MagnaMax
MagnaMax represents one of the most exciting modern tool steels available for premium edge tools. Developed using powder metallurgy, it offers an outstanding combination of exceptional toughness, high wear resistance excellent edge retention, fine carbide structure and with it being a stainless steel offering better corrosion resistance than traditional tool steels.
Why 64 HRC
Most premium woodworking tools aim, for 62 hrc with a variance of 61-63. They aim for this hardness level because it is usually the sweet spot for having high enough hardness for good edge retention while maintaining enough toughness to not experience major edge chipping. For a given steel increasing the hardness usually decreases its toughness. Magnamax is exceptional in this regard as for a given hardness level it has superior edge retention and toughness than traditional tool steels used in woodworking tools such as O1, A2 or CRV. I chose to heat treat at 2200F and temper at 350F to land at 64 HRC for Roberts Fine Tools Magnamax steel. The reason for this is due to it being the highest hardness Magnamax can reach without losing much toughness. This allows the steel to have significantly higher edge retention while maintaining higher toughness than tradition tool steels. See Chart Below published by Dr. Larrin Thomas.
