I've been making Mokume for going on three years The simple way to do it is with a torch and 2 - 3lb. hammer. Weld one end then the other then one side and lastly the center to the outside. The flux used is borax, the color should be kind of a gold to orange/red, but mainly you want to watch for the material to start to flow then weld. I make Mokume two different ways using several different metals. Some are as follows nickle-silver, copper, yellow brass, and red brass (about the same color as 14K gold in apperance), all of these metals melting points are within 100 degrees of each other. As I said the main thing is to watch for the metals to start to flow flux (this will help to forge the weld), heat until it starts to flow again then forge weld them togather. It does not take a strong arm or strong arm blows to make the weld. Let your tools do the work for you, you are there but to guide them in the right direction. And by the way pleasr wear a protective shop apron just in the case that you wait to long and get it to hot. If you do get it to hot It Will Vomit as in Projectile Vomit so please be careful and take your time. My first billets (2) took over 5 hours to weld and pattern with the crest of a wave in the center for a pair of bolsters. But with knowledge comes a better product and the ease in which that product is made.
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Curtis Wilson -
Wilson's Custom Knives, Engraving, and Scrimshaw
