Attention all knife enthusiasts and manufacturers! Get ready to appreciate the exceptional qualities of N690 steel, a high quality stainless steel that sets new standards for cutting performance. Known for its exceptional combination of properties including corrosion resistance, edge retention and strength, N690 has become a favorite steel for discerning knife users around the world.
Check out the key characteristics that set N690 steel apart:

πŸ”¬ Composition: N690 steel is a premium stainless steel produced by Bohler, a company known for its expertise in producing high-quality steels. 

Composition of Bohler N690 steel: - carbon (C) 1.07% - chromium (Cg) 17.3% - manganese (Mn) 0.4% - silicon (Si) 0.4% - molybdenum (Mo) 1.1% - vanadium (V) 0.1% - cobalt (Co) 1.5%

πŸ”₯ Heat treatment: N690 steel has a remarkable hardness, which is usually between 58 and 63 HRC, however, the optimum hardness of blades made from it will be around 60-61 HRC (Rockwell hardness scale). 

However, it should be noted that quenching in a nitrogen (cryo) environment allows to maximize the useful properties of the steel at this hardness, maintaining a perfect balance between resistance and durability of the knife. A little harder and the steel can become brittle, a little less and it will not reach its full cutting potential. This level of hardness provides exceptional edge durability, making N690 the ideal solution for demanding cutting applications requiring long-lasting sharpness.

⚑ Corrosion Resistance: One of the hallmarks of N690 steel is its remarkable corrosion resistance. With its high chromium content and other alloying elements, N690 steel provides excellent protection against rust, tarnishing and corrosive environments, making it a reliable choice for outdoor and marine applications.
πŸ”ͺ Sharpness and edge retention: N690 steel is characterized by excellent sharpness and edge retention, providing precision and ease of cutting. The ability to retain edge sharpness for long periods of time enhances usability, and regular maintenance and sharpening further optimizes cutting performance.

πŸ’₯ Durability: N690 steel is highly durable, allowing it to withstand harsh environments without compromising its integrity. It resists chipping, cracking and deformation even in harsh conditions, making it the ideal choice for heavy cutting applications.

⏰ Easy sharpening: Maintaining the sharpness of N690 steel is not a complicated process. It lends itself well to a variety of sharpening methods, including honing stones, sharpening systems and sharpening rods, allowing users of all skill levels to maintain its cutting edge effortlessly.

Looking for comparable steel options? Check out N690 steel analogs:
1️⃣ VG-10: a high-quality Japanese stainless steel with similar characteristics to N690 steel. VG-10 is known for its exceptional corrosion resistance, hardness and edge retention, making it popular among knife enthusiasts. 
2️⃣ S30V: An American stainless steel with superior performance properties. S30V steel has exceptional corrosion resistance, excellent hardness and long lasting edge retention, making it very popular among knife users.
3️⃣ M390: A high quality powder metallurgy stainless steel known for its exceptional performance properties. With excellent corrosion resistance, hardness and edge retention, M390 steel is often used in premium knives.
4️⃣ RWL34: A Swedish stainless steel similar in properties to N690 steel. RWL34 is valued for its corrosion resistance, high hardness and ease of sharpening, making it the preferred choice for exclusive knife makers.

Unleash your cutting potential with N690 steel and rise to an unrivaled level! Stay tuned to learn more about the wonderful world of knife steel.