N690 Bohler?

marthinus

marthinus

Joined
Dec 10, 2006
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I read that N690 Bohler is 440F that is equal to 440c with more cobalt (If I remember correctly) Does this mean it has a higher HRC and more brittle than 440c?

I am just curious because I am going to order my first hand made knife from burger this week and it has N690 Bohler. I can't wait! I have been saving more than a year for a handmade knife.
 
With the cobalt it's similar to VG-10 and that's a fine blade steel [what Fallkniven uses] !! Better than 440C. Don't worry enjoy your knife.
 
It's good steel; made in Austria BTW.
(That's why you tend to find it in European knives - as opposed for example to VG-10 which
is made by Takefu in Japan.)
 
I've just started testing a blade in N690 (not a custom, unfortunately). I agree with mete. This is wunder stahl.

Here is the composition from the Bohler website:
C______1.07
Si______0.4
Mn_____0.4
Cr_____17.3
Mo_____1.1
V_______0.1
Co______1.5

The Carbon and Chromium levels are the same as 440C, but it has a little Vanadium to act as a grain refiner plus increased levels of moly and some cobalt. In the data sheet, Bohler says it that the tempered hardness is 58-60.

I found it takes a wicked sharp edge. It seems to hold it better than VG10, though I'm not yet certain of that. So far it seems to me to be an upgrade to 440C and possibly better than VG10.

I am happy for you.
 
Thank you all for your replies. Last year I bought a Delica 4 with vg10 and started saving for this opportunity. If the steel is better than vg10 it would take one unbelievable edge!

I was in Munster for vacation in December and had the opportunity to visit the Burger workshop. They're hospitality was unbelievable even though I said I would not be able to buy a knife that day. Great people.
 
I also use N690 for my knives - usually hardened to 57-58 but am now going to 60. It actually air-hardens as you work it & I have had to use 3-4 drills on a hole one time! Am a carbon steel fan but this is a good steel. One GP hunting knife I made is used as a throwing knife by the owner (57 Rockwell) into ground & anything with no chips or bends
 
i have been using n690 for a few years now. i usually harden up to 59/60 rc and it holds a edge superbly with no sign of brittleness. truth be told i have not used it for thin blades like chef`s knives but it should work fine even then as long as its not used for a crowbar!
be warned tho it workhardens very easy when shaping,drilling or grinding. use new drill`s and sharp belts or u could run into some problems.
it polishes to a fine finish ans is extremely resistant to any corrosion if it has a polished finish.
 
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