N690Co is an Austrian stainless steel made by Böhler. European brands like Fox Knives and Extrema Ratio use it heavily.
N690Co Steel at a Glance
| Type | Stainless steel |
|---|---|
| Made by | Böhler (Austria) |
| Typical hardness | 58-60 HRC |
| Key elements | Carbon about 1.07%, chromium about 17%, molybdenum about 1.1%, cobalt about 1.5%, a little vanadium |
| Edge retention | 4/10 (modest) |
| Toughness | 5/10 (good) |
| Rust resistance | 8/10 (very good) |
| Ease of sharpening | 7/10 (easy) |
| Best for | European folders and fixed |
Ratings are relative 1 to 10 scores for typical factory heat treatments. See how N690Co ranks against 46 other steels in our Knife Steel Chart.
What Is N690Co Steel?
N690Co contains cobalt, which helps the steel reach higher hardness during heat treatment. It performs much like VG10, which has a similar composition.
N690Co Steel Properties
- Edge retention: Modest.
- Toughness: Good.
- Rust resistance: Very good.
- Ease of sharpening: Easy.
N690Co Equivalents and Alternatives
VG10 is a close equivalent. 440C is a little below it.
N690Co vs Other Steels
N690Co vs VG10
Compared with VG10, N690Co is slightly easier to sharpen. Read our VG10 guide.
N690Co vs 440C
Compared with 440C, N690Co is slightly tougher, resists rust slightly better and is slightly easier to sharpen. Read our 440C guide.
N690Co vs 154CM
Compared with 154CM, N690Co is slightly tougher, resists rust slightly better and is slightly easier to sharpen. 154CM holds an edge slightly longer. Read our 154CM guide.
Is N690Co Steel Good for Knives?
Yes, especially if you want a low-maintenance stainless with reasonable edge holding.
Pros:
- Very good rust resistance
- Decent edge retention
- Polishes well
Cons:
- Average toughness
Knives That Use N690Co Steel
Makers sometimes change blade steels between versions, so check the listing to confirm the steel before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is N690Co steel stainless?
Yes. N690Co is a stainless steel, though no knife steel is completely rust proof. Wipe it dry after use.
How hard is N690Co steel?
Knives in N690Co are usually heat treated to around 58-60 HRC.
Is N690Co easy to sharpen?
Easy. Most standard stones and pull-through sharpeners work.