N690 Cobalt Stainless Steel, made by Böhler-Uddeholm, is a high-end stainless steel that was developed specifically for knife making. This premium steel offers exceptional performance in hardness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance, making it a popular choice among tactical, survival, and pocket knife manufacturers. With 1.07% carbon, 17% chromium, and small amounts of elements like molybdenum and vanadium, N690 steel has a hardness of around 61-62 HRC. The addition of cobalt further enhances its overall performance, making it a reliable choice for knife enthusiasts.
