N690 is an Austrian stainless produced by Böhler that has built a loyal following in the European custom knife community and increasingly with makers worldwide. The cobalt addition to the alloy improves hardness and edge retention relative to comparable stainless steels, while the chromium content delivers solid corrosion resistance that makes it genuinely practical for everyday carry. It responds well to heat treatment, takes a fine edge, and polishes cleanly — Denis Budak has used it extensively in his sailor-style slip joints, and the results demonstrate what a capable, underappreciated steel it is when a skilled maker takes the time to work with it properly.