Tools that stay sharp 5 times longer

Colin_Partridge · #1 03-25-2007, 01:05 PM

Hi there gang, How would you like to have your knifes and gouges stay sharp up to 5 times longer. I dont know exactly how this works but I have been doing some research on it. There is a process that is called Cryogenics. What happens is that tools can be froze way below any temperature you can imagine. Temperatures up to 244 degrees F or 153 degrees C. Supposedly what happens is that when metal is taken to this temperature that all the atoms and monocles in the metal align them selfs so that the tool or part wears evenly. This is not a coating it is a process and once done cannot be removed. I should also mention that it isnt a substitute for heating and tempering of metal but a treatment that works in conjugation with that process. It makes the tool much easier to sharpen because the tools wears evenly also it makes the tools easier to polish as well.
Hey I am no engineer I am a retired mountie so dont quote me on all this stuff. I am in the process of learning all about it and thought I would pass it on to you. It is nothing new it has been around for at least 25 years. I am going to send some of my chainsaw chains and a couple of my knifes and chisels to a company that does it in Massachusetts. I have a lot more to find out about it but it really sounds interesting. Evidently tools take a little more time to sharpen after the process but not a whole lot.
As I find out more I will pass it on for sure just thought some of you would be interested.
Colin

AlArchie · #2 03-25-2007, 04:57 PM

I've heard of this process being used on machine tools (lathe and mill cutters) and engine parts, but never on carving tools. Please get back with an evaluation when you get a chance to try them......interesting!

Al

Don by the lake · #3 03-25-2007, 05:16 PM

Colin,
Sounds interesting but, how sharp does a tool need to be to carve a pumpkin???

Thomp · #4 03-25-2007, 06:04 PM

i heard about this for machiene shop tools and materials under great stress like submarien parts...

i'd love to know more bout this process, who is offering it?

keep us updated please

mdallensr · #5 03-25-2007, 07:29 PM

There's nothing new under the sun! We had this thread a couple of times. Keep in mind this: tempering after quenching restores toughness and ductility. Untempered tool steels can break when dropped on a concrete floor, they are so brittle. The cryogenic quench can "restore" some of the brittleness as well as the hardness so be careful what you wish for. If your tools are too brittle after the treatment, there is no practical way to restore them to their original condition. Mike
Check this thread from 2004.
Has anyone heard of this?

Hi_Ho_Sliver · #6 03-25-2007, 07:43 PM

I have 4 stainless steel knives that were treated and they do hold a good edge, but being stainless the edge never seems quite as good as good old carbon steel? the blades don't seem brittle tho. I bought the blades and made my own handles for them several years ago.....I use them for bench knives.

jillsy · #7 03-26-2007, 10:01 AM

You really wanna know the secret to having razor sharp knives? Visit Goody!

Jillsy

Thomp · #8 03-26-2007, 08:38 PM

Hi_Ho
I had one of the first buck folding lockblades, it was great if you wanted to crack hickory nuts but as a knife it lacked in sharpness until in later years i came across a diamond hone, it really took the factory edege down ans sharpened it great, of course a week after i got it sharp, i lost, or misplaced the knife..
moral : for me
stainless sharpends better with diamond. and dont brag in public about how good your knife is....

Eddy Smiles · #9 03-26-2007, 09:31 PM

The first knife I ever owned was (is) a two blade, 5" folding Case with a bone handle. My wife gave it to me when I went to sea. Even with the government standard issue stones aboard ship I could hone that knife to the point where it shaved better than a razor blade. When I left the service and got a civilian job I didn't want to lose or break that knife so I went out and bought a Buck "Hunter". I carried that Buck for years and hated every minute of it. It took forever to get an edge and with little or no effort it would be gone. I finally gave it to my boy. But that Case is still trucking 42-years later! There's nothing like carbon steel.