Once upon a time, I had a beginner's set of turning tools from a reputable company. Although the tools were made from good steel, they just wouldn't hold an edge. Having read a few books and articles on blacksmithing, I figured I could harden the tool tips without much risk of breaking them, since I was only using them on wood. Using a propane torch, I heated the tips of each tool evenly to cherry red and maintained that heat for approximately 2 minutes, then quenched them in water. After sharpening and honing the edges, I found that they held much longer.
Now I certainly don't recommend trying this on your new $150 chisel, which has likely already been hardened, or cryogenically treated plane blade, but it is definitely appropriate for cheap (ala Harbor Freight) or questionable quality tools.
Hardening requires medium-to-high-carbon steel--the higher the better. To test whether or not a tool is made of carbon steel, hit it lightly with a grinder. If it emits a shower of sparks, it is likely good steel.
You may also want to use a different quenching medium depending on the grade of steel, if known. Check out the Tool Steel Reference at onlinemetals.com
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