Thanks for all the replies to my cryostat question.  Leica overwhelmingly
came in as the front runner.  To the histotech with the toenail problem - I
use a piece of gauze soaked in a 50% aqueous solution of ammonium hydroxide.
Once you've trimmed the block just hold the guaze on the face of the block
for 30-40 seconds.  You should be able to get 3-4 sections of even the
toughest nail.  Place the sections on a poly-l-lysin slide and stain as
usual.  Even GMS's stay on.  Good luck.