 Kershaw Launch 15: kcoti.com/454MYqw
07:58 Hogue Deka: kcoti.com/3qken8w
09:37 Acta Non Verba A100: kcoti.com/3YspzMQ
11:08 GiantMouse ACE Iona V2: kcoti.com/3KvTXk2
12:35 Viper Vale: kcoti.com/47kDIzX
14:01 LionSteel Nano: kcoti.com/3YFufiV
15:49 LionSteel L.E.One: kcoti.com/3YrbijJ
17:57 Tactile Knife Co. Bexar and Dreadeye: kcoti.com/3s3h3bj
21:20 Ontario SPL Dive and Pack Knives: kcoti.com/45gKnJI
Check out our entire MagnaCut Selection: kcoti.com/3qujR0t
#KnifeCenter
Social Links:
/ knifecenter
/ knifecenter
/ knifecenter
Sign up for our newsletter:
kcoti.com/2LkuXg7
Check out our KnifeREWARDS program for free money to spend on your next knife: kcoti.com/knifeREWARDS
Browse our full catalog:
kcoti.com/KnifeCenter - Jak na to + styl
DCA, a lot of us know that you’re the best presenter out of all the knife retailer’s CZcams channels. Best info, vibes, and everything. 🍻
Cheers to that! As I enjoy a delicious adult beverage watching mister DCA present these quality products 🔪 🍻
💯
Part of MagnaCuts rise in popularity is the name. A great steel, sure, but the name is super easy to remember, especially for people who aren't steel nerds. No alphanumeric nonsense here, just a catchy branded name.
Exactly why Blu-Ray took off over HD-DVD. Marketing 101 - catchy, easy to spell name. (Now every one calm down, I'm not saying Magnacut doesn't deserve praise, just agreeing that the name helps.) Have a great day.
It’s all marketing bologna…..if you want the king of steels….from Spyderco only…..Maxamet….its from some alien planet….you cannot go wrong.
@@wattsmichaele it depends on what you want. Maxamet would be the wrong choice in many applications, but it is super wear resistant, so better than magnacut in other applications. What makes magnacut special that it has a similar toughness vs abrasion resistance balance as tool steels, but with added excellent corrosion resistance.
@@wattsmichaele I don´t know what you are doing with your pocket knife but I would love to sharpen mine here and there instead of having my blade broken.
Well done DCA...GREAT presentation as always!!! Your hard prep work is always so good. Much appreciated Sir!
Just ordered the red lava g10 magnacut hogue deka from y’all last week. I love it and had a great experience. It literally arrived in 2 days. Will definitely recommend and keep buying from knife center!
CPM Magnacut is the LOWEST Chromium stainless steel EVER. At 10.7% Cr it is lower than D2 (which is not exactly stainless). It can get away with it because, unlike just about every other stainless steel, none of the chromium is used to form chromium carbide. Instead the chromium is out competed by the Vanadium and Niobium, so there is more of it left in non-carbide form (which is what resists rusting) in Magnacut than many steals with 14 or 17% chromium. As a purely Vanadium and Niobium carbide steel, it also has an extremely fine grain structure compared to every other stainless steel making it easy to work with and sharpen to a fine edge. The only thing being that Vanadium and Niobium Carbides are harder than Aluminum Oxide which is what most waterstones are made of whereas chronium carbides are not. This means that it can take longer to sharpen than other stainless steels on Japanese water stones, but no more than vanadium carbon steels of similar hardness.
The Lionsteel and Emerson collaboration has aluminum scales. 15:49 Also, Tactile Knife Company offers a leather slip designed for the Bexar.
Love these videos...... Dave and the knife centre guys just have the perfect presenting style. Question? What's the perfect steel and handle material combination for both fixed and folding knives?
Spyderco may have may been the first to announce a production knife with MagnaCut, but it took them a loooong time to get those models to market, and in the meantime Hogue released several models of the Deka in MagnaCut that you could actually buy.
Still waiting for my Hogue.
So true. I got my Magnacut Deka with the sub-zero Fat Carbon scales from SMKW months before Spyderco started delivering any Magnacut models.
@danvalleskey have you tried buying one? Not only do I have a Deka Magnacut, I also have a Bradford paring knife in Magnacut.
Been on order with knifecenter for almost a month. @@lvbuckeye
Spyderco typically are extremely picky when it comes to releasing full production knives with new steel. They have one of the best, if not the best heat treat specs in the industry.
This being said, MagnaCut hasn't really offered anything drastically better than other premium steels. Vanax, Elmax, S45VN, S90V, M390, S110V etc MagnaCut is more hype than anything. It's a great premium steel, don't get me wrong. But the hype would have people believe it's the greatest steel ever produced in a knife. I'd take 15V over them all personally lol
Absolutely first rate explanation, excellent!
Great content as always.
Love my protech runt 5 in magnacut. Holds an edge extremely well.
Great video, thank you!
I love my deka in magnacut, and I got a bark River mini gunny in magnacut and I love that one too. Magnacut has performed awesome for me, it’s been extremely tough and held a great edge.
Thank you David!
Awesome, I think I just found my everything knife! Mahalo sharing this video
Hey DCA, any chance you could do a video on knives with non steel blade materials? Kind of an informational video about their limitations and uses?
I wish you guys would have shown the Bradford Gaurdian 3.2 magnacut, I want to see what it’s like in the hand.
Just got my Hogue Deka Knife Center exclusive with the red gmascus scales and CPM Magnacut blade and it is freaking SWEeeEEEEeEEeeT. Smooth action, super sharp blade, and the scales are awesome. Love the G10
My Magnacut Spyderco Mule is my favorite ❤
Great video. 👍
Spydiechef in Magnacut when?
I'm so glad Kershaw did the Leek with the Magnacut! Such a legendary knife I love it!
I had been wanting a Hogue Deka for a while and eventually got it, however like a few of the knives I've used or collected over time, it ended up being smaller than I imagined which of course seems pretty disappointing as I am not always looking for a gentleman's or smaller knife, the same as a big or huge knife doesn't always fit the bill either (perhaps like the Acta Non Verba of this video). I think medium is good.
I had myself suggested to Hogue, but I think they would take more heed from such a well informed & organized knife seller company like The Knife Center.
Also sounds like the Magna-Cut will be an outstanding steel for knife users and the industry as well. Great video, Thanks!
Have wanted to add a Leek to the collection since buying one for my daughter some time ago. Glad I waited. I took delivery of the Magnacut (blue fade) version last week. Beautiful and functional knife.
I've never seen or held a Leek in person, but looking at it in online images, it looks as if it may be thin and "delicate". Am I wrong about that? I hope I am.
@@HighlanderNorth1 I guess it depends on your definition of delicate. It's no Cold Steel SR1 to be sure, but I wouldn't call it delicate.
If you're unsure, maybe order one from a place that offers free returns. Then, if you like it, but want the Magnacut, you can return that one, and order from TKC.
I have the Deka and the Lion Steel. I definitely need to get the launch and the Demko fixed blade. It's such and excellent performing steel.
Do you prefer the lion steel or deka ?
Thanks for the review. Would be interesting to see someone testing a knife made from this steel.
I just purchased a Bark River Bushcrafter Scout with CPM-MAGNACUT! It has matte black linen micarta and hollow brass pins. It cost around $240, but is definitely worth it. Its a beautiful knife with what i assume is amazing steel. I havent had much time to use it yet
The Acta NonVerba and Hogue Deka are both on my Wish list
What spoke to me the most in this video was DCA. 🎉🎉🎉
I have the native 5 magnacut. It’s an awesome knife but you definitely need lube in the pivot since it doesn’t have washers. Dyed the scales green, looks so good
What type of dye did you use, and how long does it last before wearing off? Also, is the Native 5 Magnacut a strong, solid knife? Thanks
@@HighlanderNorth1 I used rit dye off Amazon. It’s the all purpose dye. Specifically I used the dark green. Magnacut is an amazing steel balancing toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention in a really nice way. My favorite steel. Because this model is the salt version I recommend putting a lot of 10wt nano oil in the pivot since it doesn’t have actual washers. Makes the action a lot better. Love the knife.
So far, I only have the Launch 15... so far. Definitely have my eye on a Salt series from Spyderco in Magnacut as well as one of the Hogue Dekas now that Hogue has had some time to get the heat treat right.
Just bought the Hogue Deka Magnacut with the exclusive g-mascus scale along with the *"Slightly Larger Than Average"* Morale Patch, just so I remember DCA when I use it.
Question regarding MagnaCut. What companies are doing the best heat treats for this steel?
Spyderco…..the rest do an average or less job and you’d be better with S30v in 90% of cases.
Spyderco, crk. Anyone doing 63-64
I had to wait for my Hogue Deka about a month and a half, but I finally got it. I like it a lot. Action is very smooth, I actually like the glass fiber reinforced nylon injection molded scales - they make the knife very pocketable and lightweight. I'm sure the Kershaw is a good contender but it is going to be a little heavier. It came shaving sharp out of the box, with nice even bevel equal on both sides. Fantastic knife. One drawback though. If you have beefy hands and flick it closed with the handle more angled to your palm you can cut your palm. If Hogue made this with 3.5" blade, this wouldn't have been a problem. This is a design of 3.5" to begin with, and it feels a little scaled down.
I also have the Ontario 6200 SPL Pack Knife and I love it. It came with some issues - bevel was not even, small scratches here and there, not enough polishing on the handle part of the tang, useless notch on the handle opposite of the lock retainer clip, but the more I carry it, the more I love it - it is the perfect size to carry, can be carried belt, leg, arm, pocket, wherever. Blade is great, holds an edge forever, not chippy, heat treatment was right on point, good rust resistance, comfortable and ergonomic. It's a whole lotta knife for the money.
Just ordered my very first Dekka, which coincidentally just happens to be my first magnacut blade. Thanks Knife Center and your Hogue sale. I cannot wait to get my new knife, just don't tell my wife.
You'd think a guy with two wives would be happy. Nah you're thinking of a guy with TWO KNIVES
Moe *holding two knives*: Yeah, I gotta tell ya, this is pretty terrific! hahahah
Love my Bradford G3 & G3.2 in Magnacut. Hope they come out with the Sheepsfoot variant in Magnacut soon!
What do you cut with your Magnacut knives?
I also have the Bradford Gaurdian 3.2 in magnacut, it is a great tool. I cut steaks and lots of other food items, and do some small carving tasks with my knife.
@@hummingmybizness I cut my salad real good with my Manacut blades
A steel that excels in all 3 pillars of a great knife steel! I feel like the best way to compete with the steel is to try to make it on a knife that has as low a price as possible!
i just preordered a paramilitary 2 salt in magnacut... excited to see it when it gets here one day
I've been saying this for a few years now. Instead of a crappy 3 finger grip just make a longer blade. The 3.75 range is nearly gone. 3.5 and is starting to be considered large when it is medium. 3 is some how being considered large. I blame the Bugout and mini craze.
Same
Blame sales. Knife companies produce what sells to a broad market. For the last several years its been small knives. It's starting to swing back towards larger knives, I believe.
Younger buyers want knives that look cool, basically light use play around knives. CZcams brokies try to make a living by purchasing and reviewing the same cheap $50 disposable knives as everyone else.
Kershaw and Lionsteel for sure, I like the Ontario camper
Magnacut Native 5 is gonna be awesome when the AWT scales are released for them. Should be pretty soon
AWT scales turn a good knife into an amazing knife. I didn't know they were coming out with native 5 scales, definitely grabbing some when they're out
@@stickyedge7113 and they’re made specifically for the LW/salt native 5 models. Not g10
you shouldn’t need specific scales for the magnacut bruh it can take normal regular native 5 lw scales
Any magnacut folders with a 4” or larger blade? I have xxl glove size hands and these knives seem just to small for my hand size.
Cant wait for a Kershaw Blur and Launch 1 in Magnacut. Those would be insta buys for me
Just picked up a Buck 119 in Magnacut, and also a have a Launch 15, also. Would love if Buck pickup Magnacut as an option for the custom shop.
Yes. The Native 5 Salt is of the best edc knives. Especially if you will be wearing gloves because the Spydie hole and back lock can be operated one handed. I love mine.
Warning on the Kershaw offerings. I picked up a Kershaw in "M390" thinking it was a steal, and I'm sorry but it does not perform like M390. It performs much closer to S30V and 154CM. I've resharpened it on a fixed angle sharpener, and it didn't take long before it needed to be sharpened again.
Combine that with some other major design flaws like free spinning chicago screws. I kinda decided to steer clear of Kershaw in the future.
I have to say I had similar experience with Kershaw's heat treatment. Years ago I purchased 110V Shallot. However it was so soft, I had better cutting performance form my AUS6 CRKT :( Was sooo disapointed. Kershaw makes briliant fit and finish knives, but the heat treat is weak. For such a steel and expensive knife, you require it to perform.
I don’t know about magnacut. It’s hard to touch up the edge with sticks. I had to put it on the grinding wheel. Unlike the 154CM.
My kershaw Launch in Magnacut was great priced, great performance...im no fan of assisted opening...but i like it
i own the viper vale and i love it, it would be a great hard use knife the blade is chunky
My spyderco dragonfly salt, I bought to use for pool maintenance, rusted within a month.
I want a sub-3 mini Deka. I’m thinking about getting one and grinding it down.
Watching this video with my Magnacut blacked out PM2 in my pocket 👌
I really hope we get a Paramilitary 2 and Para 3 in Magnacut soon. I lost my knife at a damn airport and need a new one soon. But I really want Magnacut.
magnacut is my favorite steal, and imagine 4max scout in magnacut, just like deka, that would be my no.1 choice 🎉
Really like my Deka but I have the polymer scales and am looking to upgrade them? Who sells aftermarket scales for this knife. I’ve only seen aluminum scales but would love the gmascus, micarta, or carbon fiber
Just got a dividend, been wanting something in magnacut for awhile.
Waiting for a chance to buy that gorgeous yellow 🕷Spyderco Native 5 🕸
Spyderco needs to hurry up and make a Manix Magnacut model. Preferably a LW model.
If I'm not mistaken I read they are supposed to do a magnacut manix lw for the salt series. If so I gotta have one. The manix is my favorite Spyderco model and in a lw in magnacut it will be the perfect lake knife for me.
cant wait for the manix too!
thank u sir
So far I love my Insingo bladed Inkasi in MagnaCut but I have had it less than a week.
Just waiting on the UK Penkinfe Magnacut to be released!
Are all salt native 5s magnacut? I can only find ones advertised as lc200n
I’m interested in Magnacut but there’s not many manufacturers that will list their target hardness. It seems that magnacut can be hardened anywhere from 59 to 68 hrc. I’d be an interested buyer at the higher hardness levels but I can’t see paying for this steel without knowing…
I came here to write this I feel the same way 👍.
not just hardness but heat treat in general. A can get a hard blade with a shit heat treat, where your edge will chip like crazy.
With the Lion Steel Nano it looks like it can be used as a glass breaker on the end of the handle! Is that a possible use?
Buck 110 actually came in magnacut for a limited run
I got one of the first 1000 with ebony handles. Last week the sport model came out. Both sold out within the day.
Missing from this list: the Demko FREEREIGN in magnacut at $199.00. The likely reason for this is KC has that knife listed as discontinued.
That acquisition is huge news.
Tell us more about blue ridge knives aquiring ontario
Tactile Maverick for the win 💪 🔪
DANG that blade on the Giant Mouse knife. Reminds me of Opinel blades. Super slicing profile.
Are you buying it?
@@stanwilson7040 Personal spending is locked down right now but yeah, I think it's going to the top of my list.
Magnacut = Rust Free M4. I still prefer 20CV for my EDC. I would love a hatchet or chopper for the yard in Magnacut.
Either one along with half a dozen more are better steels….its all hype….
Please don't over estimate the true properties of Magnacut. It's good but it's not a miracle. While its toughness is good enough for most uses, in reality it's mid-range and not exceptional. For hard impact I would strongly recommend 3V, Cruwear or even good ol' 1095 over Magnacut. When chopping with axes/hatchets you want fairly obtuse edge angles (30-40 deg) and max focus on edge stability which pushes Magnacut out of its comfort zone. Have a great day.
@@spitchgrizwald6198 Fully agree. I think 80CrV2 is very much underrated and under-appreciated as a bush/field knife steel. Maybe if we change its name to Wondersteel it might get some more love? Take care.
Please include hrc.. only a couple have 64 hrc
Hey skipper, what about the Demko Free Reign!
its discontinued for some reason
Wish Spyderco would do a run of Para3/pm2 in MagnaCut
If you're considering a Dekka, get the G10 version. The polymer version functions fine but feels cheesy. The difference is night and day. The G10 Dekka is a fantastic knife. The only negative is the thumb studs and the studs on the crossbar lock are a bit sharp.
The studs are toothy, but I like them and think it's maybe a conscious trade off of comfort for traction. I find they work better than the studs on my other folder with gloves or when my hands are sweaty. Barehanded, I don't really notice the sharpness in normal use---only when I'm playing with the knife incessantly. Granted, that happens sometimes too.
@tiltskillet7085 Agreed 100 percent. I'm sure they made it that way on purpose so you can depend on having good grip when opening and closing the knife.
I hate the sharp thumb studs. Will Bugout studs fit?
I found that lower end steels like D2, VG10 and even AUS 8 (lower end) as long as you clean them after use they won't rust. I have yet to see D2 and VG10 rust with normal EDC use. VG10 is incredibly strong steel.
I have a couple of knives in D2, and one of them DID rust on the spine of the point. It took a bit to get it off, but it’s good now. In D2, I prefer a stone wash, bead blast or coated blade.
Kershaw Blur in MagnaCut? I have one and it was 130.00
Been waiting for the plain edge native 5 for a year. Never know when it will come.
They're in stock several places
Seems like the best ones right now is the Deka, Leek, Launch 15. Cant wait for more options
nah the native is hands down the best currently just bc of sheer heat treat, the deka is good but i hear it has a bit soft of a HT. i also have a viper vale that i honestly love
I have pretty much been a S30V-35VN guy for years. I didn't buy into the whizbang newer stuff just from a standpoint of familiarity. But, I have to admit, I tried magnacut and it is pretty much everything I need and have sort of moved to it as my new go to.
Why Is MagnaCut Steel So Popular?....WHY!!!...Cause David C Anderson keeps talking about them every Thursday 🙂
Yes. It seems all the knife folks talk about it, like they talked about D2 steel 10 years ago. I have knives that have been round for decades; I have no idea what the steel is. But, they gotta sell knives everyday.
David C Anderson ❤❤ this is knife asmr
Did anyone else get a Hogue Deka in magnacut that had a super uneven grind? I was really disappointed by the QC.
Ah crap, I waited too long on that Ontario pack knife. Hope that they reissue this under whatever brand they end up as.
Just got that leek…. Couldn’t resist. Toooooooo good!
I'm stuck between the launch for blade length and stiletto esthetic or the deka for the crossbar locks strengt, which should I get?
This is sarcasm, right? Get'em both!
Magnacut in Europe still trickling out rather slowly 😕
I feel you bro, we can get only deka and salt 5 for almost double the price and shipping from US cost 50€ extra
@@fistrexxi mean the native 5 salt is dope, spyderco always does amazing heat treat
@@acid6urns yeah I know spiderco is great but I really dont like their signature blade shape, same with deka, im looking to buy viper knives vale with magnacut blade right now as its the same price point but they are out of stock
The egde retention of the houge deka in magnacut is blasphemy yet superb, however a spyderco para 3 lightweight in magnacut would make my dreams come true
It's on the works. I want to say they're doing Manix 2 and Para 3 Salt series in Magnacut
Magnacut is the Way! I would like to hear the hrc of each of the models presented. I understand that Magnacut retains high toughness at higher hrc numbers and 63 to 64 is the sweet spot. If anyone knows anything more about this, i would love to hear about it.
I have an all black Deka clip point in Magnacut. The action has steadily improved making the knife very fidgety without any bladeplay whatsoever. And it has one of the finest factory edges I've experienced. Its not quite centered and there is some play in the scales but i dont care; it cuts like a dream and disappears in the pocket. I'll get some other scales down the road.
As for Spyderco, lean into Magnacut harder! Ive got a fever and i need more Magnacut.
Hey DCA, i really love the new Kershaw dividend, but I'm not really a fan of the assisted opening. Is it possible to remove a spring and make it a manual??? Has anyone done this to any other knives before?
After opening another kershaw speedsafe knife to clean it I can tell you it's just one spring and you can remove it but it is was gives tension to keep it closed as well as flick it open. So it would be a really slippy slip joint if you did that.
@@DampActionRC thanks for the info.
@@foreverjim5240 you're welcome!
@@DampActionRCthe blur can be deassisted and works well as a manual however the dividend doesnt have the needed detent hole like the blur to keep the blade closed without the torsion spring bar.
Man I love yall I really do but I can't figure out why it takes 2 or 3 days for shipments to go out. Guys gotta be more like dlt.
Magnificient Magna.!
I buy knives based on design, lock type and handle material. Blade steel matters very little. I have Ozark Trail knives with butter knife steel, and they work just fine. 14c28n and D2 really are exceptional steels.
I wish premium knives were available with less than premium steels. A Benchmade whatever with AEB-L would be fantastic. AUS-8, hell yeah. 440c, take my money.
Jag köper gärna.
I don't agree, that it has the performance of Vanadis 4 Extra. (not even close) Vanadis 4 Extra has noticably more edge retention (wear resistance) AND more toughness. Only atribute that Magnacut is better at, is on rust resistance. I much prefer Vanadis 4 Extra, sharpens easier holds longer and much better= better outdoors steel (fixed blades) Magnacut good for folders edc knives,food prep etc.
Didn't give a price for the giant mouse ace iona v2
How difficult l/easy is it to sharpen Magnacut?
Personal experience. Moderate. Note sure how others rate it but I find it similar to S30V or S35VN. Takes a little bit of time but responds well. I recommend using diamonds but it can be done with good stones. Depending on geometry & heat treat will easily take 16 degree edges. Difficult to recommend a starting grit as it depends on how bad the edge is. However, unless you've trashed your edge starting at 600 grit (diamond) should be ok. I have found that it responds quite well to stropping but again I recommend diamond paste. Will take a polished edge without too much effort. Hope this helps. Have a great day.
It's easy as pie with a fine diamond stone. It only takes me about three passes. :)
I have a few of these models. I'd personally recommend against the ANV A100 with my experience. It's handles are squishier than the Bugout and Deka due to less reinforcement structure, and it has thicker bladestock that exacerbates the issue. It pinches my fingers somethin' fierce if I put more than a lackadaisical amount of grip on the handle. It might be possible to change the clip side, but it requires basically a full teardown of the knife (crossbar lock knives are much more difficult to put back together than others). As for nitpicks, the thumbstud is only on one side, and the screw stripped instantly when I tried to take it off, so it's there permanently on the left side. And lastly, the steel on mine feels softer than other Magnacut I have. I'd guess a hardness of 58-60 HRC which is OK for a lot of powder steels, but that's leaving a lot of performance on the table for Magnacut as 64 HRC needs to be the target.
I don't want to be only negative though. The Launch 15 is done really well. Kershaw seems to do a great job heat treating their high end steels. Both their Magnacut and CPM-20CV have been great from my experience. The micarta inlays are as flush as can be.
The KC exclusive Deka has also been great. It's the newer design with much less screws, and Hogue has improved their hardness for Magnacut from their first foray into the steel. The G10 handles feel much more rigid than the injection molded ones, and it's just an all around great knife, if just a touch small for my preference.
The Protech Malibu also uses Magnacut for some releases these days, and that's fantastic as well. It's over the $200 price tag so it's not on the list, but they have probably the best detent feeling of any button locks on the market.
And finally, I adore my Bradford Guardian 5.5. It's done exceptionally well and isn't wildly expensive for what you're getting. Again though, a bit above that $200 ceiling for the video.
I hope, but not hopeful, that there isn't a glut of mediocre blades made from the steel when the market for it opens all the way. I believe Crucible doesn't currently offer some steels for asian export, S45VN and Magnacut being among them. If/when that opens though (or other foundries offer equivalents), I imagine the race to the bottom will happen, just like what happened with M390. There'll most likely be decent stuff from standards with reputation (We, Kizer, Artisan and the like), but there'll also be a lot that are purposefully heat treated softer to save machining time and/or skimping/foregoing cryo treatment so carbide formation isn't up to snuff. Ya know, all the 'invisible' stuff that requires testing and experience to determine.
Prolly the slick sounding name,o and the meteugical properties which aren't perfect but who would even know🤷♂️
Still can't find the Native 5 Magnacut in Canada :/
A small batch of the plain edge went out in June, to people who preordered from the major internet retailers up to a year ago. Otherwise, its been out of stock everywhere. I wonder what model batches have been a bigger priority in Golden, as there's a lot of pent up demand and Spyderco loyalists looking over the fence at the Hogue Deka and now Kershaw models. I'll hold out, as I really want something for my sweat soaked pockets.
Yeah it's like Sasquatch. People swear they've seen one but there's no proof. Keep looking and maybe one day you'll find it. Have a great day.