cryo ATS-34

[Darrin Sanders]

Does ATS-34 have to be cryo'd to make a good blade? I'm sure it helps, but is it absolutely necessary? What are the differences between one that is cryo'd and one that isn't? Thanks for any and all input.

 

[kc custom]

This will be talked about and sometimes argued about till hell freezes over but more and
more most people agree that cryo improves most steels, even a lot of the tool steels.
I've been cryoing ats-34 for about 8 years and I would not put a blade that was not
cryo against one that was. Why make a blade that is less if the option is there for a better blade?
Ken.

 

[mete]

Necessary ? No. But you will get 1-2 HRc points harder.Remember that this is just part of the total HT process. The best blade will a result of doing each step right.

 

[Nathan the Machinist]

I am finding out that it doesn't take a whole lot of retained austenite to reduce edge stability. Looking at the difference in hardness between an ATS34 blade with cryo and one without, and realizing that difference comes from RA, I wouldn't use ATS34 or 154CM without dry ice or LN. Crucible recommends it.

 

[galadduin]

I dont have the equipment to cryo right now and I use RWL34 stock time to time. Even without cryo I had lovely results. With it, the knives would be better I know, I don't know if my customers would feel the difference but I would be much happier thats for sure...