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CTS BD1 vs N690 Knife Steel Comparison

CTS BD1 vs. N690 Steel: In-Depth Comparison

When it comes to choosing the right knife steel, two popular options you might encounter are CTS BD1 and N690. Knife enthusiasts and collectors alike appreciate these steels for their balanced performance, dependable heat-treat results, and versatility across a range of applications. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into their chemical compositions, typical heat-treatment ranges, and performance characteristics (edge retention, toughness, corrosion resistance, and more). By the end, you’ll have a thorough understanding of both steels and know which one might be the best fit for your needs.

Overview of CTS BD1 and N690 Steels
1.1 CTS BD1
1.2 N690
Typical Hardness (Rockwell C) Ranges & Practical Implications
Detailed Alloy Element Effects
Heat-Treatment Nuances & Forging
4.1 CTS BD1
4.2 N690
Performance Characteristics
5.1 Edge Retention
5.2 Toughness
5.3 Corrosion Resistance
5.4 Ease of Sharpening
Patina Formation & Protective Coatings
Real-World Applications & Ideal Uses
7.1 CTS BD1
7.2 N690
Cost & Availability
Pros & Cons of Each Steel
9.1 CTS BD1
9.2 N690
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Conclusion & Recommendations
FAQ

1. Overview of CTS BD1 and N690 Steels

1.1 CTS BD1

Origin: CTS BD1 is a stainless steel produced by Carpenter Technology in the U.S.
Composition Highlights (approx.)
- Carbon (C): 0.9%
- Chromium (Cr): 15.5%
- Manganese (Mn): 0.6%
- Molybdenum (Mo): 0.3%
- Silicon (Si): 0.37%
- Vanadium (V): 0.1%
Key Performance Characteristics (reference data)
- Corrosion Resistance: 9 (Excellent)
- Toughness: 5 (Moderate)
- Edge Retention: 5 (Moderate)
- Ease of Sharpening: 7 (Above average)

CTS BD1 is valued for its fine grain structure, which contributes to its good combination of corrosion resistance, respectable toughness, and ease of sharpening. You’ll often see it in mid-range to higher mid-range production knives, especially for everyday carry (EDC) blades and kitchen knives. Notably, some manufacturers—such as Spyderco—have used CTS BD1 in specific knife models, making it relatively easy to find in the U.S.

Note: A related steel, CTS BD1N, includes added nitrogen for improved edge retention. While BD1 and BD1N share similarities, they are not identical; be sure to confirm which is used in a particular knife.

1.2 N690

Origin: N690 is produced by Böhler-Uddeholm in Austria. It is sometimes viewed as a European counterpart to VG-10, given its high chromium and cobalt content.
Composition Highlights (approx.)
- Carbon (C): ~1.08%
- Chromium (Cr): ~17.3%
- Manganese (Mn): ~0.4%
- Molybdenum (Mo): ~1.1%
- Silicon (Si): ~0.4%
- Cobalt (Co): ~1.5%
- Vanadium (V): ~0.1%

Because of its high chromium content, N690 provides excellent corrosion resistance. The addition of cobalt can enhance hardness and edge stability when properly heat-treated. Its overall performance is often well-suited to tactical, outdoor, and kitchen knives, balancing ease of maintenance with a reliable edge. In Europe, companies like FOX Knives frequently use N690 in both folding and fixed-blade designs.

2. Typical Hardness (Rockwell C) Ranges & Practical Implications

CTS BD1: Typically hardened to around 58–60 HRC.
- Practical Implication: At this range, expect good edge stability for everyday tasks. The moderate hardness also makes sharpening more user-friendly.
N690: Typically hardened to around 58–61 HRC.
- Practical Implication: N690 can go slightly harder than CTS BD1 at its upper range. The higher potential hardness can yield better edge retention—provided the heat treatment is executed correctly—without sacrificing too much toughness.

3. Detailed Alloy Element Effects

Understanding what each element contributes can help explain how these steels achieve their performance profiles:

Carbon (C): Increases hardness and edge retention. N690’s slightly higher carbon content (~1.08% vs. 0.9% for BD1) contributes to its potential for higher hardness and wear resistance.
Chromium (Cr): Enhances corrosion resistance and aids in carbide formation. Both CTS BD1 (15.5% Cr) and N690 (17.3% Cr) are classified as stainless (above 13% Cr). N690’s higher chromium boosts corrosion resistance and can lead to more chromium carbides for wear resistance.
Manganese (Mn): Aids in hardenability and can slightly improve toughness. CTS BD1 contains 0.6% Mn, while N690 has about 0.4%.
Molybdenum (Mo): Improves corrosion resistance, hardness, and strength at high temperatures. Both steels contain moderate levels (0.3% in CTS BD1 vs. ~1.1% in N690).
Silicon (Si): Enhances strength and helps deoxidize the steel during manufacturing.
Cobalt (Co): Present in N690 (~1.5%). While cobalt by itself doesn’t form carbides, it can improve hardness and grain structure when combined with other elements.
Vanadium (V): Improves grain refinement and wear resistance. Both steels have relatively low vanadium content (~0.1%), which helps fine-tune wear resistance without making them overly difficult to sharpen.

4. Heat-Treatment Nuances & Forging

4.1 CTS BD1

Heat-Treatment Range: Typically processed at around 58–60 HRC. Relatively forgiving to harden and not prone to warping or cracking with proper protocols.
Forging & Normalizing: As a stainless steel, forging temperature must be carefully controlled. However, CTS BD1 is more commonly used in stock removal knives rather than hand-forged blades.

4.2 N690

Heat-Treatment Range: Usually 58–61 HRC, though some specialized heat-treat protocols may push it slightly higher.
Potential Issues: N690’s higher cobalt content requires more attention during heat treatment, but it’s still considered relatively user-friendly.
Forging & Normalizing: While forging stainless steels can be more challenging, N690 can be and is occasionally forged by custom makers. Standard procedures help avoid grain growth or warping.

5. Performance Characteristics

5.1 Edge Retention

CTS BD1: Earns a reference rating of 5 (moderate). It will hold an edge adequately for most daily tasks (e.g., opening boxes, light food prep), but it’s not designed for ultra-long edge-holding.
N690: Generally comparable or slightly better edge retention than CTS BD1, thanks to higher carbon and cobalt. Many users find it keeps a keen edge longer than baseline stainless steels.

5.2 Toughness

CTS BD1: Reference rating of 5 (moderate). Suitable for normal EDC use but not ideal for extreme abuse.
N690: Often described as having good overall toughness for a stainless steel, though not at the level of specialized tool steels like CPM 3V. Still, it’s robust enough for controlled chopping, batoning, or other typical outdoor tasks.

5.3 Corrosion Resistance

CTS BD1: Reference rating of 9 (excellent). Ideal if you’re often in wet or humid conditions, or if you prefer minimal blade maintenance.
N690: Real-world tests also place it at the high end of stainless steels for corrosion resistance (thanks to ~17.3% chromium). Many find it resistant enough for marine or survival use after basic clean-up.

5.4 Ease of Sharpening

CTS BD1: Reference rating of 7 (above average). Very approachable for beginners and quick to restore a razor-sharp edge.
N690: Also considered relatively easy to sharpen, though slightly more abrasion-resistant than BD1. Far easier to sharpen than modern “super steels” like S90V or Maxamet.

6. Patina Formation & Protective Coatings

Both CTS BD1 and N690 are high-chromium stainless steels, so they generally do not develop a patina like high-carbon steels (e.g., 1095, O1). If you want a more subdued finish, some knife makers apply coatings like DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) or Cerakote, but these are not necessary to prevent rust. Simple cleaning and drying are typically sufficient.

7. Real-World Applications & Ideal Uses

7.1 CTS BD1

Everyday Carry (EDC): Perfect for daily cutting chores—opening packages, light food prep, routine tasks. Its above-average corrosion resistance and easy sharpening make it extremely convenient.
Kitchen Knives: High corrosion resistance helps in a kitchen’s wet environment. Responds well to honing rods and strops for quick touch-ups.
Why Pick CTS BD1?
- You want a stainless steel with balanced performance.
- You prefer minimal upkeep and quick sharpening.
- You like affordability and wide availability, especially from U.S.-based brands.

7.2 N690

Bushcraft & Camping: With its good edge retention and robust corrosion resistance, N690 holds up well outdoors.
Tactical & Survival: Often found in fixed blades for heavier use (e.g., batoning wood, building shelters).
Kitchen & Professional Chefs: Some high-end European kitchen knife makers choose N690 for top-tier stain resistance and a fine edge.
Why Pick N690?
- You want a stainless steel that can reach slightly higher hardness.
- You value a balance of edge holding and toughness suitable for outdoor or tactical needs.
- You appreciate a proven track record in European knife markets.

8. Cost & Availability

CTS BD1: Commonly found in mid-range knives, especially from major U.S. brands like Spyderco. Typically less expensive than “super steels” but more than basic stainless options like 8Cr13MoV.
N690: Pricing in the same mid-tier bracket or slightly higher than BD1, often seen in European or custom knives. In North America, you might find it in select imported brands or custom offerings.

9. Pros & Cons of Each Steel

9.1 CTS BD1

Pros

Excellent corrosion resistance
Easy to sharpen and maintain
Balanced toughness and edge retention
Often reasonably priced

Cons

Edge retention is moderate (not for extended heavy-duty use)
Doesn’t reach the same maximum hardness as some competitor steels

9.2 N690

Pros

Great corrosion resistance, on par with many stainless steels
Good balance of hardness, toughness, and wear resistance
Performs well across multiple applications (outdoor, tactical, kitchen)

Cons

May be slightly harder to sharpen than CTS BD1 (though still quite manageable)
Can be marginally more expensive or less common in some regions (e.g., North America)

10. Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Below is a brief comparison table summarizing key features:

Characteristic	CTS BD1	N690
Carbon Content (approx)	0.9%	1.08%
Chromium Content (approx)	15.5%	17.3%
Typical Hardness (HRC)	58–60	58–61
Corrosion Resistance (1–10)	9 (Excellent)	Very High
Edge Retention (1–10)	5 (Moderate)	~6 (Moderate+)
Toughness (1–10)	5 (Moderate)	Good
Ease of Sharpening (1–10)	7 (Easy)	6–7 (Relatively easy)

(Note: N690’s numeric values are approximations based on typical user experience; they are not official because exact 1–10 ratings can vary by reference.)

11. Conclusion & Recommendations

For Durability (Hard Use & Outdoor Tasks)

N690 might be the better choice if you anticipate heavier, more demanding tasks. Its slightly higher potential hardness and tough-wear balance make it a great performer in bushcraft, camping, and tactical scenarios.

For Everyday Balance (Ease of Sharpening & Corrosion Resistance)

CTS BD1’s ease of sharpening and excellent corrosion resistance are ideal for daily carry or kitchen use. If you value quick maintenance and a reliably stainless blade, CTS BD1 is a fantastic option.

Cost and Availability

Both steels fall into a mid-tier pricing bracket. CTS BD1 might be easier to find in the U.S., whereas N690 is more prominent in European markets. Neither is exorbitantly priced, so your choice often comes down to performance preference, brand availability, and intended use.

Maintenance

Neither steel requires special measures to prevent rust, beyond common-sense cleaning and drying. Occasional stropping or honing will keep either steel performing at its best.

Final Thoughts
Whether you choose CTS BD1 or N690, both offer well-rounded properties suitable for a wide range of cutting tasks. CTS BD1 excels if you want low-maintenance, fast-sharpening stainless steel. N690 shines when you need slightly better edge holding and a hard-wearing blade for tougher applications. Ultimately, “best” is subjective—based on your personal preference, usage environment, and maintenance habits. Either way, you can’t go wrong with these reliable all-around performers.

12. FAQ

1. Is CTS BD1 the same as CTS BD1N?
No. CTS BD1N is a modified version of BD1 that includes additional nitrogen for improved edge performance. While they share similarities, their performance can vary slightly, especially in edge retention.

2. How does N690 compare to VG-10?
N690 is often compared to VG-10 because both contain cobalt and have similar wear and corrosion resistance. They perform similarly in most cases, though individual heat treatments can create noticeable differences.

3. Which steel is better for kitchen knives?
Both CTS BD1 and N690 thrive in kitchen environments. CTS BD1 is exceptionally easy to sharpen and maintain, while N690 may hold its edge a bit longer. The choice often depends on whether you prioritize ease of sharpening (BD1) or edge longevity (N690).

4. Where can I buy knives with these steels?

CTS BD1: Commonly found in U.S. brands like Spyderco and some mid-range production companies.
N690: Popular among European makers such as FOX Knives, LionSteel, and various custom smiths.

5. Do I need special sharpening equipment for these steels?
No. Standard whetstones, ceramic rods, or quality sharpening systems will work on both CTS BD1 and N690. They are much easier to sharpen than high-vanadium super steels like S90V or S110V.

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