Some embodiments provide methods of manufacturing a release mechanism, comprising: carburizing a plurality of locking shoes configured to be positioned within a release mechanism intended for use in temperatures that are below 5° C. and cooperatively implemented to withstand forces of at least several hundred thousand pounds, wherein the carburizing comprises exposing the plurality of locking shoes to a carbon-bearing atmosphere and heat treating the plurality of locking shoes while exposed to the carbon-bearing atmosphere; austenitizing the plurality of locking shoes at a temperature of greater than 1400° F. following the carburizing; performing a first tempering the plurality of locking shoes at a first tempering temperature; performing a second tempering of the plurality of locking shoes at a second tempering temperature that is different than the first tempering temperature; and flame hardening one or more surfaces of each of the plurality of locking shoes.