Is This Chain Link Wrought Iron???

[JosephSchultz511]

My buddy gave me a chain link that he thinks is from the 1800s and I am hoping it’s wrought iron but I’m not sure. Is there a good way to tell?Chain Link

 

[Richard338]

I'd cut a little slice and look for texture, possibly do a quick etch on it also.

 

[DevinT]

Most people cut a piece 3/4 the way through and break it, if it looks stringy, it’s wrought iron. The stringy texture is from the 2-3% silica slag that runs through it which also gives it the damascus look when etched.

Hoss

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Check it the way Hoss suggested. From the look of the corrosion pattern, I would say it is wrought iron.

 

[Crag the Brewer]

Why would he cut it or break it???

I know we are all knife fanatics, but isn't it cooler the way it is?
Someone made THAT in the 1800s.

Whatever Anyone makes with it is just going to ruin it, figuratively speaking.

* Just buy new, known steel.
Leave history alone.

(Idk IF I believe That, but I'm definitely going to be thinking about This tonight)

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

You don't make knives from WI. You make hardware for knives and san-mai. The grain pattern looks great when etched.

 

[HSC ///]

Why would he cut it or break it???

I know we are all knife fanatics, but isn't it cooler the way it is?
Someone made THAT in the 1800s.

Whatever Anyone makes with it is just going to ruin it, figuratively speaking.

* Just buy new, known steel.
Leave history alone.

(Idk IF I believe That, but I'm definitely going to be thinking about This tonight)

so we can use it for cladding in laminated steel

 

[Taz]

One of these days I will find some wrought and play with san mai stuff!

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Send me an email Taz.
sapelt@cox.net

 

[JosephSchultz511]

Thank you everyone for the responses, I will update when I get a chunk cut and etched. I was hoping to use this for some cladding in some san mai.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

No need for an etch. Just cut it about halfway through and cold-bend the cut open to 180°. If it is wrought, it will show fibers. If it is just granular, it is plain iron.