N
N680
Bohler N680, is a highly corrosion resistant, fine grained steel, with high Chromium as well as Nitrogen, improving its corrosion resistance. It can be compared to H1 - it's not quite as corrosion resistant, but it is fairly close while holding a decent edge. It is imported from Austria.
0.54% Carbon (C), 17.30% Chromium (Cr), Manganese 0.40%, 1.1% Molybdenum (Mo), Nickel 0.50%, Nitrogen 0.20%, Silicon 0.45%, 0.10% Vanadium (V).
N690
Bohler N690, the equivalent of 440F, which is 440C with a bit of Cobalt. Some compare it in performance to VG-10. It is imported from Austria.
1.07% Carbon (C), 17% Chromium (Cr), 1.5% Cobalt (Co), 1.1% Molybdenum (Mo), 0.1% Vanadium (V)
N695
Bohler N695, is the equivalent of 440C. It is imported from Austria.
1.05% Carbon (C), 16.70% Chromium (Cr), 0.40% Managese (Mn), 1.1% Molybdenum (Mo), 0.40 Silicon (Si).
Nail Mark
A groove cut or pressed into the back of the blade for the thumb nail to easily open the knife.
Nail Pull
see Nail Mark
Navy, Ancient Knife
Large curved handle with a very blunt blade, could cut but not stab.
Nickel Silver or German Silver
A alloy of copper, zinc and nickel.
Niobium (Nb)
In steel, Niobium is very similar to Vanadium. The hard carbides it forms contribute to a fine grain structure and improve wear resistance. It has the potential to form finer carbide structures than Vanadium alone, though proper heat treatment is required.
Niolox
Niolox is a tool steel, similar to D2 or Sleipner steel, but with finer grains and rust resistance. It is produced by Lohmann. It is a great steel if you need a good balance of edge retention, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and toughness. It is unique from other steels because it uses Niobium. Niobium acts similarly to Vanadium, forming fine, hard carbides that improve wear resistance. The formation is slightly different from Vanadium, so it makes sense to combine the two.
Carbon (C), 0.80%, Chromium (Cr) 12.7%, Molybdenum (Mo) 1.10%, Vanadium (V) 0.90%, Niobium (Nb) 0.7%.
Nitrogen
Used in place of carbon for the steel matrix. The Nitrogen atom will function in a similar manner to the carbon atom but offers unusual advantages in corrosion resistance. Expressed as N.
Novaculite
The Latin name for the stone from which Arkansas Stones are cut. This stone is found in a wide range of density and ranges from very coarse to very very fine.