What happens if you keep doing cryo temper cycle

[PlumasDePan]

Let's say you quench you knife, do your standard cryo and temper. And then keep doing cryo+temper cycles. What would happen? Or it won't happen anything?

Once i read that doing more cryo temper cycles can convert more Ra to martensite?

 

[Oklahoma Outlaw]

 

[shane45-1911]

I don't think much will happen - assuming you are maintaining the same temperature through all the cycles. It is a case of diminishing returns, as your first cycle will turn austenite into untempered martensite. Your second cycle will temper the remaining martensite. A third quench will clean up any left-overs. Anything after this won't do much more to change anything.

DISCLAIMER - I am not a bladesmith or knife maker, but I do know a thing or three about metal and how heat/cold affects it.

 

[BillZee]

Not an expert but I think it could lead to a stress problem that could affect the steel.

 

[shane45-1911]

Not an expert but I think it could lead to a stress problem that could affect the steel.

Not likely, as the tempering process actually relieves stress.

 

[Cobalt]

Me thinks you are not likely to gain much with multiple cryo cycles. not enough to make a difference anyway.

 

[knarfeng]

Let's say you quench you knife, do your standard cryo and temper. And then keep doing cryo+temper cycles. What would happen? Or it won't happen anything?

Once i read that doing more cryo temper cycles can convert more Ra to martensite?

Cryo is not cumulative. Once it is done, it is done.
Tempering is cumulative. Repeated tempering will soften the steel.