Each double-end bowl gouge has two grinds. One end is fingernail grind. And the other end is a traditional straight grind, making this tool a very versatile two-in-one tool.

It has long been understood that by subjecting metal tools to elevated temperatures and then rapidly cooling them, the properties of the metal can be altered. This happens because the crystal structure of the metal is altered to change the way the metal reacts when in use.

The two main crystals in tooling steel are the larger and softer austenite and the smaller, more stable martensite. Through heat treatment, we look to transform the austenite to marten site to produce steel with good wear characteristics and an amount of ductile properties.

When combined with a good quality heat treatment, the cryogenic process greatly enhances the austenic transformation. Also at these extreme temperature of -185 C°, fine ‘eta’ carbides are formed within the carbon structure. Growing very slowly and only at these very low temperatures, eta carbides are extremely small and act as a filler between the other crystals in the metal.

The combined effect of the cryogenic processing is to produce a refined crystal structure in your hand tool that will give a lifetimes service by producing a blade that will retain its edge longer and give a superior ‘feel’ in use.

This tool fits in:

• Hope Woodturning HW-GBSS1 Basic Starter Woodturning set
• Hope Woodturning HW-EAHR Easy Arm Hollowing system
• Robert Sorby Sovereign system