Hock Tools makes high end aftermarket blades for woodworking tools. Ron Hock has been doing this for a long time and is one of the top names in the business. As I understand it, he started working with James Krenov when Krenov was at the College of the Redwoods - Ron making blades for him and his students. I've only purchased a few of his blades but I will certainly continue to buy more, as I can afford them and as I need them. They are so much better than others I own. They hold a great edge and are wonderfully thick, preventing chatter. I've made Krenov-type planes around his wooden body plane blades and love them. I can't wait to get one of his spokeshave blades as well. And all the rest, to be honest. I've got a crappy block plane that I want a Hock blade for but the blade would cost more than the plane by far. It's not that the blades are that expensive, it's that I bought that horrible a block plane. I'll wait and make another woodie instead.
I've recently purchased some good steel and made a couple blades myself. While they turned out better than the stock blades I own they really aren't nearly as good as the Hock Tool blades. I also didn't save any money by the time I add up all the tools and heat treating stuff I needed. It was fun, but not a great saving.
Ron Hock has also written a great book on sharpening tools of all sorts. In my few calls there I've spoken to both a lady working there and Ron Hock himself and both were helpful and friendly. read more