I believe it is what the Italian spydercos are made from. Extrema ratio are made from it as well. Interestingly some very expensive knives and some moderately priced knives are made of this steel.

We have been getting more steel being used for cutlery from foreign markets than ever before. Another steel I have been seeing a lot of is 8Cr13M0V which is a stainless from china. I have a Byrd and a Fenix knife that are both made from it and it seems quite decent. Like VG10 or AUS 8. It is seen mostly on cheaper knives but that probably has more to do with the fact they are from china than the steel quality.

That is why I have a hunch it is quite similar to N690 even though N690 is used on more expensive knives from Europe. This is not to say ether of them are bad steels. Mid grade stainless often makes for a better knife than the higher grades
like S30V. They are more corrosion resistant and take a better edge.

I will try to find the chemical make up of N690 later unless someone has it handy?