Future damascus Fairbairn-Sykes dagger

ArielSalaverria

ArielSalaverria

Joined
Mar 26, 2004
Messages
1,617
This is a custom order I forged back in February, but I just got to ground it last week.


Chainsaw chains and a flat 3/16" 5160 stock.

CFdagger1w_big.jpg



Using an electric welder, I welded the chains to the stock (note the cutting teeth)

CFdagger2w_big.jpg


CFdagger3w_big.jpg



I made a cannister with a pipe and I made a sandwich with the welded piece and two layers of 304 stainless steel, one on top and one on the bottom, to prevent welding against the pipe (so I can retrieve the ingot easily)

CFdagger4w_big.jpg



Cannister on the oven at 1300C

CFdagger5w_big.jpg



Once it welded properly, I took it off the pipe/cannister (no pics of that process, sorry)

You can see the welded piece on this group picture, though.
http://www.aescustomknives.com.ar/images2/arielstuff2_bigger.jpg


Preparation on a new capsule, with an identical pipe, but this time I cut it on the upper corners.

CFdagger6w_big.jpg



I placed a 2mm thickness asbestos paper as antiwelding barrier, as in this case, the SS 304 would be useless, as the bronze would weld with it.

CFdagger7w_big.jpg



Cutting pieces of brass.

CFdagger8w_big.jpg



Placing them on top of the asbestos paper.

CFdagger9w_big.jpg



Some borax on top.

CFdagger10w_big.jpg
 
Then I placed the 5160 stock and chainsaw ingot on top of that and I add more borax.

CFdagger11w_big.jpg



More brass plates.

CFdagger12w_big.jpg



Other asbestos layer to finish it up.

CFdagger13w_big.jpg



Welding the cannister closed.

CFdagger14w_big.jpg


CFdagger15w_big.jpg



On the oven at 900C

CFdagger16w_big.jpg



Hammering to weld the brass with the steel.

CFdagger17w_big.jpg



Cannister after the hammering session.

CFdagger18w_big.jpg



Cutting the cannister to remove the final ingot.

CFdagger19w_big.jpg


CFdagger20w_big.jpg
 
Simply, wow. Your work never ceases to amaze me. Well done. That is breathtaking to say the least. I'm looking forward to see finished pictures.

Wow.

Travis
 
It should be noted that upon seeing it my girlfriend said "Buy me one like that", how many knives will get that reaction? :D
 
Hate to be one of the crowd here but all I can say is WOW. :cool:

Cant wait to see it finished.

Todd
 
Very impressive as always. It's like opening a suprise present when ever you post pics of a new blade.
 
Excellent as always Ariel.

I was wondering, asbestos use is pretty controversial around here. Is that not the case in Argentina?
 
That is amazing! The chains with the brass flashes inside are stunning... can't wait to see how you do the handle.
 
Ariel
Every one of these posts of yours, I learn alot, and take great inspiration. Thank you for taking the time to do your great posts, and the great pics.
I'm a new guy, and it'll be a while before I even get close to trying some of the things you do, but they always get new ideas spinning in my head. Great stuff, beautiful piece of steel.

Jon
 
Some more info :)

Those brass pieces are cut outs from drums cymbals I repair.
If the drummer cracked it on the border, I cut a ring on the outside diameter to get rid of the cracked part, leaving a smaller diameter cymbal.


"how does the introduction of brass into the billet effect the final blade strength?"

It doesn't affect it at all, it's purely cosmetic, as the real steel for the blade got forged on the first canister at 1300C
The billet you see on this picture:
http://www.aescustomknives.com.ar/images2/arielstuff2_bigger.jpg

Is a fully welded/forged one. Think of this blade as a regular damascus from the chain, on where I left some superficial spots to show the links and then fill them with melted brass


Also, if anyone's wondering about tempering, instead of taking it to 850C and quenching it on oil (brass melts at that temperature), you can take it to 800C and quench it on warm water, with the same practical results.

In this particular case, I took it to 780C as I wanted it to be a little softer (about 55Rc) as this is a sticker. Of course the point and edges got a little more hard as they have less mass, but that's better for the knife too.

Thanks again for the comments!

Regards,

Ariel
 
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