Böhler N690 steel pocket knife

How good is Böhler N690 steel?

When it comes down to a steel type 'good' is of course relative term. A steel type is as good as it adheres to the demands of the user. So how does that pan out for Böhler N690? Böhler N690 has a high chrome content. As such it is resistant to rust and stains. Perfect for maritime and humid environments. The combination of cobalt and vanadium contributes to the sharpness retention and will thus ensure that your blade will retain its sharpness for a long time. Despite its hardness, N690 is relatively easy to sharpen. So, maintenance will be a piece of cake!

What are the disadvantages of Böhler N690 steel?

With so many steel types out there it can be quite the task to determine which is the best choice for you. That is why it is also important to keep the 'disadvantages' of Böhler N690 in mind. Böhler N690 retains its sharpness well. It is, however, not as tough as other steel types and therefore less suited for the more demanding tasks. Böhler N690 is also more expensive than common stainless steel, which can definitely increase the total price of your pocket knife.

Which is better? Böhler N690 compared to...?

Many types of steel are used to produce pocket knives. But which steel type is better? First and foremost, this depends on what you are looking for. However, if you do want to make a comparison: Böhler N690 is similar to Böhler N690Co.

Böhler N690Co

Böhler N690Co is an upgraded version of N690 and contains more cobalt for an even harder type of steel that retains its sharpness even better. In short: a better version of Böhler N690. This upgrade does make N690Co more difficult to sharpen and also more expensive.

Böhler N690 fans: which brands use Böhler N690 steel?

You have never been more sure: you are looking for a pocket knife with a blade made from Böhler N690 steel. But which brand uses this type of steel for their pocket knives and appeals to you most? Böhler N690 is used by different knife brands for the production of pocket knives. An example is Extrema Ratio which used N690 for a number of their tactical pocket knives. Check out all Extrema Ratio knives with N690 steel.

Böhler N690 maintenance

Böhler N690, like any type of steel, needs to maintained to make the most of it. Böhler N690 is very corrosion resistant. This, however, does not mean it cannot rust. Make sure the blade of your pocket knife is clean and dry to prevent corrosion.

A sharp edge ensures that your pocket knife will function as it should. Böhler N690 is relatively easy to sharpen. Because of the hardness of this steel type we do, however, recommend diamond-coated or ceramic sharpening stones for the best sharpening results.