What is N690 Steel |Best Features, Uses, & Comparisons 2023

The N690 steel is a high-quality material used for making knives and all other cutting tools for both indoor and outdoor activities. This special steel is well known for its amazing durability, hardness, versatility, corrosion resistance, and edge retention which allow it to last for a long time and perform with accuracy & efficiency.

Here in this article, I am going to share some of the major features, properties, and uses of these steel materials in the knife industry. So, be sure to read all about them thoroughly till the end and get the most accurate output results possible.

Features & Properties – N690 Steel Materials:

I have used N690 steel in several of my knife-making projects and have found it to be an excellent choice for many reasons. Here are the five features of this steel that I find particularly noteworthy.

But, before I start, make sure to read another article on the Usuba knife along with their features, uses, and properties. As a result, you’ll be able to know more about the composition of knives and later on, it can benefit you a lot.

1. High Carbon Content

First, let’s begin things with the amazing composition of these steel materials. The Carbon content in N690 steel contributes to its excellent hardness and edge retention. This allows them to last for a greater period and maintain their quality as well.

It has been my experience that knives made from this steel hold their edges well even after extended use. So, I would suggest all the users try knife products made from such increadible steel compounds for accurate results.

2. Corrosion Resistance

Secondly, The high level of corrosion resistance of N690 steel is one of its most significant advantages. It is therefore an excellent choice for knives and tools that are going to be used in wet or humid environments or environments containing corrosive materials.

As a result, it prevents the knives made from this special steel to get affected by corrosion and other issues. Moreover, these steel materials are easy to use and can be melted according to the user’s intent.

3. Toughness

Well, we all know the importance of the toughness feature of these steel materials.  As it makes sure that such specific steel compounds can last long and allow the users to make numerous materials through them.

Due to the presence of vanadium in N690 steel, the material is extremely tough. It has been my experience that knives made from this steel are less likely to chip or break when subjected to heavy use.

4. Wear Resistance

Another cool feature is that prevents such steel materials from being damaged by all common objects. As a result of the addition of cobalt to N690 steel, this steel is more resistant to wear, making it an ideal material for tools that will be used continuously over a long time.

I would advise all users to try knife products made from such steel compounds because they are strong, versatile, and durable. So, make sure to get them as fast as you can and make the perfect-quality knives.

5. Ease of Sharpening

Last but not least, let’s discuss the importance of the versatility of such knife steel materials. As they are pretty simple to use and easy to sharp for fast and efficient functions. It has been my experience that N690 steel is relatively easy to sharpen despite its high hardness.

Among the reasons for this is the fine grain structure of the steel, which enables the steel to achieve a sharp edge with a minimum amount of effort. Thus, this was my review of such amazing knife steel products and their increadible features.

Uses – N690 Steel Materials:

Here are some of the major uses that I have discovered after using these special Steel products for making high-quality knives. Make sure to read all about these amazing uses according to the fields where they can be used.

1. Knife Blades

The high hardness and excellent edge retention of this steel make it an ideal material for knife blades. A wide range of applications can be achieved with this knife, from everyday carry to hunting and tactical use.

2. Cutting Tools

Its wear resistance and toughness make this steel an ideal material for cutting tools such as chisels, scrapers, and saw blades. As well as being able to cut through tough materials such as leather and plastic, it is useful in a variety of woodworking applications.

3. Industrial Applications

A high level of corrosion resistance and wear resistance is also required in industrial applications using N690 steel. Medical instruments and other specialized equipment can also be manufactured using this material.

4. Tactical Knives

Military and law enforcement personnel rely on N690 steel tactical knives because they combine hardness, corrosion resistance, and toughness. Knives made from N690 steel are rugged and durable and can withstand harsh field conditions.

5. Outdoor Tools

It is also common to use N690 steel for outdoor tools such as axes and hatchets. Aside from its high hardness and toughness, its corrosion resistance makes it an ideal material for use in wet and humid environments.

N690 Steel vs Other Major Steel Materials:

Here is a little comparison that I have concluded after using all other major alternatives of such steel materials. By reading the given below headings, you’ll be able to easily choose the perfect steel product for yourself.

I have discussed this comparison briefly in short bullet points. But, I am sure that you’ll understand all of them in case you read all about them in detail.

1. N690 Steel vs D2 Steel

• N690 steel has higher corrosion resistance than D2 steel.
• D2 steel has higher wear resistance and edge retention than N690 steel.
• N690 steel is easier to sharpen than D2 steel.
• N690 steel is generally considered to be more expensive than D2 steel.

2. N690 Steel vs VG10 Steel

• N690 steel has higher hardness and wear resistance than VG10 steel.
• VG10 steel has higher corrosion resistance than N690 steel.
• N690 steel is generally considered to be more expensive than VG10 steel.

3. N690 Steel vs M390 Steel

• M390 steel has higher hardness and wear resistance than N690 steel.
• N690 steel has higher corrosion resistance than M390 steel.
• N690 steel is generally considered to be less expensive than M390 steel.

4. N690 Steel vs S35VN Steel

• S35VN steel has higher hardness and wear resistance than N690 steel.
• N690 steel has higher corrosion resistance than S35VN steel.
• N690 steel is generally considered to be less expensive than S35VN steel.

5. N690 Steel vs S30V Steel

• S30V steel has higher hardness and wear resistance than N690 steel.
• N690 steel has higher corrosion resistance than S30V steel.
• N690 steel is generally considered to be less expensive than S30V steel.

Some Important Nerdy Details:

• The N690 steel is a high-carbon stainless steel containing 1.07% carbon, 17% chromium, 1.5% cobalt, 1% molybdenum, and 0.1% vanadium.
• In terms of its composition, D2 steel has a carbon content of 1.5%, a chromium content of 12%, a molybdenum content of 1%, a vanadium content of 1%, and small amounts of silicon and manganese.
• Japanese stainless steel known as VG10 has a carbon content of 1%, a chromium content of 15%, a molybdenum content of 1%, and small amounts of vanadium and cobalt.
• Stainless steel M390 has a carbon content of 1.9%, 20 chromium atoms, 1% molybdenum, and 4% vanadium atoms.
• High-performance stainless steel with a carbon content of 1.4%, a chromium content of 14%, a molybdenum content of 3%, and a vanadium content of 2%, is S35VN steel.
• The S30V steel is a high-performance stainless steel that contains 1.45% carbon, 14% chrome, 4% molybdenum, and 2% vanadium.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Verdict:

N690 is a high-quality stainless steel that is known for its excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. It is a popular choice for high-end knives and other cutting tools. Moreover, its amazing features like versatility, durability, and corrosion resistance ability make it one of the best materials for making high-quality knife products.

Overall, N690 is a reliable and durable steel that is suitable for a wide range of applications. I would suggest all the users utilize this special knife steel material for making the perfect-quality kitchen indoor and outdoor products.