Here We Go Again! Everything’s Bushcraft, Bushcraft & Magnacut Steel! WHY?

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Larrin said:
I think anything between about 60-65 Rc can be appropriate for MagnaCut depending on desired properties, the knife, target customers, etc. Hitting 65 Rc consistently is difficult even with custom heat treating, 64-65 is probably a reasonable target if what you want is max hardness custom heat treating. For production heat treating 63-64 Rc is more realistic as a maximum. But I have worked on production heat treatments more in the 62.5-63.5 Rc which is a bit more balanced. 61-ish is a good target for blades that want to favor toughness. But there are certain customers requesting maximum hardness, and it certainly works fine at max hardness. M390 and 20CV have been pushed into the 62+ Rc range in recent years but that steel has relatively low toughness so it is somewhat surprising that this is the steel people have identified as one that “should” be at high hardness. I would argue that S35VN would be a better choice for 62+ Rc than M390.
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Thanks for taking the time to get back to me Larrin, as a knife enthusiast I appreciate all you do for the community (and then dumbing it down for folks like me lol). It’s good to hear that it OK to have a Magnacut blade around 61 (for the toughness), since everyone was bashing one of the bigger companies (honestly forgot who) because they tested ONE and it came out around 60… and also thanks for confirming that M390/20CV do NOT need to be that high either, everyone expects to see 61+, when in reality it turns out the Manufacturers DO know what they’re doing all along treating 20CV at ~60.
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge! Always look forward to your posts.
 
Gene said:
I can’t believe that everything now is a “bushcraft” knife. You almost have to include the “bushcraft” term to take an assessment of a knife seriously.
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I get it, your frustrated, but seriously, not "everything" is being labeled "bushcraft", and not "everyone" is suddenly using magncut and only magnacut, and nothing else exists or is being made anymore.... it is simply not the case.

If that is all "you" can find when searching youtube or wherever, maybe you aren't looking hard enough, maybe you need to expand your horizons and search a bit deeper. I mean, ffs, Condor still uses 1075 on most of their stuff (incl. "Bushcraft" knives), ESEE and Kabar still use their varients of 1095, (many suitible for bushcraft), Busse still uses Infi and Elmax and others, and plenty of custom makers right here on the BF exchange are pumping out some gems in other steels without the word "bushcraft" mentioned once, (though you could probably bushcraft to some degree with nearly all of them)...

It would be simply foolish from a business perspective for many/most companies to completely ignore the current trends like new steel types... If orange is selling like crazy this year, and blue sales are down, why would a company insist only on selling blue, and refusing to make something orange? The goal of business is to sell product.

Step back, take a deep breath, smell the flowers, listen to the birds, and realize it isn't all or nothing.
 
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If the world made any sense , I could affordably buy nice tough super steel mower blades . 😏
 
DocJD said:
If the world made any sense , I could affordably buy nice tough super steel mower blades . 😏
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If the world made any sense, you wouldn't have to mow.

That said, I use an Austrian scythe.
 
The bushcraft part has always puzzled me. People a 150 year ago were doing bush crafty things with whatever they had in carbon steel and did plenty well.

The marketing name “ bushcraft” makes it sound like it’s a new fangled way to do things better with a new and improved tool. Well maybe so but it’s not a new way to do stuff.

As for Magnacut I appreciate all that went into designing and putting it into reality. I like the well rounded aspects it has, high toughness, stainless, easy sharpening and pretty decent edge retention. It still seems that a lot of folks want the high hrc for high edge retention aspect and skip over the toughness aspect along with the corrosion resistance and easy sharpening. I have several folding knives in s30v, s35vn and s45vn and they are all excellent knives for the intended purpose. Then I have some fixed blades in s35vn and one in 3V that do really good for what I do. I haven’t yet put my magnacut 110 through the paces yet but I’m looking forward to it soon. I think the main thing is that we have a lot of choices and that’s a good thing. Just because I want to try it doesn’t mean I’m steel snob crazy, I want to see how it performs in my usage.
 
DocJD said:
We mow about 10 acres . You're welcome to come help ! 🥵

40 or so years ago , I tried to use a scythe for this and got schooled by nature . ;)
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Yeah. I only live on a mostly wooded postage stamp of just over 1 acre. I will come over, drink beer and cheer you on, however.
 
In regards to the first point, it's important to consider the quality of the steel and the craftsmanship when choosing a knife maker. The heat treatment and manufacturing process play a crucial role in the performance of any steel, including MagnaCut. Mistakes can happen, so it's crucial to select a maker known for their attention to detail. Some reports of MagnaCut rusting may actually be due to residual metals from grinding wheels, which can falsely give the impression of rust. This reinforces the need to choose a maker who exercises great care in their work.

Regarding the Bushcraft phenomenon, it's true that marketing tactics employed by knife makers, retailers, and social media influencers often aim to create a perceived need for a particular knife. While it's unlikely that the majority of people who purchase "Bushcraft" knives will venture into the wilderness, the term provides a justification for acquiring such a tool. The general public is presented with a narrative that appeals to their desire to reconnect with nature and tap into their primal instincts. Consequently, many individuals may only use the knife once in their backyard and then either sell it or store it away. While there is indeed a genuine Bushcraft community, it constitutes a small percentage of the population. Engaging in survival activities and crafting items from natural materials is challenging, and the hardships of extended outdoor excursions, including bugs, extreme temperatures, and lack of modern conveniences, dissuade most people from pursuing it as a leisure activity. Nonetheless, those who do participate in Bushcraft deserve admiration for their commitment.

Additionally, someone mentioned the similarity between the Bushcraft marketing hype and the use of the term "tactical," and this is indeed true. Many companies utilize similar strategies, aiming to sell an idea or lifestyle alongside their products. It's crucial for consumers to critically evaluate the actual qualities and features of a product rather than solely relying on marketing buzzwords.
 
Danke42 said:
I don't want to burst your bubble but that's a watermelon.
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I don't want to burst your watermelon, because I'm not Gallagher.


As for the topic at hand, I've found that as I get older I can choose to either get riled up and scream to the heavens "Why!?" or just give in to the impermanence of existence and just realize that whatever is newest and greatest may not be, but if it makes someone happy or enhances their joy of the hobby I doesn't bother me. I'm jazzed to try out MC, but I'm not worshiping at it's alter just yet. I'm still a devout Her Lady of Cruwear devotee.

Doesn't make me any difference.
When in doubt, "You do you, buckaroo."
 
Regarding bushcraft: When chores are caught up at my remote property, I like to use knives for making things, whether it is walking staffs, primitive shelters, etc. I find it relaxing. I can do most any of it with any knife or steel but the thing I look at most is a comfortable handle that can be used in multiple grips/positions. I guess this may be considered useless bushcraft, but for me it id just using knives in the woods for things I enjoy.
 
For me, ease of sharpening means ease of deburring. Magnacut has this in spades. Its stainless properties are valuable down here in the deep south, where our sweat droplets have sweat glands. I'm impressed!
 
MolokaiRider said:
I only have one sample of Magnacut, but it's performance is palpable.

The bump in edge holding and corrosion resistance has been noticeable.

I have not had to touch up the edge yet, after cutting up around 2000 sweet corn ears, 20 large fish, one deer, and a myriad of fruit and vegetables.

Mahalo again Richard338 Richard338
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Clearly, you'll never be a bushcrafter.

🤣🍻
 
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