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willgreenzilla
91
May 25, 2017
How does N690 compare to something like s35vn, m390, elmax, etc?
anonomous
558
May 25, 2017
willgreenzillaN690 is easier to sharpen but wont hold an edge nearly as long as s35vn, m390 or elmax. its a good steel when heat treated right. its slightly better in edge retention than VG-10 and Sandvic steel. s35vn is a little bit more than double the edge retention, elmax is more edge retention than s35vn and m390 rains supreme. n690 is excellent steel in comparison to vg-10 and Sandvic (12c28n). all 3 are mid range steel (where 8crMov13, 420HC, aus8, 440c are all budget steel for the most part). s35vn from ZT does not hold an edge like other brands of s35vn, its got a softer hardness so doesnt keep an edge very long at all, so keep that in mind, other brands will double the edge retention of ZT's s35vn.
note that it depends on the heat treatment, edge geometry, what your actually cutting and the way and grit that you sharpened your edge at. so there is ALOT of variables in edge retention.
also note that a custom maker's heat treat can make 440c and other budget and mid level steel as good as m390 in edge retention. but as for production knives are concerned they try and get a balance of toughness and edge retention but side more towards toughness due to mass production and warranty (cause if its too hard customers will get chipping and other issues). so blade steel types can range all over the place, it really depends on how it was made. you can check some steel testing on these links:
http://www.bladeforums.com/threads/ranking-of-steels-in-categories-based-on-edge-retention-cutting-5-8-rope.793481/
http://www.cliffstamp.com/knives/reviews/blade_testing.html
anonomous
558
May 25, 2017
anonomousgoto this guys videos tab to see more reviews of different steel. he lists them at the end of the videos, so goto the most recent cut test video to see the most current list.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZMVqpqBRD4
anonomous
558
May 25, 2017
anonomousper the specs of this knife this is 58-60hrc maximized for toughness.
BOHLER N690 Our best conventionally produced stainless knife steel. Great value in a corrosion resistant knife steel with excellent edge holding capabilities. Additions of chromium and vanadium enhance edge holding capability, while cobalt and carbon help to retain high hardness. Hardens and tempers to 57-59 HRC and 60-62 HRC with deep freeze. For maximum toughness, harden and temper to 57-59 HRC. For maximum wear resistance, harden and temper to 60-62 HRC.
data sheet PDF http://www.bucorp.com/media/BOHLER_N690.pdf