N690Co Steel: Is It Worth It?

If you’re a knife enthusiast, outdoor adventurer, or professional in need of reliable blade steel, you’ve likely encountered N690Co steel. Praised for its balanced performance and versatility, this premium steel has become a staple in high-quality knives—from tactical tools to kitchen cutlery. But is N690Co steel worth the investment? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down its definition, composition, properties, pros and cons, and how it stacks up against popular alternatives like M390, 440C, D2, and VG10. By the end, you’ll have all the facts to decide if it’s the right choice for your needs.

What Is N690Co Steel?

N690Co is a high-performance martensitic stainless steel developed by the Austrian company Böhler-Uddeholm (now part of voestalpine). Designed specifically for precision cutting tools, it’s renowned for blending exceptional hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance—three traits that are often difficult to balance in blade steel.

Originally engineered for industrial and tactical applications, N690Co has gained popularity among knife makers and enthusiasts for its reliability in harsh conditions. It’s commonly used in folding knives, fixed-blade, outdoor knives, kitchen knives, and even medical instruments, thanks to its ability to maintain sharpness and resist rust over time.

A key distinction of N690Co is the addition of cobalt (Co), which enhances its hardness and wear resistance without sacrificing too much toughness—setting it apart from many standard stainless steels.

Chemical Composition of N690Co Steel

The performance of N690Co stems from its carefully calibrated chemical makeup. Here’s a breakdown of its core components (typical values):

Element	Typical Composition (Range)	Key Function
Carbon (C)	1.05-1.15%	Boosts hardness, edge retention, and wear resistance.
Chromium (Cr)	16.00-17.50%	Delivers excellent corrosion resistance and contributes to edge sharpness.
Cobalt (Co)	1.50-2.00%	Enhances hardness, wear resistance, and overall tensile strength.
Molybdenum (Mo)	1.00-1.50%	Improves toughness, heat resistance, and corrosion resistance in harsh environments.
Vanadium (V)	0.15-0.30%	Forms hard vanadium carbides for superior wear resistance and edge retention.
Silicon (Si)	0.20-0.40%	Enhances structural strength and heat resistance during heat treatment.
Manganese (Mn)	0.20-0.40%	Aids in heat treatment efficiency and improves workability during manufacturing.

This composition creates a steel that’s both hard enough for long-lasting sharpness and corrosion-resistant enough for outdoor or wet environments.

Key Properties of N690Co Steel

N690Co’s performance is defined by four core properties that make it stand out in the blade steel market:

1. Hardness – Heat-treated to HRC 60-62, N690Co offers excellent hardness that rivals premium steels. This translates to superior edge retention, meaning the blade stays sharp longer with regular use.
2. Wear Resistance – The combination of carbon, chromium, and cobalt forms hard carbides that resist abrasion. This makes N690Co ideal for cutting tough materials like wood, rope, or fibrous foods without dulling quickly.
3. Corrosion Resistance – With 16-17.5% chromium content, N690Co is highly resistant to rust, oxidation, and staining. It performs well in humid climates, marine environments, or when used with acidic foods in the kitchen.
4. Toughness – While some hard steels are brittle, N690Co maintains decent toughness thanks to molybdenum and controlled heat treatment. It can withstand moderate impact and bending without chipping or breaking—making it suitable for outdoor and tactical use.

Pros and Cons of N690Co Steel

Like any material, N690Co has its strengths and limitations. Here’s a balanced breakdown:

Pros

• Balanced Performance – Excels in hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance—rare for a single steel.
• Long Edge Retention – Stays sharp 2-3 times longer than mid-range steels like 440C or VG10 in daily use.
• Low Maintenance – Resists rust and staining, requiring minimal oiling or cleaning to keep it in top shape.
• Versatility – Works for nearly all knife types: tactical, outdoor, EDC (everyday carry), and kitchen cutlery.
• Proven Reliability – Used by top knife brands for high-end models, confirming its quality.

Cons

• Higher Cost – More expensive than budget steels like 440C or D2, due to cobalt and premium manufacturing processes.
• Difficult to Sharpen – Its high hardness means it requires more effort to sharpen, especially with basic tools. Diamond stones or ceramic sharpeners are recommended.
• Toughness Limitations – While tougher than many stainless steels, it’s not as resilient as pure carbon steels or some high-toughness alloys—avoid extreme impact.

N690Co Steel vs. Other Popular Blade Steels

To help you contextualize N690Co’s value, here’s a direct comparison with four widely used blade steels:

Property	N690Co	M390	440C	D2	VG10
Hardness (HRC)	60-62	61-63	58-60	59-61	59-61
Wear Resistance	★★★★	★★★★★	★★★	★★★★	★★★
Corrosion Resistance	★★★★	★★★★★	★★★	★★	★★★★
Toughness	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★	★★★★★
Edge Retention	★★★★	★★★★★	★★★	★★★★	★★★★
Sharpening Ease	★★★	★★	★★★★★	★★★	★★★★
Cost	★★★★	★★★★★	★★★	★★★	★★★★

Key Takeaways from the Comparison:

• vs. M390: M390 has better wear resistance and edge retention, but N690Co is tougher, easier to sharpen, and often more affordable.
• vs. 440C: N690Co outperforms 440C in every category (hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance) but costs more.
• vs. D2: D2 matches N690Co in wear resistance but has far worse corrosion resistance—N690Co is better for wet or humid environments.
• vs. VG10: N690Co offers superior edge retention and wear resistance, while VG10 is tougher and easier to sharpen (better for kitchen knives that see frequent use).

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is N690Co steel worth the investment?

Yes—if you prioritize balanced performance and long-term reliability. It’s a great choice for users who want a knife that stays sharp, resists rust, and works in multiple scenarios (outdoor, EDC, kitchen). Casual users who only use knives occasionally may prefer a cheaper option like 440C, but enthusiasts and professionals will appreciate N690Co’s quality.

2. Is N690Co steel stainless?

Yes—with 16-17.5% chromium content, it’s classified as a stainless steel. It resists rust and staining better than most carbon steels and even some mid-range stainless steels (e.g., 440C).

3. How do I sharpen N690Co steel?

Use diamond sharpening stones or ceramic rods—these materials are hard enough to grind N690Co’s tough surface. Avoid basic whetstones (e.g., oil stones) as they’ll wear down quickly. For best results, use a 1000-2000 grit stone for sharpening and a 4000+ grit stone for honing.

4. What’s the best use for N690Co steel knives?

It’s versatile, but excels in:

• EDC knives (everyday carry)
• Outdoor knives (hiking, camping, hunting)
• Tactical knives (law enforcement, military)
• High-end kitchen knives (chef’s knives, utility knives)

5. Does N690Co steel require special maintenance?

No—basic care is enough. Wipe the blade dry after use, avoid leaving it in water for extended periods, and apply a light coat of oil (e.g., mineral oil) if storing it for long periods. It’s more low-maintenance than non-stainless steels like D2.

6. Which brands use N690Co steel?

Top brands include Benchmade, Spyderco, Cold Steel, Gerber, and Böhler-Uddeholm’s own knife line. It’s commonly found in mid-to-high-end models (priced $100-$500+).

Conclusion: Is N690Co Steel Worth It?

N690Co steel is absolutely worth it for anyone valuing balanced, high-performance blade steel without compromising key traits. Harder and more wear-resistant than mid-range 440C/VG10, more corrosion-resistant than D2, and tougher than premium M390—all at a more accessible price than top-tier alloys.

While pricier than budget options and needing slight extra sharpening effort, its long edge retention, low maintenance, and versatility make it a smart investment for knife enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and professionals. Whether for EDC, outdoor tools, or kitchen blades, it delivers consistent quality.

For European and American wholesalers, retailers, and brand owners seeking Chinese-manufactured N690Co steel knives, Leeknives offers tailored wholesale, OEM, and private label services. Ready to source high-performance blades? Request your free quote now!