N690 vs 154CM Knife Steel Comparison

N690 vs. 154CM: Which Stainless Steel Is Right for You?

Below is a comprehensive guide comparing N690 and 154CM, two popular stainless steels frequently used in knife making. Whether you’re exploring options for your next knife purchase, deciding which steel suits your intended application, or simply expanding your knowledge as a knife enthusiast, this detailed comparison will help you make an informed decision.

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1. INTRODUCTION

Both N690 and 154CM are high-performance stainless steels prized for their balance of edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness. They each offer distinct benefits that can cater to specific user needs in bushcraft, everyday carry (EDC), kitchen cutlery, survival, and tactical applications. Below, we’ll break down their chemical compositions, typical hardness ranges, forging considerations, and practical uses.

• In this article, you will learn about:
  • Key differences in chemical composition
  • Typical hardness (HRC) ranges and their implications
  • Detailed effects of alloy elements
  • Heat-treatment nuances and forging considerations
  • Ideal uses, pros and cons, and real-world scenarios for each steel

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2. OVERVIEW OF N690

N690 is a stainless steel produced by Böhler (often referred to as Böhler N690, N690Co, or N690CO). It contains a high chromium content (~17.3%), plus cobalt, molybdenum, and small amounts of vanadium. This composition provides a good combination of corrosion resistance, hardness, and decent toughness. N690 has often been compared to VG-10 due to its cobalt addition and similar performance profile.

• Chemical Composition Highlights (approx.):

  • Carbon: 1.08%
  • Chromium: 17.3%
  • Cobalt: 1.5%
  • Molybdenum: 1.1%
  • Vanadium: 0.1%
  • Manganese & Silicon: ~0.4% each

• Typical Hardness Range (HRC): 58–60

  • At this hardness, N690 exhibits a balanced performance—reasonable edge retention, dependable corrosion resistance, and user-friendly toughness.

• Key Performance Characteristics:

  • Corrosion Resistance: Boosted by the high chromium content (~17.3%).
  • Edge Retention: Good, though not as high as certain powder-metallurgy “super steels” (e.g., M390).
  • Toughness: Quite decent for a stainless steel in this class.
  • Ease of Sharpening: Moderate—somewhat simpler than high-carbide steels but slightly more challenging than simpler stainless alloys.

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3. OVERVIEW OF 154CM

154CM is a time-tested stainless steel originally developed by Crucible Industries. Known for its well-rounded performance, it’s widely used in the knife industry. With about 14% chromium, 4% molybdenum, and slightly over 1% carbon, 154CM boasts good edge retention, ease of sharpening, and respectable corrosion resistance. (Note that CPM-154 is the powder-metallurgy version of 154CM, which can offer slightly improved toughness and wear resistance.)

• Chemical Composition Highlights (approx.):

  • Carbon: 1.05%
  • Chromium: 14%
  • Molybdenum: 4%

• Typical Hardness Range (HRC): 57–61

  • Most commonly, you’ll find it in the 58–60 HRC range for production knives.

• Key Performance Characteristics:

  • Corrosion Resistance: Good (often rated about 7/10).
  • Edge Retention: Moderately high, surpassing many entry-level stainless steels.
  • Toughness: Sufficient for most EDC tasks—though not as tough as lower-carbon steels.
  • Ease of Sharpening: Generally better than ultra-high-carbide steels, especially when heat-treated in the 58–60 HRC range.

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4. TYPICAL HARDNESS (ROCKWELL C) RANGES AND IMPLICATIONS

• N690: 58–60 HRC

  • Maintains a good balance of hardness and toughness.
  • Offers sufficient toughness for common outdoor tasks, such as light chopping or batoning (with caution).

• 154CM: 57–61 HRC

  • Typically ends up around 58–60 HRC in knives.
  • Higher hardness typically means better edge holding but can reduce shock-resistance slightly.

Practical Implication:
Both steels are well-suited for EDC and light-to-moderate outdoor tasks. Slight variations in heat treatment let knifemakers fine-tune either hardness or toughness depending on intended use.

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5. DETAILED ALLOY ELEMENT EFFECTS

Below is a brief breakdown of key alloy elements found in both steels and their general influences:

• Carbon (C): Increases hardness and edge retention. Both N690 and 154CM have around 1% carbon for good wear resistance.
• Chromium (Cr): Main driver of corrosion resistance. N690 (~17.3%) has slightly higher chromium than 154CM (~14%).
• Molybdenum (Mo): Improves toughness and wear resistance. In 154CM, it’s relatively high (4%), aiding wear resistance and heat-treat stability. N690 has ~1.1%.
• Vanadium (V): Helps form hard carbides, boosting wear resistance. N690 contains about 0.1%; 154CM often has a small residual amount.
• Cobalt (Co): Present in N690 (~1.5%), cobalt strengthens the martensitic matrix and can enhance hardness/edge stability.
• Manganese & Silicon: Moderate levels assist in deoxidation during steelmaking and support a refined grain structure.

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6. HEAT-TREATMENT NUANCES AND FORGING

• N690:

  • Heat Treatment: Typically involves quenching in oil or gas, then tempering to reach ~58–60 HRC. Precision in temperature control is key.
  • Forging: Generally straightforward for experienced knifemakers, though the cobalt addition benefits from controlled heating.
  • Cryogenic Treatments (Optional): Some manufacturers may use sub-zero or cryo treatments to transform retained austenite to martensite, further improving hardness and wear resistance.

• 154CM:

  • Heat Treatment: Often austenitized around 1900–2000°F (1038–1093°C), followed by oil or plate quench, then multiple tempers. Its molybdenum content aids a stable heat-treat response.
  • Forging: As a stainless steel, it requires consistent, high forging temperatures. Still, with proper technique, warping or cracking is minimal.
  • Cryogenic Treatments (Optional): Like N690, cryo treatments can be applied to 154CM to reduce retained austenite and improve hardness/wear resistance.

Neither steel requires elaborate normalizing cycles like some high-carbon, non-stainless steels, but uniform temperature control (e.g., use of stainless foil or inert atmosphere) helps reduce oxidation and decarburization.

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7. SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISON

Category	N690	154CM
Carbon Content	~1.08%	~1.05%
Chromium Content	~17.3%	~14%
Molybdenum Content	~1.1%	~4%
Cobalt Content	~1.5%	Rarely present
Typical Hardness (HRC)	58–60	57–61
Corrosion Resistance	Excellent	Good
Edge Retention	Good	Good/Very Good
Toughness	Good	Moderate–Good
Ease of Sharpening	Moderate	Moderate–Easy
Cost & Availability	Moderate	Moderate

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8. IDEAL USES AND WHY PICK ONE OVER THE OTHER

N690

• Ideal Uses: EDC knives in wet/humid conditions, hunting knives, and kitchen cutlery—especially for those who prioritize easy maintenance and corrosion resistance.
• Why Pick N690: The higher chromium content and cobalt addition provide excellent stain resistance and solid edge stability. It’s especially useful if you’re around saltwater or in moist environments.

154CM

• Ideal Uses: Bushcraft, EDC folders, survival knives, and tactical blades that benefit from a proven, well-rounded steel.
• Why Pick 154CM: It’s widely available and easy to sharpen, with ample real-world data backing its reliability. It works extremely well in general-purpose blades that see moderate to heavy use.

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9. PRACTICAL INSIGHTS: REAL-WORLD SCENARIOS

• Bushcraft & Survival:

  • 154CM benefits from higher molybdenum levels that can yield stable edge retention.
  • N690’s superior corrosion resistance can be crucial in consistently wet or humid environments.

• Everyday Carry (EDC):

  • Both are popular for folding knives, offering balanced performance.
  • N690 may require slightly less care against rust, while 154CM is typically a breeze to sharpen.

• Kitchen Use:

  • Corrosion resistance is paramount—N690’s higher chromium and cobalt help resist staining.
  • 154CM also works well in the kitchen but requires diligent drying between uses.

• Tactical:

  • Both steels have a good blend of hardness and toughness.
  • 154CM has a long history in tactical blades; N690 is steadily gaining traction with custom and mid-tech makers.

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10. PATINA FORMATION AND PROTECTIVE COATINGS

Neither N690 nor 154CM readily forms a patina due to their high chromium content.

• In extremely corrosive conditions (e.g., saltwater), you might see minor surface discoloration if not cleaned promptly, but it won’t form the classic patina you see on non-stainless, high-carbon steels.
• Protective Coatings: Some producers add coatings (e.g., Cerakote) for tactical aesthetics or extra protection, but it’s mostly optional given the stainless nature of both steels.

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11. COST, AVAILABILITY, AND MAINTENANCE

• Cost: Both N690 and 154CM are considered mid-tier steels, neither prohibitively expensive nor budget-level.
• Availability:
  • 154CM has been on the market longer (particularly in North America), so you’ll find it in many production knives.
  • N690 is popular in Europe and increasingly recognized worldwide.
• Maintenance:
  • Both are significantly lower-maintenance compared to non-stainless carbon steels.
  • Occasional cleaning, drying, and light oiling will stave off rust.
  • Sharpening is relatively straightforward, though N690 at higher hardness levels (60 HRC) can be marginally more time-consuming to sharpen.

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12. PROS AND CONS

N690

• Pros:
  • Excellent corrosion resistance (high chromium).
  • Good overall toughness and decent edge retention.
  • Cobalt addition can help with edge stability.
• Cons:
  • Less common in some regions, so certain brands might not offer it.
  • Can be slightly more challenging to sharpen than simpler stainless steels.

154CM

• Pros:
  • Proven track record and wide usage in the knife industry.
  • Balanced edge retention, corrosion resistance, and toughness.
  • Broad manufacturer support and easy availability.
• Cons:
  • Not top-of-the-line in any single category (e.g., not the highest wear resistance).
  • Often overshadowed by powder-metallurgy variants such as CPM-154 or S30V for those seeking cutting-edge performance.

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13. CONCLUSION: RECOMMENDATIONS AND KEY TAKEAWAYS

Both N690 and 154CM occupy a sweet spot in the stainless-steel market—offering dependable performance, good corrosion resistance, and respectable edge holding. Here are a few final points to consider:

• Pick N690 if:

  • You prioritize outstanding stain and rust resistance (e.g., near coastlines or in high-humidity).
  • You appreciate a cobalt-infused steel that balances hardness and toughness effectively.

• Pick 154CM if:

  • You want a proven, widely available steel that’s easy to sharpen and maintain.
  • You need a versatile steel that performs reliably in a broad range of tasks, from bushcraft to EDC.

In many cases, the differences between N690 and 154CM come down to subtle variations in their corrosion resistance, ease of sharpening, and edge retention. Your personal preference, brand availability, and specific heat-treatment choices may ultimately guide your decision. Both steels are robust, reliable options that excel at day-to-day tasks and beyond.

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By understanding the compositions, strengths, weaknesses, and ideal applications of N690 and 154CM, you can select the best steel to match your needs—be it bushcraft, EDC, kitchen, or tactical use. Both steels have earned a solid reputation among knife makers and collectors alike, so you’ll be well-served whichever route you go.