Ontario Retribution N690Co Steel

D

digdeep

Joined
Mar 19, 2005
Messages
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Can anyone here provide information on N690Co steel, its toughness, ease of sharpening, and ability to hold an edge. All good points, all bad points. Thanks. I am interested in the Ontario Hossum Retribution 1 folder and would like to know if all the praise I have read on these forums for this folder is well founded.
 
If this information is correct I have seen it posted here and other locations the steel is much like 440C.

It's a European made steel. I hope this info is correct otherwise the BF crew can update further.
 
SpearZ said:
If this information is correct I have seen it posted here and other locations the steel is much like 440C.

It's a European made steel. I hope this info is correct otherwise the BF crew can update further.
Click to expand...

The edge retention performance is said to be in the same range as 440C. The Vanadium and Cobalt may give a finer grain structure, which may give a finer edge.

Typical Analysis:
______________N690_______ 440C
Carbon_________1.07%________1.1%
Chromium______17%________~17%
Cobalt__________1.5%_________-
Molybdenum_____1.1%_________0.75%
Vanadium_______1.1%_________-
 
I've had experience with Bohler-Uddeholm's N690 steel which isn't the same as N690Co, but is close, and it took and held an edge quite easily. If you think the knife would be perfect with S30V, I don't think you'll notice too much of a difference with N690Co.
 
I have a N690 from BM and it is one of the sharpest blades that I own... scary sharp... and I have blades in M2, O1, 154CM, VG10 and S30V for comparison...

Easy to get sharp... haven't really had much experience with edge retention as I haven't really worked it hard at all...
 
That's two votes for N690. Wondering though, if N690 is as different from N690Co as H2O is from H2SO4. Hope not.
 
You won't tell the difference with any of these "super"steels.

The Retribution is one of the sharpest factory knives I have. Unfortunately, Ontario isn't producing them any longer.


--dan
 
I have the Ontario Hossom Retribution 1 and absolutely love it; it is one heck of a well made, stout knife. It’s right there with my BM 630 and Spyderco Manix as my favorite folder. The Retribution 1 makes both of those knives seem rather smallish in comparison. Also the Retribution fits wonderfully in your hand IF you have pretty good sized hands and if not you may be better off with the Retribution 2.
One other thing that I really appreciated is that when I had a question regarding the knife Mr. Hossom was kind enough to take the time to answer my question and really seems like a great guy.

I hope that helps.
Kevin
 
dano said:
Unfortunately, Ontario isn't producing them any longer.


--dan
Click to expand...

Mr. Hossom has corrected that rumor on his forum.
Backordered?
Yes.
Out of production, no.
You can check it out "down the street".
 
Ordered one from the One Stop Knife Shop for $140. Talked to Kevin and he said they were backordered but should arrive in about 2 weeks. I can wait, and look forward to a great folder. Thanks guys!
 
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