Magnesium gets a bad rap. Just speak its name and someone is bound to bring up fire starters, corrosion, or that one high school chemistry demo gone wrong.
But here's the thing - you already use magnesium every day!
It’s in your car. Your laptop. Your camera. Your power tools. Maybe even your next favorite knife.
Let’s take a look at why this lightweight metal is tougher and more trusted than it often gets credit for.
You Already Trust Magnesium
(Even If You Don’t Know It)
Magnesium is one of the most widely used structural metals on the planet. Why?
Because it’s stronger than it looks, lighter than you’d expect, and tough enough for real-world use.
You’ll find it in:
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Power drills and chainsaws where it holds up under vibration and heat
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Cameras and laptops where it keeps weight down without compromising strength
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Electric bikes and camp stoves where every ounce counts
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Automotive parts like engine blocks and steering columns
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Jet Engines and turbines
Despite its reputation, magnesium isn’t some delicate, experimental alloy. Think of it more as our masked hero, working quietly and tirelessly behind the scenes for much of the gear we all rely on.
Mythbusting: Magnesium and Fire
Yes, magnesium burns, but only when it's in thin shavings or powder form. Solid magnesium alloys? That’s a totally different story.
The magnesium alloys used in structural products, like the AZ91D used in the Work Sharp RMX, have a very high ignition point. We’re talking 600°C to 650°C! They are also typically coated with protective finishes like Cerakote, enamel, or anodizing for additional durability.
For perspective, you could (but please, don’t) toss the RMX with its magnesium handle into the campfire and, while it may char, it would not explode.
Mythbusting: Magnesium Corrodes Instantly
The idea that magnesium crumbles or oxidizes on contact with moisture is a little... outdated.
Modern magnesium alloys (such as the AZ91D we use) are engineered for corrosion resistance.
That doesn’t mean they’re ready for oceanic expeditions, of course. You wouldn’t want to go scuba diving with it, but with a good ceramic coating, magnesium stands up to:
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Sweat and skin contact
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Humid storage
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Field use in tough conditions
That’s why you’ll find it in hunting optics, engine components, and outdoor electronics. And yes, even in some masterfully-designed knives (hint hint).
Why Magnesium Feels So Different
If you’ve ever handled something made from real, solid magnesium (not a blend), it feels different. Lighter. Quieter. Sometimes even warmer to the touch.
It also doesn’t ring like aluminum or steel. That acoustic dampening can feel strangely premium, even if you don’t consciously notice it.
Dan Doval, our head engineer, wanted a material that felt unique: "Something that gives the RMX real character without being a gimmick." The distinct sound and feel of magnesium had his attention, but it was the way the natural patina formed over time that sold him.
According to Dan, “It’s not just another material. It’s one that tells a story as you use it.”
Like a well-worn leather sheath or seasoned cast iron, it wears in, not out, creating a handle that is more than just practical – it's personal.
Why Designers Keep Coming Back to Magnesium
Is magnesium perfect? Of course not. Like any material, it has its strengths and weaknesses that need to be properly evaluated. But there’s a reason designers keep coming back to it.
Because in the right application, magnesium provides:
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Strength without weight
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Durability without bulk
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A price point that punches above its weight
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A premium feel far superior to aluminum or plastic
According to our engineers, “It’s the kind of material you reach for when you want something to be used, not just admired.”
Why Did Work Sharp Use Magnesium in a Knife?
Great question. When we built the RMX, we didn’t want “good enough.”
We wanted:
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A full-thickness, cast integral handle (with no hollowing or coring)
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Modular serviceability that let users maintain the knife easily
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A handle that felt unlike anything else in the drawer
Put simply, magnesium was the one material that made that possible.
Here at Work Sharp, we use AZ91D magnesium, finished with Cerakote, which adds durability and corrosion resistance. It's strong, light, and meticulously designed to be used day in and day out.
The RMX is proof that when designed right, magnesium is not just a safe choce, but also a smart one.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Fear the Element
Magnesium doesn’t need defending. It just needs context
It’s not fragile. It’s not unpredictable. It’s actually the backbone of a thousand tools you already trust.
So the next time you hear “magnesium,” think beyond the spark. Think about the bike that gets you to the trailhead, the camera you take on every hike, or the tools that never wear you out.
Because chances are, magnesium’s been working behind the scenes in your life for years!
