What's Cobalt Vanadium Stainless steel N690CO...?

V

Venice Will

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Jan 11, 2007
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OK - I have seen this steel - Cobalt Vanadium Stainless steel N690CO - listed for some newer blades, and even some tomahawks...

Pro's and Con's for this steel?


Thanks!
 
The proper name of the alloy is N690. It is made by Bohler in their Austria, mill which is why it is more often found on European knives than on knives of other countries. The composition is similar to that of 440C with similar amounts of Carbon, Chromium, and Molybdenum. However, N690 also contains cobalt and a small amount of Vanadium. These additions enhance the properties of the alloy.

I got a chance to try N690 in a Benchmade Monochrome.
When I ran side by side manila rope cutting comparisons, I found the edge retention of N690 to be similar to that of 154CM and VG10 when all three were hardened to 59HRC.

I also found that the N690 blade sharpened almost as easily as AUS8 and that it took an edge that was every bit as fine. (Small amounts of Vanadium are said to produce alloys with finer grain structure, which allows the blade to take a finer edge.) Seemed to be true to me in this case.

I would look at N690 for the same uses I would look at 154CM or VG10. I wouldn't choose it for a chopper blade (Tomahawk? not if it will be used to chop into wood, Chop flesh? maybe). But would make an awesome skinning blade.

If I found another design I liked in N690 I would certainly buy it. Excellent blade alloy.
 
+1 for Knarfeng's post. I have a Monochrome and a Spyderco Volpe in N690Co. The steel is terrific and takes an extremely fine edge and holds it well. I am always on the lookout for other knives that use N690 and would scoop them up in a heartbeat. Fox Cutlery of Italy uses N690, but they have a minimal presence in N.America.
 
Fox has a minimal presence in their own name but they make, for example, the Hossom fixed blades for Spyderco and Retribution folders for Ontario, all with their sculpted green Micarta handles and N690 steel.

I found the N690 on my Extrema Ratio Nemesis folder took a very nice edge and held it through some abuse. It's all the more impressive since the narrow blade is a quarter inch thick with a low flat grind. Not great for processing veggies but it will slice into them cleanly. :)
 
Thanks for the tip, Esav! I knew about the Hossom fixed, but I didn't know about the Ontario folders. I am going to have to track them down. :thumbup:
 
thanks Narf - I am still looking for a Sibert Tomahawk on the secondary market (as they are no longer available, and have been replaced by Fehrman Knives new offering)...

The Sibert, as best as I can tell, is less a breaching axe tha a tactical tomahawk for CQC...and I love that spike :D
 
Has anyone had any issues with N690 folding near the edge? I have a Miltac (made by Fox) and an Extrema Ratio MPC - both in N690. I've noticed that both knives' edges tend to fold relatively easily during sharpeing - unless I do a bullet-shaped edge (starting at 30 degrees and leveling out in the low 20's) and am more careful than I normally need to be. I do not observe that either in my VG-10 knives, nor my 440C knives. I don't own any 154CM steel, so I can't compare.

Is N690 known to be finicky like that? Maybe the two knives have not been hardened sufficiently?

Any suggestions or thoughts?
 
I've heard of no such issues.

I have a Benchmade Monochrome in N690. The blade was hardened to a 59+ HRC. I've carried as an EDC and have taken it camping, using it for lots of chores. I have not had any issues.
 
I sharpened up a Miltac for a friend. It sharpened like 440C/154CM and held a very good edge even when cutting heavy 6" wide rigging straps. It actually held up better than I thought it would for how easy it sharpened. Fox does a very good job with their N690.
 
+1 to everything that has already been said. N690co to me is more like VG-10 when sharpening but wears a bit like S30V IMO.
 
I've been carrying a FOX , made for TOPS knife ,for some time and find the N690Co to be excellent . Similar to 154CM it's esy to sharpen and takes a fine edge and holds that edge well.I highly recommend it !
 
My first use was in the Monochrome also. I like this steel I find it takes and holds a good edge. I believe how a steel is heat treated is just as important as what is in it. I would like to see what Buck and Paul Bos could do with it.
 
I've got an earlier version of the Benchmade Rant (Drop Point) in N690 and it takes a scary sharp edge. It will easily push cut paper and I do mean, easily.

My Spyderco Dayhiker has the same steel and also takes a nice edge though due to the different bevel and blade grind it doesn't slice as sweet as the Rant.
 
mete said:
I've been carrying a FOX , made for TOPS knife ,for some time and find the N690Co to be excellent . Similar to 154CM it's esy to sharpen and takes a fine edge and holds that edge well.I highly recommend it !
Click to expand...

I agree.
I bought a TOPS Thunderhawk for $125 a while back. (Thanks for the clue METE! )

Good steel.
Good folder.
 
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