Introducing the Les George Magnate exclusively from CastleGate Knife & Tool.
The Magnate is a hefty slab of MagnaCut goodness with a function-forward design and a goal of being the best and last knife you will ever need.
The word “Magnate” means “a person (or knife) of great influence, importance, or standing in a particular enterprise, field of business.” It shares the same Latin preface as MagnaCut … “Magna” which is ancient Latin for “great” also meaning awesome and generally badass. In many ways we designed this knife as a showcase for the steel itself, a functional design framing an extreme set of capabilities.
The Magnate is 100% made in the USA by Les George Knives using only USA sourced materials
Knife Specifications
Length Overall: 9.00 inches
Blade Length: 4.20 inches
Cutting Edge: 3.70 inches
Blade Width: 1.23 inch (1/8th)
Blade Thickness: .18 inches
Blade Material: Magnacut
Hardness: Rc 62-63
Blade Style: Drop Point
Blade Grind: Flat Grind
Finish: Satin blast
Handle Length: 4.80 inches
Handle Width: 1.10 inches
Handle Thickness: .53 to .80 inches
Handle Material: G-10
Color: Basic Black
Weight: 7.2 oz
Sheath: Kydex (black)
Knife Type: fixed blade
Brand: Les George
Model: Magnate
Designed for: all around, outdoor, camping, hunting, bushcrafting
Regarding the magnate, Les George explains, “I wanted to create a fixed blade that focused on all-around usefulness and functionality, the perfect companion for any adventure.”
Hal Van Hercke, Owner of CastleGate recalls how the project started. “I met with Les about reproducing a very successful knife we had made several years ago. It was a mid-sized fixed blade with a handle that emphasized comfort and control for really demanding use.” Les immediately pulled a custom prototype out of his bag that was nearly identical to our knife, but more refined, more modern, and subtly better in every respect.” “This is why you come to Les George.” I thought to myself.
“This is a knife I have been wanting to make for a really long time!” Les said.
As we looked at both knives side by side on the table Les asked, “The only question now is which one should we make, mine or yours?”
“Yours!” I said enthusiastically, “Why do you think I am standing here?”
And with that the Magnate was born…
Why all this fanfare about a knife steel? Well, CPM MagnaCut is a modern “super steel”. It is a stainless tool steel with an excellent combination of toughness and wear resistance. It was invented by head knife steel nerd Dr. Larin Thomas PhD
The major balancing acts in stainless knife design are edge retention versus toughness and hardness versus corrosion resistance. Through the magic of modern metallurgy Larin had created what seems impossible. Magnacut doesn’t really compromise. It manages to offer outstanding scores in all four dimensions.
To read the details on MagnaCut and to completely geek out on the science visit: https://knifesteelnerds.com/2021/03/25/cpm-magnacut/
About Les George:
Les holds a lifelong fascination with knife making and has been making world-class knives since 1992. Les served in the United States Marine Corps for more than 10 years with several combat deployments under his belt. He is the owner of Les George Knives and has also designed knives for other leading brands including Pro-Tech Knives and Spartan Blades. We first met Les through these mutual relationships and the idea for this knife evolved over several meetings at Blade Show in Atlanta. We are extremely grateful to have Les George produce our first Master Series collaboration; the start of many good things to come.
About Larin Thomas:
Larin is a full-time professional metallurgist with a PhD in Metallurgy from the Colorado School of Mines. (Where all self-respecting nerds come from). He is the proud son of damascus steel wizard Devin Thomas who made the steel for our original line of CastleGate custom fixed blades and folders over a decade ago. So the connections run deep and we are proud to feature his steel in our first ever Master Series collaboration with Les George.
About CastleGate:
Celebrating our tenth year anniversary, CastleGate Knife & Tool is proud to be America’s knife source. We are a family-owned full-line knife store located in Sedalia, Colorado at the base of the majestic Rocky Mountains. We strive to offer you the best customer experience and expertise grounded in the traditional values of customer service, honesty, respect, and the love of all things knife related.
