Knife Review: Piranha MagnaRaptor

Sleek. Fast. Built to Cut: The Piranha MagnaRaptor 25BKT

There's something deeply satisfying about a knife that doesn't mess around. Built with clean lines, fast action, and solid materials that come together in a way that feels like it was built for your hand. The Piranha MagnaRaptor 25BKT hits all of those notes—and then some.

Piranha knives don't show up trying to be anyone else. They do some specific things very well, including tight tolerances, eye-catching anodized handles, and a commitment to consistency that rivals some of the bigger names in the business. And they’ve managed to do it without pricing themselves into the stratosphere. That’s rare.

The MagnaRaptor carries on that legacy—and it does so with some serious authority.

We’re looking at a knife that’s right in the Goldilocks zone of size: not too big, not too small, just right for all-day carry. At 7.95 inches overall, with a 3.45-inch blade and a 4.5-inch handle, the MagnaRaptor gives you a full grip and a full slice, all in a footprint that still fits easily in the pocket. It’s big enough to go to work, small enough to disappear until you need it.

That’s important, because the blade on this model isn’t just any blade. We’re talking CPM MagnaCut—a next-gen stainless steel that hits the trifecta: corrosion resistance, edge retention, and toughness. It’s rare that you get all three in one package, but MagnaCut delivers. And that’s a game changer for users who actually put their knives through the paces.

The blade is finished in black, keeping it stealthy and sleek. It’s a drop point design, which means versatility is built right in. There's enough belly for slicing, a centered point for piercing, and a flat edge that gives you control during precision tasks. Whatever you are cutting, the MagnaRaptor is built to perform.

Deployment is exactly what you want in an auto: fast, reliable, and snappy. Piranha knives have powerful springs, with one push on the button, the blade rockets out with that familiar snap that lets you know this thing is ready for business. It's smooth, clean, and it locks up tight. No blade play. No hesitation. Just action.

But as good as the blade is, what really sets the MagnaRaptor apart is the handle.

Made from 6061-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum, the handle is both lightweight and incredibly durable. It’s been black anodized for a clean, tactical finish that’s low-profile and low-maintenance. What stands out visually are the three cutouts in the scale—giving it a skeletonized aesthetic that sets it apart from the average slab-style handle. But those cutouts aren’t just for show. They shave off weight and add a slight tactile dimension that helps lock your grip in.

And the grip—let’s talk about it. This handle feels like it was carved to fit the palm. No hard edges digging into your hand. Just clean ergonomics that let you bear down on the blade when you need to. Whether you’re wearing gloves or going barehanded, the MagnaRaptor gives you enough contour and comfort to stay in control.

That theme—control—is what really defines this knife. From the clean deployment to the ergonomic handle to the responsive edge, everything about the MagnaRaptor is dialed in. It’s not bloated with unnecessary features. It just works.

The titanium pocket clip is the final cherry on top. Tip-up only, as it should be for an automatic. It keeps the knife sitting low in the pocket, secure and discreet. And unlike some other brands, Piranha keeps their clip design sleek—no bulky hardware or obtrusive screws. Just a functional, smart piece of gear that does its job.

Light in the Pocket. Heavy on Performance.

The Piranha MagnaRaptor walks the line in a way that feels intentional. It’s lightweight without feeling hollow, agile without feeling flimsy, and just substantial enough to remind you that you’re carrying a tool, not a toy.

Let’s start with how it rides in the pocket—because if a knife doesn’t carry well, it doesn’t matter how nice the blade is. The MagnaRaptor slides in clean and sits deep, thanks to the tip-up titanium pocket clip. It’s minimal, but it’s strong. Titanium gives it just the right amount of springiness—secure enough to keep the knife where you put it, but flexible enough to clip and unclip without fighting it. It’s mounted high on the handle for a deep pocket carry, and the slim profile of the knife means it disappears until you reach for it.

At just 2.90 ounces, this knife is featherlight for its size. But don’t let that number fool you. That weight isn’t a result of cutting corners—it’s the outcome of smart design. The 6061-T6 aluminum handle is precision machined for strength, then skeletonized with three cutouts that do more than just give it a signature look. They shave off unnecessary weight, improve balance, and even add a little bit of airflow under your palm during hard use. In short, they’re there for more than style—but they definitely bring the style, too.

And while we’re on style, let’s talk finish. This model—the 25BKT—keeps things sleek and stealthy with an all-black colorway. The black anodized handle paired with the black-finished MagnaCut blade gives you an ultra-clean look that doesn’t scream for attention but definitely earns a second glance. And like all Piranha knives, the fit and finish is tight. No rattles. No loose screws. No lazy machining. It’s clear the folks at Piranha take pride in their tolerances.

Functionally, the ergonomics are on point. The handle length—4.5 inches—gives you more than enough real estate for a full grip. Whether you’re choking up for fine control or bearing down for a tough cut, the MagnaRaptor fills the hand without feeling bulky. There’s a slight swell through the midsection of the handle that creates a natural anchor point, and the mild taper at the butt keeps it from slipping when you’re pushing the knife through a cut.

There’s no aggressive jimping or over-designed finger grooves here—just a smart, comfortable shape that gets out of your way and lets the blade do its job. In Piranha's lineup

 the mantra has always been--function first.

The button lock on this automatic performs exactly the way you’d want it to. It sits flush to the handle to avoid accidental deployment, but it’s responsive and easy to engage when you’re ready. One push and the blade flies open with that crisp, satisfying snap you expect from a well-tuned auto. There’s no grit, no sluggishness—just clean, confident action every time.

The lockup? Rock solid. The blade doesn’t wiggle. Doesn’t rattle. When it’s open, it feels like a fixed blade. That’s a big deal for anyone who’s ever had an automatic knife with sloppy lock engagement. You won’t find that here.

Now, one of the underrated things about the MagnaRaptor is how well it balances. Thanks to the lightweight handle and skeletonized frame, the center of gravity lands just behind the pivot, right where your index finger sits. That makes it feel quick and responsive—easy to maneuver and control, especially during fine work. It’s a small detail that has a big impact, and it’s another reason this knife feels so dialed in.

Bottom line? The MagnaRaptor is a knife you want to carry—not just because of the way it looks, but because of the way it handles. Whether you're using it for utility, work, or just because it's a blast to flip open, it delivers on every front.

Final Impressions: Purpose-Built, Pocket-Ready

By the time you've carried a few dozen knives, you start to get a feel for what makes one stand out. Some models are all hype—big names, flashy materials, and overbuilt designs that promise the moon but fall short when it comes to in the wild performance. The Piranha MagnaRaptor isn’t trying to sell you a fantasy. It’s here to work. And after a few days of pocket time, it becomes clear this is a knife built for real use by real people who know what they want from an automatic.

The MagnaRaptor is special for several reasons. There's no way around it—CPM MagnaCut is a big deal in the blade world, and for good reason. Developed to balance edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance in one well-rounded package, MagnaCut gives you the best of all worlds. You get a blade that holds an edge without becoming brittle. You get a blade that resists rust, so you don’t have to baby it. And it sharpens back up cleanly when the time comes.

That’s a perfect match for a drop point blade like the one on the MagnaRaptor. The shape is already designed to be versatile, but when you combine that with steel that actually performs under pressure, it elevates the experience. Whether you’re slicing cardboard, trimming paracord, or just handling everyday work tasks, this knife holds up without complaint. It just cuts—and keeps cutting.

The action is one of the defining features here. Automatic knives live and die by their deployment, and the MagnaRaptor fires fast. Really fast. The button release is crisp, responsive, and easy to hit, but it’s also recessed just enough to avoid accidental deployment. That’s an underrated design detail. It means you can carry this knife with confidence, knowing it’s not going to open itself inside your pocket or bag.

And the lockup—solid. There’s no flex, no give, no second-guessing. Once open, the blade stays locked tight. That’s exactly what you want from a performance-driven automatic.

Then there’s the weight. At just 2.9 ounces, the MagnaRaptor is deceptively light for its size. That comes down to smart engineering. The 6061-T6 aluminum handle is strong but doesn’t add unnecessary bulk, and the skeletonized cutouts do their job without compromising structural integrity. The result is a knife that feels balanced in the hand and unnoticeable in the pocket—until you need it.

We also can’t overlook the aesthetic. The all-black design gives this knife a clean, tactical look, while still staying understated. It’s not flashy. It’s not screaming for attention. It’s just sleek, tight, and ready. The cutout design gives it a bit of visual flair, but nothing over the top. It’s the kind of knife that looks good in any setting—from the job site to the front office.

The clip is right where it should be: tip-up, right-side only, and made from titanium. That adds just enough spring tension and durability while keeping the profile slim. The clip holds tight, keeps the knife where it belongs, and doesn’t chew up your pockets. It’s not fancy—it’s just done right.

And that really sums up the entire MagnaRaptor: done right.

This is a knife that doesn’t need to shout. It doesn’t need crazy marketing claims or overblown specs. It stands on its own with clean design, quality materials, and performance that backs it all up.

If you’re looking for a showpiece to sit in a glass case and collect compliments, look elsewhere. But if you want an auto that fires hard, feels great, and holds up to serious use—this is your knife.

The Piranha MagnaRaptor 25BKT doesn’t just join your rotation—it earns its place there.

So whether you’re a longtime Piranha fan or just getting introduced to their lineup, this model is a smart pickup. Reliable action. Premium steel. Lightweight comfort. And that satisfying click every time you deploy it. This isn’t just another knife—it’s a workhorse in disguise.

Add one to your carry. You’ll be glad you did.