Blacksmithing/Forging Motorcycle Chain Damascus

[@DazzlinDave67]

Thought I'd mention something about the brake cleaner, as well as any other solvents, always make sure it's NON-Chlorinated!! Chlorinated solvents decompose with high heat to form deadly phosgene gas!! I noticed the label on your can was Non-Chlorinated. Just thought I'd share that since some don't know this. Really cool stuff! Thanks so much for sharing your work!

[@scorpio0281]

Very important info, thanks for mentioning that.

[@loul7239]

Been doing some forge welding lately. It's tough using a coal forge, hammer and anvil. You are the first person I've seen teach the lesson of patience so clearly. Thanks, I needed that.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello Lou, Damascus is much more difficult in a coal forge you need quite a large fire with a large neutral layer in the center. It makes things a lot easier that way. But my hat's off to you Damascus in any coal forge is difficult to say the least. Thanks for watching and take care.

[@loul7239]

BIG DOG FORGE in the interest of clarity and honesty.... I'm forge welding in my coal forge but not pattern welding. I'm just doing stuff like making chain. I've managed fluxless forge welds because I use a side blast forge and can get that neutral layer a bit easier I think. But Damascus? I'd be afraid to waste the good steel right now. I intend to do it with coal but I already have the old air compressor tank waiting to turn into a propane forge.

[@nedkelly6801]

Tim, your presentation is excellent. I like your 'matter of fact' style, it is so enjoyable to watch. The Motorcycle chain Damascus is brilliant. Well done old Mate!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you Ned, I do appreciate all the kind words. Thanks for tuning in and take care.

[@stantilton3339]

Tim, I think Fred would have been proud of the job you did. The alcohol and borax is new to me and a slick idea.. Great job and thanks for sharing.

[@andrejohnson6731]

I love how "the guy in the Ukraine" is no other than Shurap. Lol

[@jtsimmons3133]

Nice work. I've never welded motorcycle chain but I have done cable. I heated the cable to a black heat to get rid of the grease. After a couple of sessions in the forge it is pretty clean. After cooling, I soak the cable in a simple saturated solution of borax and water. My tap water is pretty pure, but you'd want to use distilled H2O if yours has a lot of scale in it. I let the cable soak overnight, then gently warm it in the forge to drive off the water. Of course i still sprinkle borax on during welding, but I've always got good welds with the water based flux and I don't have to worry about flammable liquids. You've got me inspired now and I just acquired a box of old chainsaw chains at a garage sale. Time to make a billet and see what I can do with it. Keep up the great videos and forge on!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you so much for watching.

[@josephdecker0]

This is the best video i've seen on chain damascus. I can see how the alcohol flux and general patience made all the difference. almost no shattering, no inclusions, just a good billet. Nice work! I have enough confidence in this technique to try it myself. All the others i've seen looked like a crapshoot.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks Joseph, I hope you have good luck with this, thanks for watching and be safe.

[@jamesmcmillen4828]

That's probably the nicest billet of chain Damascus I've seen. Beautiful! I like the "no rush" approach. Great job, Tim.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks James, take care and thanks for watching.

[@RickRabjohn]

Tim - that billet is incredible!! As always, I learned a lot - you have a wealth of knowledge and appreciate you sharing to help us laymen. One thing that stands out is the high risk of error in forge welding chain, but you take it slow and smart - step by step - not hurrying or forcing it to better ensure success - congrats mate - cheers!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello Rick, thanks for all a kind words my friend. I will send you a message very soon regarding the other thing I'm almost ready to go. Thanks for taking the time to check it out and take care brother.

[@benwarren2559]

Thank you thank you thank. I have been watching hundreds of these videos from different people. And always wondered if there is a pre flux to soak in. Thank you for answering that long awaited question.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stephenrock-wc6xt]

Tim you are awesome! I wanted to make some Motorcycle Damascus awhile ago and was not sure how to go about it. So thank you great info and content the billet turned out super nice!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks for the kind words Stephen, good luck with your Damascus I hope it turns out well. Take care and thanks for tuning in.

[@Stevon2012]

That Ukraine guy dips his billets in kerosene. As the kerosene burns off in the forge it prevents oxygen from oxidizing the metal and aids in clean forge welds. He also uses a sand and borax flux. Great video!

[@echoohce]

You're the coolest. Thank you so much for sharing your hard earned skills with us young fellas. You have a great channel. I appreciate you.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you very much. And thanks for taking the time to check out the video.

[@BeastlyIronworks]

Wow Tim, I've watched this video several times, and I can't get the whole piece to forge weld... but I'm having a blast trying. Only Difference is I'm forging all by hand... thank you so much for being you Tim and doing all the awesome videos. Your in the best brother.

[@stevesyncox9893]

Soak your billet in diesel or kerosene before first heat. It burns off any oxygen, flux after it gets hot then tighten, flux, soak, then set it.

[@BeastlyIronworks]

@Steve Syncox thanks Steve. I've been there lots. Lol. Borax solution, plus the 2 you mentioned, thinner, gun cleaner(auto body supply), hahaha I finally got a good weld after a few fails. Lol. Thanks again Steve.

[@3amForge]

Hey big dog. I started forging and knife making a little while ago and wanted to say thanks for the inspiration and guidance. I started to make something similar with bycycle chain so the pattern is smaller and ran into a few issues with delamination but after watching this I think I might have it beat

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks for watching.

[@daveadams7763]

Hi Tim, Great work there - I didn't think you would be able to do it with all the gaps. Using BORAX seems to get into all the nooks & crannies but you had the patience to follow it through, resisting going right to the press. Great Video as always Dave (UK)

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello Dave, thank you so much for the kind words. And I also have a package to send out to you it should be going out with all of my tong orders early next week, I get a better price on shipping if I ship in bulk. Thanks for tuning in and take care.

[@daveadams7763]

Many thanks - I'm chuffed, let me know if you require anything sent over from my side of the pond

[@lsubslimed]

Man that really turned out beautifully! That's one heckuva big billet too! I may have made mention of this in the past, but another thing you can use to forge weld is kerosene, which is known as a hydrocarbon 'flux'. It's not good for dirty Damascus jobs like this, but it can be great for normal damascus billets. Basically you let the billet soak in kerosene, then when you put it into the forge the kerosene burns off and leaves a layer of carbon that encases the billet. I have read that it sorta acts like a carbon 'canister', like when you canister weld materials. Apparently you need to be careful not to move or shake the billet too much before you get it to the hammer or press to set the weld, as the carbon 'case' can break and fall off, thus exposing the layers to the oxygen. It's also important to have a reducing atmosphere in your forge. I have also seen master smith Kyle Royer here on KZbin soak the billet in kerosene simply for the purpose of acting like a 'glue' for the borax to stick to on the cold billet, this way it never has a chance to form scale as it can while pre-heating it for the flux to stick. The kerosene is best because it the purest hydrocarbon with no additives to leave behind when it burns off. FWIW, here is a short thread on bladeforums that talks about it if you're interested: www.bladeforums.com/threads/is-it-a-flux-or-a-can-in-liquid-form.888292/ Anyway, this one was definitely a pleasure to watch. You're quickly become a forge welding pro 👍. Also, congrats on just about reaching 5000 subs, you've definitely earned them. Take care and give big dog a good belly rub for me! 😉

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello Paul, thanks for all the great info sir I'm definitely going to be giving kerosene to try in the near future it sounds as if it may work better than alcohol, and thanks for the link to the blade forums there's a lot of good information there much appreciated, anyway I hope things are going well in your world and big dog says hi. It's good to hear from you my friend take care and be safe.

[@haroonasmal772]

Amazing technique to get that forge welded into a solid bar. The pattern is spectacular. Would love to see a Tanto made from that billet.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

I've been thinking about doing a Tonto for quite some time I think you're right it would look awesome. Thanks for tuning in take care.

[@jayhac3803]

I absolutely love that pattern. Easily top five ever. I need a piece of Damascus like that

[@wadestewart9891]

Tim that billet came out awsome I super saturate borax with water it steams away but leaves more borax in between works great on cable too thank for sharing brother

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks wade and thanks for the info, take care.

[@maybug2000]

Greetings from England, just wanted to say that you are an awesome bloke, love your videos, so good to see an artisan art work. Keep up the outstanding projects and I will see you on my computer screen! TTFN.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks Mark, I hope things are going well in England, thank you for all the kind words I do appreciate it take care of yourself my friend.

[@kenboxsell]

Another awesome video Tim. I followed your tips and turned out an amazing chainsaw damascus knife. Thanks heaps for making the world a better place with sharing such amazing knowledge.

[@Grizzleback07]

That billet reminds me of a diamondback rattlesnake skin. Nice looking pattern!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks, and thanks for tuning in.

[@ericblevins6467]

Have watched a lot of shurap's videos; the guy makes beautiful knives. Would have loved to have seen the finished knife/knives from the billet made in this video. I intend to try this if I can find the old chain to work with; would really like to make a big bowie out of this material.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks 👍

[@nssheepster]

That alcohol flux thing is ingenious. Not something I'd ever have thought of, but it makes perfect sense.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you and thanks for watching.

[@larrybair8074]

Best chain Damascus I've ever seen.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you Larry, and thanks for tuning in, take care.

[@cheesitz007]

I think that is the most beautiful piece I've seen so far. The only thing I liked more when the darth Vader thing.

[@oljames1687]

..Great Job Tim !! You ought to call your projects "Wonder Damascus". we wonder what it will look like and you show us. I like the steel you put in the edge, Brilliant!!...

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello my friend, thanks for all the kind words and thanks for tuning in, take care of yourself.

[@mikeobarr8589]

Beautiful pattern and your skill with it is amazing.. I've seen so many people fighting the whole way. You were able to use so much of the steel its amazing. Adding the high carbon edge was brilliant and the "Flux soak" is such a creative solution! Bravo sir!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you very much I do appreciate that. And thanks for watching take care.

[@brianr8581]

Not much I can say that others have not pointed out or said. But I'd like to tell you a big THANK YOU! for making these informative vidios. you rock man!!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you very much Brian, and I do appreciate you taking the time to check out the video. Take care of yourself and be safe.

[@marcinrepschlager3507]

you are the great boss in this business, I love how to look at how you work with metal Greetings from Poland martin and emilia

[@calzackary1861]

I bet the shop smelled awesome with all that brake cleaner yum.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

It's one of my favorite things it's quite good on toast, thanks for watching Cal take care of yourself my friend.

[@path2ed]

absolutely amazing. I wish I could watch your videos all the time. thank you.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you for the kind words Ed, and thanks for watching.

[@brandoncox7460]

I always enjoy watching you create a beautiful piece of art from a pile of "scrap". you are a true credit to the art of blacksmithing Tim. keep up the great work!!!!! and you should make a square circle hammer like the one you got from Aec Steele for the 5k give away.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello Brandon thanks for all the kind words, I have only made small hammers in the past about 1 1/2 pounds is the largest I've ever done but I would like to give it a try, you may have something here, will have to see if time permits. Thanks for the input and thanks for watching.

[@rodneylangstroth4577]

Thank you for sharing this with me. Just got some scrap chain from work, and was going to try some chain Damascus

[@he-mansuncle7661]

Awesome video, very informative and answers a lot of questions about why some people may have trouble with trying to forge weld chains. Really seems to be that inspections of the chain and cutting the chain is crucial. Might be the reason why I've seen the links just pop off when forging, I've also seen them not cutting the chain and just rolling it up and tack welding it. Great video as always bud! You should get something in the mail by next week! With the drawing, you could do a small kneck knife giveaway or something that I don't believe that you've done before. You could make a Damascus bottle opener or a Damascus leaf to put on your car keys.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello Phillip, sorry about the late reply it's been very busy here, I love your suggestions for the giveaway I'm thinking about a neck knife but I haven't quite decided yet. Thanks for all the kind words talk to you soon brother.

[@he-mansuncle7661]

BIG DOG FORGE No worries! I watched your video this morning at 4AM, trying to sleep. You definitely have been busy! You have tong making down to a mini assembly line! The jigs you Come up with are so damn impressive! It was fun watching the tongs come alive! Dr. Frakentong!!! You will have a few things to pick up at the post office this week :) I think you'll like it!

[@redman42s7]

The Ukraine guy uses kerosene he has a weird way of doing things butt is a badass blacksmith. Awesome job sir

[@TheOldaz1]

Thanks Tim, really enjoying your video's, very instructional. My home made coke forge works well enough for knives, but after watching your damascus video's I'll have to have another go at damascus.

[@Libertarian737]

that was an awesome forge welding of a drive chain. i have seen it done in person and on youtube but never in that way with that stock as the cutting edge and a stabilizer for the chain. Thank you BIG DOG. great 💡. awesome.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks for the kind words Todd, and thanks for watching be safe.

[@1956vern]

I will have to agree, your skill set has really improved! Awesome job!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you vernon, and thanks for watching.

[@mattymcsplatty5440]

looks like fried eggs lol awesome skills to forge chain. incredible stuff

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks 👍

[@chopper549]

the guy from Ukraine use kerosene. and his flux powder contains - Borax 90% + quartz sand 5% + powder of charcoal 5%. his own formula. sorry my english.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks for the information that makes a lot of sense, I've been experimenting with quite a few things lately I'll have to give this a try. Take care and thanks for tuning in.

[@eternalfire9009]

Thank You Both for this. I have been Trying to figure out a good pre flux slurry recipe. Why I didn't think of the rubbing alcohol before... Dear God, I run an instructional channel here on KZbin and I suddenly feel a drooling ear biter.

[@LaserSharkPhotoablations]

i think the addition of a bit of charcoal in the powder flux is a great idea when using a gas forge, but neither the sand nor the charcoal are going to disolve in kero.

[@richardbyerssr.3355]

Hello Big Dog! The guy in the. Ukraine was using kerosine and his flux powder contained 90% borax quartz sand and 5% charcoal! To do his motorcycle chain Damascus! Been watching your videos for bout five weeks now! I've learned a lot as I'm just getting started in the business! Really enjoy it as a sideline! I'm disabled so it helps me with filling my time with something to do that keeps my interest and creativity growing! Thank you for all your doing it really does a lot for us all!!

[@kodos9000]

thanks for the info.

[@JackyMalul]

Dmitry.. The guy from Ukraine use kerosene to clean all the oil and grease and as fluks, I asked him a few months ago And his answer: “I sprinkle flux (90% borax + 5% quartz sand + 5% charcoal powder) this is necessary for forging (forge) welding. The flux is alloyed with scale - the formed substance is sufficiently fluid and is easily displaced by deformation. In addition, the flux protects against oxygen and charcoal, carburizes the surface layer of metal - which lowers the welding temperature”.

[@ffcrick9144]

Thanks for your time and effort to make sure you give us a great videos . Awesome pattern, maybe a hammer for the give away and congratulations on being so close well earned Tim

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you Rick I appreciate the kind words, a couple of people have asked about a hammer for the giveaway, I'm not sure but I think I may give it a try and see how it goes. Thanks for the input and thanks for watching take care.

[@stevenwithanS]

Very cool. You're a true artisan.

[@raymondcoggins297]

That's awesome beautifully done

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you very much!

[@BlackBeardProjects]

Thank you for sharing Tim!! Excellent work as always! :)

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello Black Beard thank you so much and thanks for watching, take care brother.

[@vincenzoayaan3408]

I guess Im asking randomly but does someone know a trick to get back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid lost the password. I would appreciate any tips you can give me

[@phillipjaxson4710]

@Vincenzo Ayaan Instablaster :)

[@vincenzoayaan3408]

@Phillip Jaxson I really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm in the hacking process now. Seems to take quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@vincenzoayaan3408]

@Phillip Jaxson It worked and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much, you saved my ass !

[@jt659]

You have the funnest videos.

[@Markwellknifeco]

Great video and nice pattern on that billet. Look forward to the next one.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks Trevor, and thanks for watching.

[@gtrules82]

Learned a lot as always. Patience being the key. Much appreciated !!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks for watching Alex, take care.

[@ron2382]

another awesome billet. really enjoyed that. I bet the chain would also look great in a powder steel can billet

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello Ron, I agree it would look awesome and a canister Damascus, that's for an upcoming video. Thanks for tuning in.

[@WinDancerX]

Nice work and a great finished product. Thanks for the video!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you very much and thanks for watching.

[@simonbrown3943]

Enjoyed the video, makes total seance to me! Me and my boss are in a composition to see who can make Damascus first. He's really struggling so I've just shared this video with him. I dont think he is getting it hot enough or cleaning the materiel properly first...

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

It sounds like an awesome competition, it's good to hear about this kind of thing these kinds of exercises really improve our blacksmithing skills. Good luck and thanks for watching.

[@yebonuts]

absolutely beautiful! Awesome job Tim.

[@TheOldaz1]

Great stuff Tim, very instructional.

[@YukonJack]

That is beautiful my friend. I immediately thought of a peacock feather when I saw the pattern but "Peacock Damascus" just doesn't sound tough 😂

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you very much!

[@bryanrobinson1980]

Hey Tim, thinking of a giveaway idea. Some ideas I thought of were: a good chunk of a really neat Damascus pattern for someone to create their own project, a Damascus set of tongs, Damascus knife, or if there is another item you are pretty good at, do that as the giveaway. I think tongs are what folks really know you for at the moment. I follow Alex Steele and obviously he does hammers and similar tools for his giveaways.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks for the input Bryan do appreciate it so much, I was thinking of a pair of usable Damascus tongs but will have to see. Thanks again and take care.

[@rickykeel2419]

i really enjoy your videos! I appreciate your narratshtion a LOT! you explain what's going on well thank you and please keep them coming your greate!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks Ricky I appreciate that very much, and thank you so much for watching, take care of yourself.

[@Incab]

That pattern is really great!

[@gregsmith2262]

Ended up looking fantastic the flux makes sense I learned quite a bit of thank you for sharing

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

No worries Greg, thanks for watching take care.

[@hughlink3122]

you do outstanding work, I learn a lot from you.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks Hugh, and thanks for watching I do appreciate it.

[@ralphhart4947]

Tim Best pattern I have seen. Good job. Now make something to insure no voids. Ralph

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello Ralph, I'm on it, thanks for watching take care.

[@swordofgabriel]

Thank ya Mr. Tim. That was awesome!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you and thanks for tuning and take care.

[@mikedirienzo466]

I believe the guy from Ukraine soaked his chain Damascus in kerosene before putting it into his forge. He does that quite often. Let me know if that helps. P.S. I love your channel!

[@jaymorales5049]

Great job friend i love your work hopefully one day i can be as good as you.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks Jay. And thanks for watching.

[@stevehodgson1420]

Im thinking that timing chain might be easier to forge weld together as it has more links stacked together with less gaps. great video it came out fantastic.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you Steve and thanks for watching.

[@scottmccarroll2618]

Beautiful job bro it will make a beautiful knife can't wait to see what you do with the billet Thanks for sharing

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks Scott much appreciated, thanks for tuning in take care.

[@shanek6582]

That press you made is bad ass!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks Shane. And thanks for watching.

[@msblades5382]

Tim, great info on this video . I will be trying this again thanks for the great video.as always keep on forging, Sincerely, Martin Moldovan

[@aspimobedji3840]

You are doing a great job

[@LifeSavingDefense]

Great video. Patients is tuff to teach. Never thought about alcohol. No forge of my own yet but appreciate all your work. Wonder how that billet would look as motorcycle handle bars or levers. Thanks again

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks for tuning in Zane, I hadn't thought about motorcycle levers but that sounds like an awesome idea. Thanks for the kind words I do appreciate it, take care and be safe.

[@markjauregui8138]

Can this be done without a power hammer? This turned realy nice, thanks for sharing...

[@justinkardos2797]

I've used weathered membrane cleaner as a solvent. It's used on flat roofs work like a charm

[@jaxbrooks5821]

That's a really beautiful pattern. I just came across your channel....fascinating stuff. Thanks for sharing. :)

[@applevalleyknifeshop4242]

wow! sick looking billet. great video. thanks

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks Michael, and thanks for watching.

[@drason69]

Sorry if this is inappropriate...but that billet is "wet dream beautiful". Nice :)

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

No worries man I get that special feeling every time I look at it myself, lol take care and thanks for watching.

[@victorkakela2713]

Just the fact that you don't wear gloves while welding tells me you've done these sorts of things for a long time! I would burn my hand off xD

[@EuelBall]

Seriously nice billet! I look forward to whatever you make with it... (Sheffield Bowie!)

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello Euel, thank you and thanks for watching.

[@TheRedhawke]

Great teaching video, enjoyed every minute.

[@PaulFontaniniArtist]

Awesome work mate. Love the pattern.

[@jaredlariscey713]

thats badass tim! and thanks for teaching me something.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks Jared and thanks for watching.

[@Rmillerb1]

Tim,The Ukranian, Demitri, used 5% nitric acid for the chain and he said he uses Kerosene for cable Damascus. Either way, he seems to be consistently susccessful!Thanks very much for this, I have a few ready to forge for a couple weeks now. When work subsides, I'll post my process. Cross your fingers.Ron

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks for the information I've been experimenting with quite a few things and this gives me more to go on, and good luck with your forging I hope that goes well for you. If you'd like to send along some pictures I can show off some of your work in a video if you'd like. Thanks for tuning in take care.

[@georgecowboydearing6526]

I'd love to just have the bilit you made in this video!! It turned out so amazing that I think I'm going to have to start putting together stuff so I can try to do this but, with me being disabled due to spinal injuries, not sure if I'll be able to...

[@RFAM05]

Great video, beautiful outcome. Thank you

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you very much and thanks for watching.

[@justinmaxwell1608]

That's one pretty billet. I'm going to have to try that

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello Justin, have fun with it, thanks for watching and take care.

[@Dramure]

Flux helps with bonding and also gives the molten metal something to follow as its being smooshed helping seal and complete welds...a good example to watch on a big scale would be copper pipe flux then attatch it to another copper pipe but use a soldier...if you look inside youll see the flux as its melting and travelung give the soldier a path to follow as it travels and fills all gaps....same concept for forging steel it also clenses too helping remove impurities.

[@ChristCenteredIronworks]

great video! Thanks for all the great info!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you very much sir I do appreciate that. And thank you for watching take care.

[@kamarulzamanaziz7336]

Tq brp..nice content..May God bless you..

[@BenjerminWk]

I understand the importance of not having contaminants, but am curious if it is just too much to worry about with an o ring chain? Would it be possible to burn the rings out and start the process from there?

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Of course I think it would work just fine. Thanks for watching.

[@es47]

Awesome video im just wondering if thats an alec steel hammer?

[@dyskyzed]

That is awesome! Very inspiring and I learned a lot. Thanks for sharing!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you very much and thanks for tuning in.

[@sirtblairjr]

Hi Big Dog🕶️, wow, that's absolutely great. Making a billet out of a motorcycle chain. That is some real blacksmithing and understanding metal and what to do with it? Now are you going to make a knife with that? And what kind of neutralizer do you use after you use the acid? Hey, are you saying a knife make from motorcycle chain? And if so how can I buy one? Question, do you take on an apprentice? Or a work shop on line? I would like to be yours? Hit me up?

[@cypherian9821]

As always very informative and damn nice work on that pattern. I had not seen anyone do the additional piece of steel on the end yet pretty cool. J

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks J. And thanks for watching.

[@allymariachi9230]

awesome idea,had a chain but didn't know where to start,having seeing you welding with a hand hammer just made me crazy about the idea,wow also for the alcohol,can i use color thinner ? it seems to be an alcohol of some sort,and instead of borric acid can i use sulfuric acid instead?? i couldn't find borax anywhere where i live

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello Ally, to be honest I'm not sure about the color thinner but I do know that some have used a mix of sulfuric acid and water, I'll have to do some research. Thanks for tuning in take care.

[@markspc1]

Really great job !

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you so much and Thanks for watching.

[@buddydeal7695]

I’m not a blacksmith but I do some metal restoration. Do you think that soaking the chain in vinegar for a few days would clean all that gunk up? It’s corrosive enough that I have to put Vaseline on screw threads to keep it from dissolving them.

[@bwhip]

Tim, I think the Ukrainian is Shurap, and, according to Google Translate, he uses kerosene as a pre-soak. Borax is very soluble in hot water. You might try dumping borax into boiling water until it quits dissolving (making a super saturated solution), and then soak the chain/wire rope in that.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thanks for the info, I've been experimenting with quite a few new things lately I'll have to give this a try. Much appreciated and thanks for watching.

[@JohnJohnson-bg2oo]

Can you forge a knife from padlock hoops? Seems like the nickel boron carbide would be a viable metal? ABSOLUTE beginner asking.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

We will find out soon its on the list to do. thanks for watching..

[@gregj6542]

Very cool work as always!!

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Thank you very much. And thanks for tuning in.

[@Vlka_Fenryka]

A great video with a nice cell pattern at the end, it would make a great motorbike themed knife. You said that beach sand used to be used as flux, didn't that risk small blobs (for the want of a better word) of glass being included in the metal? Thank you for the time and sweat it took to make the video.

[@BIGDOGFORGE]

Hello Carl, I'm not too sure what I'm going to do with this piece of Damascus will have to see. My mentor used to use and all the time the problem is it doesn't float scale away so the parts have to be cleaned before welding, the sand actually coats the iron and a layer of molten glass which is pushed out with the hammer blows during the forge welding process much like borax, but you are correct some of this can get trapped but that doesn't seem to be too much of the problem from my understanding this is the same process that was used to create wrought iron and is what gives it it's self flexing properties. Thanks for watching and be safe.

[@Vlka_Fenryka]

Ah, never thought about the hammering breaking the tiny glass beads away. Thank you for answering my question.