Powder Stainless
CPM MagnaCut
The first steel engineered to break the edge-retention / toughness / corrosion triangle. Designed by metallurgist Dr. Larrin Thomas; chosen by TRC for the polar-inspired POLHEIM and South Pole lines.
POLHEIM in CPM MagnaCut
TL;DR
Owners describe MagnaCut as the steel that finally stopped forcing them to choose. Independent testing puts its toughness close to 3V while its corrosion resistance sits with the premium stainless class — and Reddit and BladeForums threads consistently note it takes a keener edge with less effort than M390 or S30V.
Sources
Origin
Designed by Dr. Larrin Thomas
Hardness
62–63 HRC (POLHEIM line · Mini Drop Point) · 62 ± HRC (South Pole MagnaCut)
Stainless
Yes
Best For
Cold, wet, hard-use
The Story
For decades knife steel forced an ugly compromise: edge retention or toughness or corrosion resistance — pick two. In 2021, metallurgist Dr. Larrin Thomas refused that bargain. CPM MagnaCut is the result of his obsession: a powder stainless steel engineered from first principles to break the triangle. No more chromium carbides robbing toughness. No more rust eating into a hard edge. Just one steel that finally does it all.
“We picked Magnacut because the Arctic requires it.”
— TRC Workshop
Why TRC Chose MagnaCut
TRC selected MagnaCut for the POLHEIM line, the TRC Mini Drop Point and South Pole MagnaCut because polar and maritime environments punish steel. POLHEIM, in particular, was tested on a three-week expedition above the Arctic Circle in temperatures down to −38 °C — a real-world brief that MagnaCut’s combination of toughness and corrosion resistance was built for.
TRC Knives in MagnaCut
POLHEIM Post Apocalyptic
100mm MagnaCut blade with distinctive swedge and Post Apocalyptic finish — no two alike. Time-proven steel, easy field maintenance, and luxury Black Burlap Micarta. Robust, functional, always ready. This is our POLHEIM in Post Apocalyptic. The Post Apocalyptic finish is born from heat — every blade pulls its own swirl of blues, ambers and violets from the tempering cycle. You don't choose the pattern. The steel does. Underneath, it's still POLHEIM: the compact 100mm EDC fixed blade inspired by Amundsen's Antarctic basecamp, built to perform where failure isn't an option. CPM MagnaCut at 62-63 HRC gives stainless corrosion resistance with the edge retention of a tool steel — the rare alloy that doesn't ask you to compromise.
Available while stock lasts
TRC MINI DROP POINT
Latest addition to the Mini series—the smallest knives by TRC, ultra-compact without sacrificing performance. This Mini Drop Point features MagnaCut steel with a clean satin finish. The 55mm drop point blade offers superior slicing and utility in a package that's legal in most jurisdictions worldwide. Skeletonized construction. Premium Kydex sheath. 125mm overall. 4mm thick. 38g.
Available while stock lasts
South Pole Magnacut
In 1911, Amundsen won the race to the South Pole. Scott perished. The difference? Understanding that in extreme conditions, your tools become your lifeline. The SOUTH POLE honors that legacy. Premium Magnacut steel with exceptional edge retention. Double Black Canvas Micarta grips work with numb fingers. 115mm fixed blade with a Satin finish. 185g. 235mm overall. Kydex sheath. Expedition-ready for the harshest environments. Where others stop, we begin.
POLHEIM
POLHEIM (Pole Home) was Amundsen's Antarctic basecamp during the legendary 1911 South Pole race. Superior tools meant success where others failed. We created a compact EDC knife that embodies Amundsen's practicality and adventurousness. Perfect for all your daily needs with expedition-grade reliability. 100mm blade with high saber grind. MagnaCut steel at 62-63 HRC. DBCM handle. 165g. 215mm overall. Lithuanian hand-made Kydex sheath with Ulticlip. Light, compact, unmatched maneuverability. Home is wherever your adventure takes you.
POLHEIM SIGNATURE SERIES
Signature Series POLHEIM with premium MagnaCut steel and DLC coated blade with satin swedge / false edge. 100mm blade with high flat grind. DLC-coated blade with elegant satin-finished swedge. Black Camo Carbon Fiber handle. Lithuanian hand-made Kydex sheath with Ulticlip. 215mm overall. Signature Series with engraved signature.
Care
MagnaCut offers enhanced corrosion resistance — wipe down after exposure to salt water or blood and oil the blade lightly for storage. Sharpen on diamond or ceramic stones; the fine carbide structure responds quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
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