Larrin Thomas on Why MagnaMax Steel Avoids Large Chromium Carbides

In a video from Niagara Specialty Metals, metallurgist Larrin Thomas explains how the size of chromium carbides in a knife steel affects edge quality, grinding and sharpening, and why MagnaMax was designed with that in mind.

Key points

• Large carbides hurt edges: Thomas explains that oversized chromium carbides at the edge can be bigger than the apex itself, causing them to break out and leave small divots along the cutting edge.
• Aggressive doesn't mean sharp: Those divots can make an edge feel more aggressive, almost saw-like, which Thomas notes often goes unnoticed even though it prevents a true crisp, triangular edge geometry.
• Finer microstructure by design: According to Thomas, MagnaCut and MagnaMax were developed specifically to eliminate these larger, undesirable chromium carbides.
• Better grindability: Smaller carbides let abrasives cut through steel and carbide together rather than skating across a carbide that's too large, which improves grinding and sharpening.
• Comparison to older steels: Thomas points out that MagnaMax's microstructure is notably finer than earlier high-wear-resistance stainless steels like 20CV and S90V.

Quick take

Thomas's case is that carbide size shapes how cleanly a steel takes a crisp edge and how it behaves under abrasives. He presents the finer microstructure of MagnaMax as the answer to the large chromium carbides found in older high-wear-resistance stainless steels.

Watch the full video: Niagara Specialty Metals