Andrew Golabek Posted July 2, 2020 Share Posted July 2, 2020 Hey guys, been a long time since I’ve posted, thought some might be interested in one of my latest little projects. My dad was throwing away a worn out chainsaw chain (too worn to be resharpened). I decided to try and forge it into a knife. first step I simply took the worn dirty chain, and wrapped it in thin steel wire to keep it in one piece. I proceeded to forge weld it, and folded it until I was happy with how solid the billet felt. No cleaning of the steel was required, however a high temperature and proper atmosphere were absolutely necessary, especially at the beginning as it was tricky to stick. Anyways, here’s the finished piece and some progress pictures. Altogether only a couple of hours and gives me some confidence in my forge welding. Tempered at 350f, considering the steel was likely lower carbon, and the feel during sharpening etc I would put the hardness at a maximum of 56-58. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted July 2, 2020 Share Posted July 2, 2020 The pattern came out nice Andrew, well done. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Golabek Posted July 2, 2020 Author Share Posted July 2, 2020 Thank you! I was really unsure how it would turn out since it was unknown to me how different the alloys are between the pins, teeth and side plates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frosty Posted July 2, 2020 Share Posted July 2, 2020 The ONLY parts of a chain saw chain that aren't high carbon are the links, teeth and pins are high carbon, links are medium for toughness. That's a good quality chain of course. Frosty The Lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Golabek Posted July 2, 2020 Author Share Posted July 2, 2020 (edited) Ah makes sense! Yeah this was an oilomatic Rs23 stihl chain, it definitely felt like it was relatively high carbon during forging/grinding. Edited July 2, 2020 by Mod30 Remove excessive quote Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irondragon Forge ClayWorks Posted July 2, 2020 Share Posted July 2, 2020 That's a good looking blade, I think it's called a Viking ladies knife. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted July 2, 2020 Share Posted July 2, 2020 (With a choil. For ornamentation purposes I assume?) I usually call them a "self hilted knife". Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Golabek Posted July 5, 2020 Author Share Posted July 5, 2020 Ya it’s just going to be a general purpose around the house/shop knife, I might make a sheath for it as well. the edge has been holding up pretty well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panik Posted July 5, 2020 Share Posted July 5, 2020 Gorgeous work! Was that done in what appears to be the paint can forge on the right in your last picture? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AjStyles Posted February 5, 2021 Share Posted February 5, 2021 That knife looks very serious. I wouldn't mess with a guy if he had such a weapon with him. Good work! I wonder if I can do the same thing with my chainsaw chain. Unfortunately, my chainsaw broke several months ago and I didn't know what to do with it until that day. The problem is that I have a scroll saw and I'm not really sure that it can cut metal chain. I was reading information here https://mitersawjudge.com/best-scroll-saw-reviews-and-buying-guide/ but didn't find anything about cutting metal materials. I have an old axe and I think that it would be interesting to use chainsaw chain the same way you did. I think that would be an ideal weapon for a viking, lol. Cheers, Joey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasPowers Posted February 5, 2021 Share Posted February 5, 2021 Hack saw and cut the part that isn't hardened for teeth---though as you can sharpen a chainsaw chain with a file the teeth are not that hard too. Or get it hot cut and use a hot cut. Most folks I know use an angle grinder. I have to say that if this is a blocker you most likely are not ready to weld it up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrew Golabek Posted February 5, 2021 Author Share Posted February 5, 2021 Yeah the forge was made with a 5 gallon gas can. I got some hardness testing files recently , and I can say the hardness is over 55, and below 60 now, which I’m happy with for a scrap metal project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harwester Posted July 6, 2021 Share Posted July 6, 2021 Excellent job. Congrats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGGUNDOCTOR Posted July 6, 2021 Share Posted July 6, 2021 Old thread, but. I have brought home around 40' of 100-3 drive chain over the last year. One pin could make a nice small blade. How many times did you fold it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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