[Woodcarver] Cryoprocess

[Victor Hamburger]

Gene wrote:

> CRYOPROCESS  now that is a word to wake you all up.  A local carver here is
> having some of his carving tools done with Cryoprocess and claims they stay
> sharp much, much longer.  He thinks they stay sharp 3 to 4 times longer. 
> 
> OK gang what do you think or know about this?  Is it worth it?

Gene,

Cutting edge tools are now being cryogenically treated to toughen the edges. 
The process is to "soak" the steel tool for about 20 hrs +/- at -320 degrees(?) 
Some temp like that! Nothing you can do at home, that is for sure!  The edge
maintains it's sharpness for a considerably longer time according to the tests
performed. 

It is typically done for tools such as plane blades (Hock and Lie-Neilson are
two offering this currently), some chisels (flat cabinetmaker chisels) and other
tools.  I expect it is more likely an industrial grade concept where taking time
to change out planer knives and reset them costs $$$ so having them treated like
this and last 2-3x longer makes it cost effective.  I have an old #7 Stanley
plane I restored last year and put in a Hock cold treated plane iron.  At about
7 lbs and 22" long, this glides across hardwood like a figureskater on ice! 

I suspect it would not be cost effective for the average carver to have his
tools done, unless you do an huge amount of carving and therefore sharpening
during the course of your week.  

Best,  Vic H