Pro-Tech/Chaves Scapegoat Compact Review | GearJunkie

Knife steel plays a critical role in how and where you put your pocket knife to work. In fact, it’s one of the most talked-about and toiled-over aspects of a knife. So, when a new steel hits the market, I jump on the opportunity to see what it’s all about.

For the last few years, MagnaCut steel has not only blanketed the EDC knife landscape, but it’s also proven its worth as a well-balanced workhorse. With the launch of the latest super steel — MagnaMax — there are high expectations as to how it compares to MagnaCut.

Though the two share similar names, their composition suggests very different performance characteristics —  and that’s not a bad thing! While MagnaCut can work for a variety of knives, MagnaMax really shines in a pocket knife due to its ability to retain a razor-sharp edge longer.

The Pro-Tech/Chaves Knives Scapegoat Compact, made to exceed the standards of both Pro-Tech Knives and Chaves Knives, might be the ideal blade to test how MagnaMax performs. So I put this push-button, four-finger automatic folder to the test to find out how MagnaMax measures up.

In short: MagnaMax steel is a slicy stainless steel with great corrosion resistance and edge retention. In the Scapegoat Compact, it’s baked into a strong, durable, and ergonomically appealing form. Not only is this a reliable knife, but it’s also essentially a collectible, as it’s made from the last steel released by Crucible Industries.

Pro-Tech/Chaves Scapegoat Compact Review

Design and Features

Both Pro-Tech and Chaves are known for semi-aggressive, ergonomically appealing knife designs. In the case of the Scapegoat Compact, they really hit the nail on the head for folks looking for a hard-use knife that fits well in all hand types, and can put in work without cramping up your hand or forming any hot spots.

As noted, this knife centers around MagnaMax steel, the veritable new kid on the block. It carries over the same corrosion and abrasion-resistant properties as its MagnaCut cousin, but has been specially formulated to offer better edge retention. On the Scapegoat Compact, the edge is tacky, giving rise to a very slicy knife.

One aspect I suspect some people will balk at, considering the price tag, is the aluminum handle scales. At $300, people may expect titanium scales, but in this case, I firmly believe the price is justified. The Scapegoat marks a collaboration between two top knife brands, employing today’s premier steel — made by the now-defunct Crucible Industries.

As is common with Pro-Tech knives, the action on this auto is impressive, if not initially intimidating. The button is recessed, so there’s no worry about this sucker popping open in your pocket, but it’s also smooth and requires minimal effort to deploy.

First Impressions

Before I knew the Scapegoat Compact would be my first MagnaMax test subject, I didn’t care which knife I got — the steel was the focus. However, once Blade HQ confirmed it was sending the collab between Pro-Tech and Chaves, I was stoked.

From the design and build to the deployment and ergonomics, the Scapegoat Compact is a top-performing EDC knife. While quality automatics are generally built to high standards, both Pro-Tech and Chaves are known for going even further to execute a dependable tool. That shows in the overall build and the finer details, like the mother-of-pearl inlay on the push button.

I will admit, aluminum isn’t my favorite choice for handle scales, as it’s known to get slippery when wet. However, here on the Scapegoat Compact, the coating on the aluminum keeps that from being an issue. While some might scoff at the price tag for aluminum instead of titanium, I hope they’ll see the forest for the trees: this knife isn’t just a great EDC choice — it’s also a piece of knife history.

In the Field

Testing the Scapegoat Compact presented a fresh experience every time I put it to work. While this isn’t my first time testing a new alloy, it’s certainly the first time I’ve tested steel this new. I’ll be upfront: I wish this version didn’t have the DLC coating. MagnaMax earns high marks for corrosion and abrasion resistance without any topical treatment, making the coating feel somewhat redundant.

That was by no means a deal breaker, however.

I spent a full month with the knife through heavy rains, dry stretches that spiked my allergies, and several hikes. I also put it to work on the homestead — between house repairs and pruning trees, I exposed the Scapegoat Compact to everything I could.

The result? A quality knife destined to be someone’s “grail knife” that they use and covet for years. The steel never flinched. Even after slicing through a memory foam mattress (a long story for another time) and copious amounts of shrink wrap, cardboard, and binding, it still performs like it’s factory fresh. The handles provided ample grip even as rain poured down.

My only real lingering worry was the pocket clip. It has an ample ramp at the tip for easy pocketing, but that’s the kind of profile that eventually snags on something and bends out of shape. I really wish Pro-Tech and Chaves had opted for the hardcore, classic Chaves Skull Clip instead.

A Note on Crucible Industries

Crucible Industries was very important to the knife industry. Home of all the powdered knife steels, the U.S.–based manufacturer was instrumental in getting all the knife brands their quality knife steel, in bulk. When it shut down last year, it sent the industry into a tailspin. Thankfully, both Niagara Specialty Metals, an American company, and Eresteel from France took up the reins, and there was little to no change in the supply chain, quality, or availability.

Before it shut the doors, however, Crucible was able to produce a handful of MagnaMax steel sheets. From what I understand, that was not only the last steel that came out of the factory, but also the only version of MagnaMax on the market today. That makes any one of the handful of knives with MagnaMax right now historically significant. The first run of MagnaMax came out of the last run of steel from a manufacturer that made powdered knife steel possible.

Conclusion: Who’s It For?

While the Scapegoat Compact is an incredible EDC, automatic knives still come under legal scrutiny. So I can’t recommend it for everyone — but I can recommend it for those who want a premium EDC blade that can tackle both work and recreation (provided they can legally carry it). In order to determine the legality where you are, check out Knife Rights’ LegalBlade 3.0.

Though MagnaMax may not be as tough as MagnaCut, it can still take on a lot. For many, high ranks in corrosion resistance and edge retention are really the necessities. MagnaMax’s corrosion resistance is on par with MagnaCut, while its edge retention blows past it.

With the DLC coating on this blade, you shouldn’t have any issues at all in wet and sloppy conditions. This translates to low maintenance. If you’re looking for a knife you don’t need to fuss over, the Scapegoat Compact might be your ideal EDC.

The fact that this knife has some historical significance to boot also carries a lot of appeal. I would never want to see a knife like the Scapegoat Compact displayed on a shelf or left in a box, but it does possess a level of collectability to it. If you appreciate the fine details in addition to overall utility, there’s even more to like here.