Knives and Blades

Cryogenic Treatment of Knives and Blades

Cryogenic Treatment, first discovered by NASA in the 1960’s, produces additional transformation in steels after heat-treating.

The process uses computer-controlled time & temperature profiles to gradually bring the steel to cryogenic temperatures of -300°F. The cryogenic treatment is followed by double post tempering for additional material refinement. The entire process is an extension of heat-treating that modifies the micro-structure of the material and enhances the steel in the following ways:

1. Creates a more uniform “grain” or crystalline structure by transforming retained austenite (RA) into martensite
2. Modifies the carbon microstructure through precipitation of eta-carbides that increase resistance to wear
3. Relieves residual stresses

High performance hunting and survival knives benefit from cryogenic treatment because:

1. Voids and imperfections in the grain structure are eliminated, providing for more consistent sharpening and a better edge
2. The increased resistance to wear means the edge will hold longer and the knife stays sharper
3. Less failures due to cracking that result from the propagation of stress lines
4. Reduced coefficient of friction due to micro-smoothing
5. Easier polishing and grinding with less material removal needed to restore (re-sharpen) the edge

At The Cryogenic Institute of New England, Inc., we specialize in many industrial & recreational applications that improve how fine metal products perform.  Cryo treating, like heat treating, transforms the micro-structure of metals permanently and irreversibly. It is a one time treatment and all the benefits stay with the knives after each re-sharpening or polishing.