BM Rant Drop Point steel question

[edzag]

Hi,
Just received Rant Drop Point (http://www.knifecenter.com/kc_new/store_detail.html?s=BM10505P)
from NGK and found that this is made from 440C instead of N690 (as it marked on the blade) so I'm wondering whether BM produces this knive from 440C and which steel is better. I mean that I don't know should I be happy that got it 440C or not.
Any feedbacks are highly appreciated.
Ed

 

[madcap_magician]

I believe they're practically the same steel. It's just that N690 was used in the first production runs and 440C was used after that.

 

[averageguy]

I feel good about all my 440C blades.

 

[wwells20]

edzag, I have both steels for BM. 440C on a mini-grip and N690 on a monocrome. up intil yesterday I thought N690 was vastly better. Someone posted, ( I wish I could give proper credit ) the only real difference is the colbalt in the N690. According to the thread, colbalt only helps a steel with high temperature applications. i.e. drill bits, etc... With that said, both steels will serve you well. Both my knives work for me. BM seems to have the heat treat right for all their steels.

hope this helps, Walter

 

[Jason Cutter]

Yes, as mentioned the main difference between 440C and N690 is the cobalt content. Apparently it does help get a harder edge and improves toughness. At one time, it was being touted as an equivalent to VG10, which is my favourite stainless in production knives. The feedback I've received from other makers and owners who have tried N690 (because I am trying to decide if it is worth investing in obtaining some N690 to make some knives...) has been highly variable. Some have said it holds an edge 10x longer than 440C (ahem... ) and others have said its about the same in performance as 440C. On a technical level it has the POTENTIAL to be better than 440C. Jason.

 

[edzag]

Thanks to all, it seems that I should be little bit disappointed that I got this knife made of 440C, but I think it will work well, I have BM Grip 551 with 440C which is pretty good knife so I'm OK with this stell.
Thanks again for all replies.
Ed

 

[Jeff Clark]

If Benchmade gets a good grade of 440C and does a good job of heat treating (preferably with a cryo quench) it should compare well with N690. Besides cobalt, N690 has more molybdenum and a little vanadium as improvements over the general specs for 440C. A select grade of 440C wouldn't be a big step down from N690.

 

[Jeff Clark]

If your knife is marked N690 on the blade it is made out of N690. They initially made them with N690 and switched to 440C for later production. If it is marked 440C it is made with 440C.