Your thoughts on N690Co?

T

termiteslayer

Joined
Dec 18, 2009
Messages
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I'm curious if anyone has any opinions on why Hossom used N690Co for the Forester.
I actually like the Forester quite a bit, I just wonder why this steel was used on it.
What are the pros and cons of N690Co?
I suspect (though I'm pretty clueless), after a bit of use, that it's easier to sharpen and less brittle that some of the super steels (or is it a super steel?).
Perhaps a better steel for the novice?
Thanks.
 
(slaps forehead)
:o
Sorry for the wasted forum space.
I'm relatively new to computers and I still consider it a minor miracle that I can even log on.
Being new to computers and nearing the age of 40 is a strange thing for this guy.
I have a lot to learn just to know the basics but I'm getting there.
I'll probably do plenty of 'noob' things here on the forum, please have patience.
Never needed a computer in my life just thought I'd get one for the novelty.
Kinda regret it but it's nice to find people like you guys on the screen.
 
I like N690. My Benchmade Monochrome is a great "bang for the buck" knife. I would like to have a 3-4" fixed blade in N690. As with all steels the treatment is very important.
 
I've been very happy with my TOPS CQT Thunder Hawke .Beautifully made by FOX of Italy.The N690Co steel is a good combination of wear resistance and ease of sharpening , somewhat better than VG-10.
 
I have two Spyderco Volpes (made by Fox) and the N690Co takes a killer edge. It is an excellent steel that performs well.

@ termiteslayer - Take your time and enjoy the forums. Don't forget, we were all 'noobs' at some point. ;)
 
Hi Termiteslayer,

N690Co is a European version of VG-10, made in Austria. The steel was tested by both Spyderco and Jerry Hossom and it was found to be in the same performance range as VG-10.

At this time, in my opinion, this would make VG-10 and N690Co among the best of the ingot stainless steels in edge retention, corrosion resistance and toughness.

A VIM VAR BG-42, in my opinion, would perform better in all three areas, but few other steels will do as well in all 3 areas until you get into the powdered metals.

sal

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We are all teachers and we are all students.
 
I just got back from a drive out to the sticks to test a few of my new knives.
The Hossom Forester did the best, but it was the only fixed blade I tested.
I chopped like a mother for a good 20 minutes on some rather hard dead wood that didn't give up without a fight. I spent most of the time on a log about 14" in diameter. I'm a woodworker, so I do know how to chop like a mother. The Forester STILL cuts paper quite nicely!
:eek:
I've spent a silly amount of time on the Sharpmaster before this test with this knife. It was definitely sharper than the factory edge.
My ZT 301 (S30V) did pretty well, but dulled rather quickly. I haven't had a thorough Sharpmaster session with it yet, though. It was with the factory edge.
Spydie Military (S30V) (yep, couldn't help it, I got one) did well, but I didn't chop with it. It definitely whittled better than the ZT 301 in the factory edge comparison.
I must say that I'm quite stunned with the performance of the N690Co.
If I was to do the same tests with my chisels and hand plane irons (quality and treated properly) I'm pretty sure there would be difficulty cutting paper with 'em. I usually spiff up the hone on my chisels after 15-20 minutes of continuous chiseling, maybe longer with my plane irons.
I'm most definitely impressed.
 
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