N690 Steel: The Secret Behind High Performance and Durability

For knife enthusiasts, chefs, and collectors, choosing the right steel is one of the most important factors that directly affects a knife’s lifespan and performance. At this point, N690 steel stands out by offering both quality and reliability.

The Origin of N690 Steel

N690 steel is a high-quality stainless steel produced by Böhler, an Austrian company known worldwide. It is widely used in professional kitchen knives as well as outdoor and camping knives. Thanks to its advanced alloy composition, it is highly resistant to corrosion and maintains sharpness for a long time.

Composition and Properties

The secret of N690 steel lies in its special alloying elements:

• Carbon (~1%): Increases hardness and edge retention.

• Cobalt (~1.5%): Improves durability and refines grain structure.

• Chromium (~17%): Provides excellent corrosion resistance.

• Molybdenum (~1%): Enhances toughness against impacts.

• Vanadium (~0.1%): Contributes to a fine and strong cutting edge.

With this composition, N690 steel can reach a hardness level of 58–61 HRC after proper heat treatment, offering both durability and long-lasting sharpness.

Advantages

• Excellent edge retention: Stays sharp for a long time with minimal sharpening.

• Corrosion resistance: Reliable in humid environments, kitchens, and outdoor conditions.

• Durability: Withstands heavy use in both kitchen and outdoor tasks.

• Versatility: Suitable for everything from professional chef knives to hunting knives.

Applications

N690 steel is considered a premium-grade material, making it ideal for:

• Chef’s knives

• Hunting and camping knives

• Collector’s knives

• Limited edition custom knives

Why Choose N690 Steel?

When choosing a knife, the main qualities people look for are durability, sharpness, and corrosion resistance. N690 steel combines all three, making it a trustworthy choice. Whether in professional use or daily life, it delivers long-lasting and high-performance results.