Böhler N685 steel bar, 615 × 100 × 4.5 mm

The Böhler N685 steel bar, measuring 615 × 100 × 4.5 mm, is intended for the manufacture of knife blades and cutting tools. Its 100 mm width allows for the optimal placement and cutting of multiple blade profiles from a single bar.

N685 is a corrosion-resistant martensitic steel, designated 1.4112 / X90CrMoV18. According to Böhler, its composition includes, among other things, 0.85 to 0.95% carbon, 17 to 19% chromium, 0.90 to 1.30% molybdenum, and 0.07 to 0.12% vanadium. This combination provides it with high resistance to corrosion and wear, while maintaining good machinability and polishability.

When manufacturing a blade, trimming, drilling, and most of the grinding are generally performed before heat treatment. Abrasive belts suitable for working with steel are then used to gradually progress from rough grinding to finishing. After heat treatment, machining must be carried out with greater care to limit localized overheating, particularly along the cutting edge.

For heat treatment, Böhler specifies a quenching range of 1,000 to 1,050 °C for N685, followed by tempering appropriate for the desired hardness. The manufacturer’s documentation indicates that a hardness in the range of 57 to 59 HRC can be achieved under the heat treatment conditions specified by Böhler. The heat treatment protocol must be adapted to the blade’s geometry, the furnace used, and the desired result.

A satin or polished finish can be achieved after an appropriate abrasive process. Despite its good corrosion resistance, an N685 blade must be cleaned and dried after use. When cutting, grinding, and polishing, use appropriate eye and respiratory protection and ensure effective extraction of dust and metal particles.

Tips and Sales Pitch

N685 allows you to offer a knife crafted from a Böhler cutlery steel whose properties strike a balance between corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and finishability. Its high chromium content is particularly beneficial for a knife intended for regular use that remains easy to maintain.

For the end customer, the selling point is clear: it’s not just about seeking maximum hardness, but about choosing a well-balanced steel for a functional knife. After a properly controlled heat treatment, N685 allows the cutler to tailor the geometry, edge, and finish to the intended use. It is therefore an ideal steel for presenting a knife as a true tool, designed with the choice of material in mind.

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