If you’re searching for a knife steel that offers a killer combo of corrosion resistance, edge retention, and affordability, N690 steel might just be your next obsession. Produced by Bohler-Uddeholm, this stainless steel has a loyal following among knife makers and users, yet it often flies under the radar compared to flashier options like CPM S30V or K390. With a search volume of 880, it’s clear N690 is gaining traction—and for good reason. In this review, we’ll unpack what makes N690 special, how it performs, and whether it’s the right steel for your blade. Want to compare it to other steels? Check out our or for more insights. Plus, we’ll highlight a top N690 knife you can grab on Amazon with our affiliate link. Let’s get cutting!
What Is N690 Steel? A Quick Rundown
N690 (sometimes labeled N690Co) is a martensitic stainless steel crafted by Bohler in Austria, known for its balanced properties and versatility. It’s widely used in European knives, from folders to fixed blades, thanks to its reliability and cost-effectiveness. Its composition includes: Carbon (1.07%) for hardness and edge retention; Chromium (17.30%) for excellent corrosion resistance; Cobalt (1.50%) for enhanced strength and wear resistance; Molybdenum (1.10%) for durability; and traces of vanadium and manganese. Hardened to 58-60 HRC, N690 delivers a solid mix of sharpness, toughness, and rust resistance—perfect for everyday carry or outdoor adventures.
N690 Steel Performance: Strengths and Weaknesses
How does N690 hold up in the real world? Let’s break it down.
Edge Retention: Solid for Everyday Use
N690 offers good edge retention, keeping its sharpness through daily tasks like slicing cardboard, peeling fruit, or cutting rope. It doesn’t match the extreme longevity of super steels like K390 (more on that ), but it outperforms budget steels like 440C or 8Cr13MoV. For most users, it’s a practical choice that won’t need constant sharpening.
Corrosion Resistance: Near-Bulletproof
With 17.3% chromium, N690 is highly corrosion-resistant, making it a champ in wet or salty conditions. Whether you’re fishing, camping near the coast, or cooking in a steamy kitchen, this steel resists rust with minimal care—rivaling CPM S30V in this department.
Toughness: Reliable Resilience
N690 provides decent toughness, handling moderate impacts without chipping. It’s not as tough as carbon steels like 1095, but it’s sturdy enough for slicing, light chopping, or even prying in a pinch. It’s a step above softer stainless steels like 420HC.
Ease of Sharpening: A Breeze to Hone
One of N690’s big wins is its ease of sharpening. Unlike harder steels like K390, which demand diamond stones, N690 sharpens quickly with basic tools—a ceramic rod or medium-grit stone will do. This makes it user-friendly for beginners and pros alike.
Wear Resistance: Above Average
Thanks to cobalt and molybdenum, N690 has respectable wear resistance, outlasting many mid-tier steels. It won’t compete with vanadium-heavy options like S30V or K390, but it holds up well for its price point.
Best N690 Steel Knife: Fox Knives Tur Review
A stellar example of N690 in action is the Fox Knives Tur Folding Knife. This Italian-made EDC blade combines N690’s strengths with sleek design, making it a fan favorite. Here’s why it stands out.
Why We Love the Fox Knives Tur
- Blade: A 3.15-inch drop-point blade in N690 steel at 58-60 HRC, with a satin finish for smooth cutting and corrosion resistance.
- Handle: Lightweight G10 scales in black or green provide a secure, comfortable grip.
- Lock: A liner lock keeps it safe and reliable during use.
- Portability: At 3.4 ounces with a reversible clip, it’s perfect for pocket carry.
Real-World Performance
The Fox Tur excels at EDC tasks—opening packages, slicing apples, or trimming cord—with N690 keeping its edge through weeks of use. Its corrosion resistance shines in damp conditions, and users love how easy it is to sharpen back to a razor edge. It’s not a heavy-duty survival knife, but for urban carry or light outdoor work, it’s a winner.
Where to Buy
Ready to test N690 for yourself? Snag the Fox Knives Tur Folding Knife on Amazon. Click here to check it out and support this blog (affiliate link).
N690 vs. Other Steels: How It Compares
Let’s see how N690 stacks up: N690 vs. CPM S30V—S30V has better edge retention due to vanadium, but N690 is easier to sharpen and nearly as corrosion-resistant (details ); N690 vs. K390—K390 crushes it in edge retention and wear resistance but lacks N690’s rust resistance (more ); N690 vs. 440C—N690 outperforms in corrosion resistance and toughness. It’s a balanced steel that punches above its weight.
Is N690 Steel Good for Knives?
Absolutely—N690 is a fantastic knife steel for anyone wanting reliability without breaking the bank. It’s ideal for: EDC—Great for daily tasks; Outdoor Use—Perfect for wet environments; Budget Buyers—Premium performance at a mid-tier price. If you need extreme edge retention, check K390 —but for versatility, N690 shines.
Caring for Your N690 Steel Knife
Keep N690 in top shape with these tips: 1) Clean It—Rinse and dry after use; 2) Sharpen It—Use a basic stone or rod for quick touch-ups; 3) Store It—Keep it dry, though it’s forgiving in humidity.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy an N690 Steel Knife?
N690 steel is an underrated gem, blending corrosion resistance, ease of sharpening, and solid performance into an affordable package. The Fox Knives Tur is a great way to experience it—sleek, dependable, and budget-friendly. Compare it to S30V or K390 for more options. Ready to grab one? Get the Fox Tur on Amazon here (affiliate link) and see why N690 deserves more love. Thoughts on N690? Drop them in the comments!
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