Bohler N690 Cobalt Steel Gains Traction in Europe

Bohler-Uddeholm’s N690 (also designated N690CO) is an Austrian cobalt-alloyed stainless steel listed for several cutting-tool applications. This overview covers the published composition and the additional model-specific information needed before comparing finished scissors.

N690 Composition and Properties

The N690’s specification reads impressively: carbon 1.07%, chromium 17.0%, cobalt 1.50%, molybdenum 1.10%, vanadium 0.10%. It achieves a working hardness of HRC 58-60 after proper heat treatment.

The published chromium content is 17%. Chromium contributes to corrosion resistance, but the behavior of a finished blade also depends on heat treatment, surface condition, exposure, cleaning, and storage. Country of origin does not supply a useful comparison category.

The cobalt addition is part of the alloy specification. It does not by itself establish edge consistency across a finished blade; that requires model-specific production and inspection evidence.

Context Within the Bohler Range

N690 is not the only voestalpine-group steel relevant to scissors. Two others merit attention.

AEB-L, made by sister company Uddeholm in Sweden and patented in 1928 for razor blades, contains 0.67% carbon and achieves HRC 59-62. Its lower carbide volume creates an exceptionally fine edge that takes and holds a keen cutting angle. Some niche scissors makers use it for thinning shears where extreme sharpness matters more than long-term edge retention.

M390 Microclean is Bohler’s powder metallurgy steel with 1.90% carbon and 20% chromium. Bohler lists it for knives and industrial uses, not hair scissors, and it is rare in scissor production.

Where N690 Fits in the Market

For a buyer, N690 and VG-10 are material designations rather than complete performance ratings. Compare the exact scissors’ finished hardness, heat treatment, edge geometry, fit, warranty, service route, and relevant test evidence. Do not infer corrosion resistance, initial sharpness, edge life, supply-chain quality, or value from the steelmaker’s country alone.