What blade steel is like N6 90 ?

[acaligunner]

I have some Branford guardian N 6 90 blades, I would like to know what steel offers good re-sharpening properties like this kind of steel.

On my fixed blade knives, I like how easy they can be re sharpened, and that’s why I’m not into these super steel knives that need more work to get them sharp again.

So I’m looking for a good quality steel that’s not hard to sharpen, but still good toughness.

Is magnacut steel something like that. Need opinions here. Thank you

[TrappedinCalifornia]

N690 - The Modern Standard Of A Knife Steel

...This alloy is well resistant to corrosion, can be heat-treated to 60 HRC and retains high impact toughness. However, like 440C, N690 is inferior in sharpness retention to its popular competitors, such as D2 or PGK. The closest to it in composition, apart from 440C, are Japanese VG-10, AUS-10, as well as Russian 95X18. However, more advanced manufacturing techniques and higher quality give Bohler's products a certain edge. In particular, the use of cryogenic treatment with liquid nitrogen is recommended for hardening. This results in the removal of residual stresses and reduces the steel's tendency to chip, which is often found on its analogues when working hard with rough materials.

This steel is often used on folding knives as well as on various fixed-blade camping and hunting knives. It should be noted, however, that for camping knives it is more suitable, as the steel does not have a high retention of sharpness when used on complex and quite abrasive materials, such as bear skins or large hoofed animals. In camping conditions, on the other hand, the steel performs very well. In a moderate climate, this steel does not rust, withstands considerable stresses on the edge of the blade, and can be used for chopping. This steel is also suitable for folding knives, primarily because of its high corrosion resistance and good ductility...

Keeping it 'simple,' according to Google's AI...

Magnacut is a superior modern steel to Böhler N690, offering better toughness, edge retention, and corrosion resistance, though it can be more difficult to sharpen. N690 is a good mid-range steel that balances these properties and is generally easier to sharpen, making it suitable for many everyday and outdoor applications.

Magnacut

• Performance: Considered a high-performance, premium stainless steel with excellent toughness and edge retention, comparable to high-carbon steels, plus great corrosion resistance.
• Toughness: Higher toughness, making it less prone to chipping or breaking, especially at a thin edge.
• Edge Retention: Superior edge retention, meaning it stays sharper for longer periods.
• Corrosion Resistance: Excellent rust resistance, even with acidic foods.
• Sharpening: Can be more difficult to sharpen due to its composition, requiring the use of a good abrasive like diamond stones.
• Use: Ideal for premium knives, work, and heavy-duty tasks where toughness is a priority.

Böhler N690

• Performance: A good all-around mid-range stainless steel, known for its balance of properties.
• Toughness: Less tough than Magnacut, so it is less suited for the most demanding tasks.
• Edge Retention: Good edge retention, but not as good as Magnacut.
• Corrosion Resistance: High corrosion resistance, but not as high as Magnacut.
• Sharpening: Generally easier to sharpen than Magnacut, making it a practical choice for many users.
• Use: A versatile steel good for everyday carry, camping, and general-purpose knives.

[acaligunner]

^

Thank you sir 👍. I have a 110 super steel that takes a lot of time to sharpen, I rather have a medium grade steel that I can sharpen fast and be done with it.