Overview
This Magnate by Les George features a stonewashed blade with false tope edge, .183" blade stock and 1.290" blade depth, full tang construction with textured black G-10 scales. Comes with a kydex sheath and original box. New condition. Castle Gate exclusive.
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.
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.
