It isn't an absolute necessity but it really helps. The purpose is to convert a greater percentage of Austenite to Martensite. Tempered Martensite is the phase of steel that makes the best knife blade and the greater the Martensite percentage, the better the blade.
Blades without a freeze/cryo can have as much as 15% retained Austenite and blades done with a freeze/cryo can have as little as 2%. Actual percentages vary widely depending on the steel and H/T procedure.
Its generally though to improve things, but some users report non-cryogenically treated blades hold their dges longer. It's not a "have to" thing though.
With my limited testing and experience I would say that it is something that should be done and I will continue to do it (sub zero) on my knives. If I can gain one point in hardness it's worth it. If it will improve the knife's ability to cut, I'll do it. I want to make the best performing blade that I can with the material that I am working with. I think I owe that to anyone who is willing to buy a knife that I make.
I'm so tired of people posting GARBAGE that influences people who don't know any better. I honestly don't know how much more I can take.
I'm so tired of people posting GARBAGE that influences people who don't know any better. I honestly don't know how much more I can take.
I'm so tired of people posting GARBAGE that influences people who don't know any better. I honestly don't know how much more I can take.
I'm so tired of people posting GARBAGE that influences people who don't know any better. I honestly don't know how much more I can take.
tells it pretty much like it is. Please don't get "too" fed up and quit sharing your knowledge and experience with the rest of us folks. It's folks like you 'n Ed Caffrey 'n Bruce Bump, and many other folks.... Rob - just too many to list that really help the rest of us novices learn.It isn't an absolute necessity but it really helps.