N690co steel

Slash · #1

Any opinions about this steel? I'm thinking about getting a folder that's $200 and just want to know a little more about that steel. It's a Combative Edge SR11 made by Fox knives with a 58 rc.
Thanks in advance for your input.

razorsharp · #2

afaik, It is around VG10 level. Seeing the chemical make up, it probably gets REALLY REALLY sharp :)

DeathBySnooSnoo · #3

If I remember correctly it is supposed to be pretty much similar to vg-10.

****...just beaten to it!

Blerv · #4

It's by many considered the Euro version of VG10. Seems pretty accurate in my limited uses.

Blerv · #5

Guh, two people jinxed at once. We can't talk Snoo...doh!

razorsharp · #6

DeathBySnooSnoo wrote:If I remember correctly it is supposed to be pretty much similar to vg-10.

****...just beaten to it!

Blerv wrote:Guh, two people jinxed at once. We can't talk Snoo...doh!

haha :p :D

DeathBySnooSnoo · #7

How do we get un jinxed? Can't remember!

Donut · #8

I've been in love with my Squeak for the past two or three months. Normally I carry a Dragonfly, Squeak, or Chaparral clipped to my back pocket.

The Squeak has really been surprising me. I put a polished edge on it, only with the Spyderco ceramic rods. It sharpens pretty easy, and in my experience, holds the edge longer than ZDP or VG-10.

razorsharp · #9

DeathBySnooSnoo wrote:How do we get un jinxed? Can't remember!

something to do with white rabbits iirc :D LOL

Slash · #10

yeah, I just watched a yt vid and the guy said it's the sharpest knife he ever received from the factory. So, it must have something to do with the steel. now only question is should I get the plain or combo edge model?

wonder why we don't see Spyderco using it in more of their knives?

xceptnl · #11

I love N690Co steel and wish spyderco would do more of it in their knives. I missed the Hossom fixed blade train, but I own 2 Extrema fixed blades both in Bohler's cobalt steel at Rc 58 and they are really sharp and tough. I sent one with a buddy of mine as a bacckup blade when he deployed. He loved it before the Tek-Lok broke on a night mission and he left it in Iraq. It is very similar to VG-10 for edge retention and ease of sharpening.

#12

Hi Slash,

N690Co is Bohler-Uddehom's version of VG-10. Very similar chemistry and processing.

Spyderco is using it on knives that we make it Europe. We're currently making the "Squeak" with N690Co, and we'll be using it on the "Pingo".

Also Fox knows how to work with it and does a good job.

sal

Slash · #13

Double post

Slash · #14

sal wrote:Hi Slash,

N690Co is Bohler-Uddehom's version of VG-10. Very similar chemistry and processing.

Spyderco is using it on knives that we make it Europe. We're currently making the "Squeak" with N690Co, and we'll be using it on the "Pingo".

Also Fox knows how to work with it and does a good job.

sal

Being from Vegas I attended the USN G3 gathering and checked out Fox's booth. Later on in the lounge I was chillin with one of their knife makers. He pulled out his glass eye (not at my request) I think to show me his passion for his craft. Not even knowing it was glass at the time when he took it out I was a bit shocked. He told me he lost it grinding steel. He had long black hair. If I recall correctly his name is Mike. I have his card somewhere. You may know who I'm talking about seeing them at various shows. Very kool individual.

I think a Fox collaboration may be a popular seller. They sure can put some sick grinds on some blades. Maybe something tacticool?...with a Spydie hole of course :)

phillipsted · #15

sal wrote:We're currently making the "Squeak" with N690Co, and we'll be using it on the "Pingo".
sal

Pingo? Haven't heard about that one, Sal. Larger version of the Squeak?

TedP

wrdwrght · #16

phillipsted wrote:Pingo? Haven't heard about that one, Sal. Larger version of the Squeak?

+1
Having a Squeak (and having just acquired a massive hunk of wonderful N690co-like VG-10), I'm all ears.

Adriaan · #17

I have a knife made of N690BO from Böker. I'm patiently waiting on my Spyderco Volpe (N690CO) ive ordered in Germany. It should arrive soon... Maybe tomorrow :)

N690 = wicked cool European steel. Next to damast, vg10 and N690 are my favourite steels.

flash900 · #18

I just received an N690 knife -- an Extrema Ratio BF1, which I'm told is a Fox brand.

A neat little liner lock, its about the size of a Chaparral with an excellent deep-pocket clip

xceptnl · #19

Adriaan wrote:I have a knife made of N690BO from Böker. I'm patiently waiting on my Spyderco Volpe (N690CO) ive ordered in Germany. It should arrive soon... Maybe tomorrow :)

N690 = wicked cool European steel. Next to damast, vg10 and N690 are my favourite steels.

The only problem with the Volpe is not having two. I planned on using mine when I first recieved it, but the day I opened the package I knew this was a queen.

EricTheRed · #20

I've got N690co in my Forester and it is wicked sharp. And I mean deep cuts on my finger from a slight touch and that's after I've used it in place of a hatchet, without any resharpening. I'm sure I owe a bit of that to the convex edge grind but it reflects well on the steel as well.