How to Make Damascus Steel -- Part 1

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  • čas přidán 6. 09. 2024

Komentáře • 550

  • @brianjones3518
    @brianjones3518 Před 8 lety +14

    So i'm not actually a smith but love watching these types of videos. I just wanted to say yours are excellent and very clear.

  • @BadazzShovelhead
    @BadazzShovelhead Před 8 lety +5

    Sir, thanks for putting these videos together- One of the best but often most overlooked function of the internet is passing along knowledge, instructing, teaching, experiments. I have worked here in Silicon Valley for almost 2 decades primarily in ecommerce development- I used to work with the founders of youtube before they created youtube and it is comforting to know that masters of a trade or art form are on youtube and other sites passing along knowledge. In my mind this activity is the most valuable trait of this global platform. Anyhow, I am in awe of your work and abilities. I have always wanted to make knives but with long work days and a lot of travel around the world (I investigate cybercrime) I don't have time but it sure is nice to watch you and others create amazing things.

  • @brad6176
    @brad6176 Před 9 lety +2

    I appreciate a craftsman who goes the extra mile to make a clean, high quality product. good job Walter, You get an A+ in my book.

  • @InformationIsTheEdge
    @InformationIsTheEdge Před 9 lety +5

    I love the No-Nonsense approach and informal manner. What an amazing amount of information to digest! Thanks!

  • @ShockSlayer
    @ShockSlayer Před 10 lety +15

    Yeah, I never make mistakes either. These are actually birthmarks on my hands, and definitely not scars!

  • @PsyMongazoid
    @PsyMongazoid Před 9 lety

    I'm never gonna do this myself but it's a joy watching a professional who really knows his stuff.

  • @clantonaw
    @clantonaw Před 10 lety

    Walter, thanks for being a humble down to earth bladesmith. There are so many out there that don't have time for a "lamen." Or their cult follower apprentices shoo you away and say that "Murray doesn't answer questions on Tuesdays"...Huh? I am an amateur knifemaker and I have progressed alot by learning from smiths that are humble, patient and willing to teach me something. CZcams has been the vehicle for so many to learn this great art and I appreciate the tone you set in your videos. Subscribed...thanks again.

  • @ozymandias3456
    @ozymandias3456 Před 8 lety +11

    He completely changed the order of "Wh" words and just reverses the w and h

  • @SarcastSempervirens
    @SarcastSempervirens Před 9 lety

    I have to say I've come back to these videos not only caus it seems you know your stuff, but the effort you put into video quality, length and details and also your easy going/no bullshit/humor added style, it's just painless to watch and you learn a lot. keep it up!

  • @dwaynetheman7499
    @dwaynetheman7499 Před 9 lety +1

    Hi Walter, I just wanted to thank you for the video's and sharing your vast knowledge with us. I am starting out a rookie and basically trying to learn the process and terminology before I actually get started. I have already built my primitive shop and will be ready as soon as I get some coal the first of the month. Once again, thanks..

  • @jonpru82
    @jonpru82 Před 8 lety

    thank you for differentiating between damascus and pattern welded steel. i'm surprised how many people don't know the difference.

  • @jeremya6739
    @jeremya6739 Před 10 lety +5

    Great video! Finally someone did a Damascus video and actually told what steel to use! BTW, has part 2 been uploaded yet?

  • @MSGarrett1
    @MSGarrett1 Před 9 lety +12

    You said you make 9 marks for your 1095 steel, but there are only 8 marks on the 1095 steel in this video. Does it matter, of course not. :) Having said that, and more importantly, I love your style of narrating. Great video, and great philosophy!

    • @WalterSorrellsBlades
      @WalterSorrellsBlades  Před 9 lety +11

      Shane Garrett Just checking to see who's paying attention. Seriously, though, thanks for the comments!

  • @smartypants5036
    @smartypants5036 Před 6 lety

    Great tutorial. You can tell when a man knows what he is talking about as he makes the tutorial seem simple as everything just roles out so matter a factually. Thank you for your posts.

  • @aeviwright7846
    @aeviwright7846 Před 6 lety +1

    I tend to work mild steel by hand then turn it to high carbon by baking it in clay for an hour in my forge with a bunch of charcoal dust packed in tight around the blade (about 1/2 inch of dust per 1/8 inch of blade, for 55-70 minutes) I cant imagine the effort it would take to even attempt decent Damascus without at least 2 other people whom know at least the basics of hitting hot iron.

  • @rahulfromkerala
    @rahulfromkerala Před 10 lety

    Awesome video...Words out of a mouth which knows A to Z of steel making...thanks a lot for uploading...

  • @Placido.R.Bonnin
    @Placido.R.Bonnin Před 8 lety

    Did it only by hand, and came out right, but I totally agree with mr Sorrells in sense that it take long time and very big effort to make it work, so powerhammer is really something to add to the process

  • @Helixal
    @Helixal Před 8 lety

    Very well made video and thorough explanations. Makes me wish I was a blacksmith. This guy knows the theory and practice.

  • @kevincolwell9575
    @kevincolwell9575 Před 10 lety

    thanks Walter. Your vids have been a huge help (these and the ones you sell) in getting me up to speed on Chinese daos and western knives. Great to give back so much of what you have been taught or figured out.

  • @mr.integrity7096
    @mr.integrity7096 Před 4 lety

    This guy is a really good teacher

  • @TurtleGamingNL
    @TurtleGamingNL Před 8 lety +42

    Cool whip

  • @TheFishCostume
    @TheFishCostume Před 10 lety +49

    If I make a Damascus steel blade, I'm going to call it 'The Onion,' because onions have layers.

    • @captron7250
      @captron7250 Před 10 lety +1

      someone has beat you to it

    • @TheFishCostume
      @TheFishCostume Před 10 lety

      Capt Ron WHAT?! Who?! I DEMAND TO KNOW WHO!

    • @captron7250
      @captron7250 Před 10 lety +6

      Ken Onion, knife maker for one !! google him, he makes some pretty cool stuff

    • @SymphonyZach
      @SymphonyZach Před 10 lety

      I'm gonna call mine 'Reaper'

    • @happyhotdog4342
      @happyhotdog4342 Před 7 lety +5

      Onions?! Why not just call it an Ogre???

  • @tylerkrug7719
    @tylerkrug7719 Před 2 lety

    Walter is the coolest dude around!

  • @maticuchillos
    @maticuchillos Před 7 lety

    Thanks Walter you did a great job, and it's easy to undestand and learn how to make damascus. Greetings!

  • @CrazyCat229
    @CrazyCat229 Před 3 lety

    I appreciate your honest videos. Informative and fun to watch.

  • @natewoo9796
    @natewoo9796 Před 8 lety +3

    Hey Watler, could you make a video on tips for the beginning knifemaker? Covering materials such as what tools to buy first, first projects to try, good steels for beginners, etc.? Thanks!

    • @WalterSorrellsBlades
      @WalterSorrellsBlades  Před 8 lety +6

      +XxDetriment xX Poke around on my channel and you'll find videos already made on pretty much all these subjects!

    • @kakashieternalrival5647
      @kakashieternalrival5647 Před 8 lety +1

      you'll need much more than just knives gaara

    • @Christophersanchez1326
      @Christophersanchez1326 Před 7 lety

      XxDetriment xX there is also a book called $50 dollar knife shop to check out.

  • @jakejeske4191
    @jakejeske4191 Před 5 lety

    With your videos I made my very first hunting knife. Thank you!

  • @SeanJonesYT
    @SeanJonesYT Před 8 lety

    I don't know why but it's very appealing to watch the cooling steel on the side of the piece to fall off

  • @jessesearls1389
    @jessesearls1389 Před 8 lety

    Hey Walter, that's a very instructive video, good and clear. That's a lot of work. Thanks, and I'll be back to watch more.

  • @DappledJoker
    @DappledJoker Před 9 lety

    I wear Harbor Freight Welding gloves for everything in my shop. They are nice thick leather, and are particularly handy at a grinder. Not only do I not remove flesh, but I can grind longer as I am also protected from the heat. The gloves are cheap, but do have to sit out in an open area for about 6 months as they come almost directly from the tannery (smells like rotten potatoes), and then you want to curl the fingers on them and press them when you are not in the shop so they conform to your hand. I know it's work, but you have a really nice glove when you are done.

  • @MrFrancoisGosselin
    @MrFrancoisGosselin Před 10 lety +2

    Can't wait for part 2. Awesome video. Well done!

  • @neiljborja
    @neiljborja Před 10 lety

    Where's part two, Walter? My uni's forge is closed for rennovations until December, but I hear they're gonna get a forging press and a gas forge, so I can finally benefit from your awesome video series and stop trying to bang out billets with my puny arms and a hand hammer.

  • @curlywolfone
    @curlywolfone Před 8 lety +9

    My wife can't believe I watch these vids all the way through; I tell her, "Me like Fi-yuh."

  • @vadha1
    @vadha1 Před 10 lety

    Before I watched this video, I wondered why Damascus blades were so expensive. Now I wonder why they are so cheap. Amazing tutorial!

  • @ElGatoLoco698
    @ElGatoLoco698 Před 9 lety +3

    Lord have mercy. I've never blacksmithed anything. Just found this video by accident. It's fascinating but I didn't realize it required so much equipment.

    • @loganmeadows2992
      @loganmeadows2992 Před 9 lety

      It doesn't take that much

    • @crazyadam9281
      @crazyadam9281 Před 9 lety +2

      +ElGatoLoco698 Well hundreds of years ago, blacksmiths only had a furnace,hammer,anvil, files and some dyes oh and a tone of elbow grease. So if they can manage with just that much so can we.

  • @jakejeske4191
    @jakejeske4191 Před 5 lety

    Thank you Walter, from the bottom of my little forging heart, thank you!

  • @aSpyIntheHaus
    @aSpyIntheHaus Před 8 lety

    Great Video mate! It has answered a lot of questions I had and was very entertaining as well.
    "I never run my fingers into it... ever... at all."

  • @txswedishwikinggaming3760

    im jsut gonna test doing damascus steel this summer but only got normal hammer. so im gonan give it a shot, wish me luck

  • @jvmiller1995
    @jvmiller1995 Před 7 lety

    Love your videos! our mig welder is not a mig it is flux core. a mig has gas and leaes no slag. I would think useing a real mig would make ait easier as it has no slag. But dude your videos have so much info and I have learned so much. thank you

  • @mariav957
    @mariav957 Před 10 lety

    that process seems like the same process jewelers use called Mokume Gane.... I haven't tried it yet, but thanks for sharing ...very interesting subject!

  • @dethw1sh
    @dethw1sh Před 10 lety

    the whole time i was watching you use the belt sander, i couldn't help but think of how easily my clumsy ass would put fingers in it
    i laughed pretty hard at the bloody thumb part

  • @hippyhebrewhomestead8593

    Walter, I really appreciate your videos.

  • @futuresonex
    @futuresonex Před 9 lety +7

    That was an awesome video! (All your videos are.) But is there a part 2?

  • @giarnovanzeijl399
    @giarnovanzeijl399 Před 6 lety

    "do whatever it takes" great, now the song is stuck in my head.

  • @dku001
    @dku001 Před 9 lety +10

    where is the part 2 of this video?

  • @Ulfbercht
    @Ulfbercht Před 9 lety

    Since you mentioned ratios then may i suggest a beautiful one.
    Try working with the ratio 1:1.62, also known as the "ratio of beauty", the "Golden ratio" or simply Phi.

  • @halfcast684
    @halfcast684 Před 10 lety

    Very awesome I could watch this all day

  • @aarondudfield2837
    @aarondudfield2837 Před 6 lety

    "You'll need a little more mojo than your right arm can provide". He knows the struggle.

  • @horseman1968
    @horseman1968 Před 9 lety

    A well thought out video. I enjoyed it and appreciated your honesty at the beginning . I am actually looking to recreate the smelting process of Damascus. I'm hoping to have access to an electron microscope to determine whether or not the carbon nanotubes are present in the result.

  • @Nick-tm2sw
    @Nick-tm2sw Před 8 lety +1

    I am not trying to be one of those guys that critiques all the videos but I wanted to mention something for the more budget conscious makers watching this video. Sodium tetraborate (borax) is extremely hygroscopic. This means it very much wants to absorb water from the atmosphere which makes it not anhydrous anymore. So depending on storage anhydrous borax will become hydrated quickly causing the issues he noted with hydrated borax in the video. So unless you have a way to store it in a dry atmosphere like using argon to purge the room air from the container it is going to be the same to just buy the 20 mules borax from Walmart. You will quickly lose the benefit of buying the more expensive anhydrous borax anyway as it absorbs water from humidity in the air.
    Great videos though. I have learned a lot and always enjoy the high quality of your videos. Some knife making videos on youtube tend to be lower quality. I can tell you take the quality and professionalism of your videos very seriously.

  • @adimeshort
    @adimeshort Před 9 lety

    As always thanks for another great video- it's obvious u put a lot of thought and effort into them

  • @BernieFromTheInternet
    @BernieFromTheInternet Před 8 lety

    banding straps - very thin, 1075. Bi-metalic band saw blades - 15n20. a 20 layer stack is about 1.5 in thick. damascus is very doable with a hand hammer

  • @TheEpoxyExperts
    @TheEpoxyExperts Před 9 lety

    Wow, very informative video, impressive professional editing work with a touch of the learning curve FYIs. On to number 2 video. Thank you for your postings Walter.

  • @roguedrums
    @roguedrums Před 8 lety

    If I may ask a question....does a higher layer count add to the strength and "toughness" of the steel, or does it only affect the pattern after etching? Also, could you possibly do a video about creating the "Crushed W's" damascus pattern?
    As a person who has NEVER struck hot metal, I find your tutorials incredibly easy to understand, and I thank you for your time, and effort in educating those interested in making cool stuff!

  • @lesthom60
    @lesthom60 Před 7 lety

    hi, Walter, very informative video, i got a lot from it, you answered a lot of questions, and took the time to share all aspects of the work, thank you very much. i have subscribed, and I'm now off to watch all you have on U tube, cheers, and a merry Christmass from Scotland.

  • @1966Shovelhead007
    @1966Shovelhead007 Před 10 lety +12

    and so where pray tell is part 2?

  • @torcher78
    @torcher78 Před 8 lety

    if I were you I wouldn't use cheap flux core wire to weld your billets together. this is where your getting a bunch of crap metal in your forgings. now I understand you cut those ends off. but I would suggest getting a small bottle of c25 gas and running er70s-6 wire. much cleaner welds and stronger steel so you won't need to worry so much about cutting those off. keep up the great work man I love this channel!

  • @slome815
    @slome815 Před 8 lety +1

    For small knifes you can easily forge weld the billets by hand. Just make the billet large enough for one knife. something like one inch by one inch and 2 to 4 inches long can be made by hand.
    Ofcourse if you want to do this regularly, sooner or later you will need a power hammer.

    • @CharlesBosse
      @CharlesBosse Před 7 lety

      Yup! I think "regularly" is the name of the game here. For those of us who want to makes something in our back yard, and try it without the fancy setup, forge welding is the way to go though.

  • @Sturla-Tyr
    @Sturla-Tyr Před 8 lety

    This is not Damascus steel! Just go look it up at Wikipedia, but the short version is that this is a technique called pattern welding as he stated, but the Damascus steel is made with woody biomass and leaves to create nanowires and carbon nanotubes, making the blade a lot tougher.
    Still this is a very educational and good video and I definitely will watch more of walker's work

  • @quinnholmes9954
    @quinnholmes9954 Před 5 lety

    i never knew an old man could be so funny! lol love it.

  • @ussy7809
    @ussy7809 Před 8 lety +5

    "then you go cry a little and kick dog"😂😂💀

  • @spockmcoyissmart961
    @spockmcoyissmart961 Před 9 lety

    Glad you said 'modern' Damascus steel, because if I remember correctly, the original was used with metal from a cosmic object which fell to earth and forged with earth materials? IF I remember correctly.

  • @kevinnorwood8782
    @kevinnorwood8782 Před 7 lety

    Here's the main question that I want answered: What is the difference between using a Hada technique and forging Damascus? I know that both focus on creating layers in the blade, but does one only use steel while the other uses a combination of steel and another metal (like iron), or is it some other fact that makes the two techniques completely different from each other?

  • @Deannacan
    @Deannacan Před 10 lety

    This video is excellent. Thank you! The video is informative, thorough, easy to watch and understand and holds your attention. Not everyone and even most people out there can't teach much less make a decent video. 5 stars! LOL

  • @Wulfrune
    @Wulfrune Před 8 lety

    Thanks for making such great videos Walter. But sadly, where as before the videos I was enthusiastic about my future in knife making, I've now had my balloon well and truly burst. I personally would be scared to try to make a knife because I don't like to fail in anything I do. I think it's time I took a course in blacksmithing so as I can get the basics under my belt before I start wasting my time and money.
    I will keep watching your videos though, as they're something I aspire to.
    Thanks Walter.

    • @calebshaffer2283
      @calebshaffer2283 Před 8 lety

      that's a wise move. Though, to be fair, Walter has some videos where he shows you the first knife he made vs the latest katana he made. There's a lot of "trial by fire" in blade making because its very easy to screw up rather than make a great piece. Even master's have blades break often.

    • @razorfett147
      @razorfett147 Před 7 lety

      Wulfrune It is as much an art as it is a skill set. As he points out several times in the video: you're going to fail...a lot...in the beginning. But you learn something new each time that happens. I've heard traditional iron workers compare it to animal taming: you have to learn every aspect of the materials nature before you can really hew what you want out of it. Don't despair.

  • @sirspikey
    @sirspikey Před 10 lety

    Really good and informative video, love it. What I'm wondering is that I've sometimes seen when people making swords that that they split the thin side of the billet so it forms a Y then add another smaller billet inside and forge weld them. I'm guessing its for making the blade sharper, but how does it work? What's the difference in steel etc. also the use some kind of paste when tempering. Have no idea how it all works and it would be nice if you could make a video about it :)

  • @monroesweldingservices6234

    just getting into blacksmithing as a hobby I'm a disabled veteran USMC trying to learn Damascus this video is great could you send me a link to get flux that needed any info will help

  • @Hellsong89
    @Hellsong89 Před 7 lety

    Best way to remove the scale, is to sink metal into vinegar over night and then wash it with water and rub with scotch pad, steel brush or what ever you have in hand. You can remove zink coatings with this methods as well btw.

  • @bilalmalikguitarist
    @bilalmalikguitarist Před 7 lety

    you sir, are one pro smith! Love your skills

  • @ChrisMartin-ot8lx
    @ChrisMartin-ot8lx Před 7 lety

    this is the first video i watched when i wanted to learn how to make Damascus. what tipe of forge press do you have?
    good job walter.

  • @mikeyunovapix7181
    @mikeyunovapix7181 Před 7 lety

    I really want to take up blacksmithing as a bit of a hobby. I'd love to make damascus steel cutlery and a hunting knife. perhaps I could try making damascus steel with layers numbering in the millions.

  • @soulreaver2727
    @soulreaver2727 Před 10 lety

    That was funny. I never run my hands into the sander. Thanks for the info Walter.

  • @Sean-gw4ce
    @Sean-gw4ce Před 9 lety

    Awesome video, awesome instructions!

  • @ibrahimi.2109
    @ibrahimi.2109 Před 6 lety

    Adamın dibi yine bilgi veriyor helal. Thank you.

  • @billhelgeson545
    @billhelgeson545 Před 9 lety

    Thanks for sharing your expertise with your professional videos. I an considering getting into Damascus. My question is what is the minimum size needed for a forging press? Is 15 tons sufficient? Can you suggest a manufacturer of a press? THANKS!!

  • @starrychill
    @starrychill Před 10 lety

    the cool design on Damascus Steel knives, how is that formed? from the layers? because I see knives that say 100 layers 60 layers but they have the same amount of lines on the design.

  • @juliocavalera9293
    @juliocavalera9293 Před 6 lety

    Hello thanks for video, how to unite the plates of ex-plane exhaust and a hundreds electrik guitar string waste made from nikle and leaf spring or bearing how to joined that layer by forge???

  • @cheryld7765
    @cheryld7765 Před 10 lety

    Very cool, thanks for uploading!

  • @F00dTube
    @F00dTube Před 10 lety

    Layman question. What are these scales exactly, or what is their consistency? Do they contain more carbon or does reaction occur due to contact with oxygen?

  • @Rendraco79
    @Rendraco79 Před 7 lety

    thanks for all the knowledge. and sharing it.

  • @helicrashproprocrasher2367

    If you had a tig welder, you could fuse the pieces together and have no issues with mig wire metal contaminating your billet.

  • @timothygreen8531
    @timothygreen8531 Před 8 lety

    Like the video Walter good info. Really injoyed it

  • @Hagemann666
    @Hagemann666 Před 8 lety

    I've always struggled with the idea of using expensive grinding belts to scrub off extremely hard mill scale. I've taken to using an angle grinder. With a little finesse, you can knock that mill scale off hundreds of bars with the same $3.00 grinding disc. I use the same technique to clean the mating surfaces when doubling, too.
    Thoughts?

    • @WalterSorrellsBlades
      @WalterSorrellsBlades  Před 8 lety

      +John Hagemann Yep. I do the same thing when making damascus. I didn't show it here, I guess, but that's how I normally do it. I just bust off the worst of the scale with the angle grinder, then finish it up with the belt.

  • @Saki630
    @Saki630 Před 8 lety

    When you finish your Japanese style blade, can you test it against a blade that was cut from steel and not forged in house?
    I want to know if traditional methods of wrapping a hard steel around a soft steel are superior than 1 steel forging. Also if doing clay patterns on the surface really give a beneficial hardness to the steel that cant be matched by regular heat treatment.

  • @YoungFree213
    @YoungFree213 Před 9 lety +98

    didn't know George bush was into forging

  • @Jackloreknives
    @Jackloreknives Před 10 lety +1

    Interesting and impressive.
    Have a great Christmas.
    Sandy

  • @angelmonteagudo650
    @angelmonteagudo650 Před 8 lety

    To obtain the typical nanotube matrix of Damascus steel.
    Do you recommend to use fullerene dust, or the traditional method of alloy the steel with microalloying catalysts?

  • @Altimit1417
    @Altimit1417 Před 9 lety

    your video is very well made! Thanks!

  • @lucifervultklan7840
    @lucifervultklan7840 Před 8 lety

    somehow i feel like making this material results in thin capes of graphene (hexagonal atomic former carbon) inside the steel blade. those graphene layers make the blade so sharp.
    Damascus was probably the first graphene made ever.

  • @robertostman2075
    @robertostman2075 Před 9 lety

    I wonder, in one of the last movies of star wars there is a sword battle in a lava river and this makes me wonder if this could be a option for forging and other metal process by using the heat of a place like Hawaii where lava rivers seem common

  • @Vanewolf29
    @Vanewolf29 Před 10 lety +3

    When does part 2 come out.

  • @tateclement6984
    @tateclement6984 Před 8 lety

    can you explain how I can make with a coal forge or gas forge that will make the steel hot enough???!! I can't seem to figure it out...

  • @dennisheath3364
    @dennisheath3364 Před 2 lety

    you used a wire feed to weld the steels together so does it make a difference of what kind of wire you use ?

  • @SLINGSHOTandMOLOTOWS
    @SLINGSHOTandMOLOTOWS Před 10 lety

    real damascus steal was made by using the same iron througout the blade folding it with organic carbon based matter inbetween the layers like grass and leafs ect, nobody acully knows exactly how it was made but they have proof that the genuine damascus blades contains carbon nano tubes wich could only be created in this mannor.
    real japanese "damascus" is made by tamahagane sorted and forged into 2 billets, one soft and one hard(hagane). the core of the blade is made of soft folded steel and the outer shell is made out of harder Hagane steel...also folded. the pattern on a japanese sward is only visible if you look closely.

  • @cm6003AbrahamDrinken
    @cm6003AbrahamDrinken Před 9 lety

    Is there a limit to how many times you can fold and layer the blade? Will you lose all the carbon if you take it to far?

  • @LUCKYB.
    @LUCKYB. Před 9 lety

    Walt give muzzu 30 a try , its a good castable when it comes to flux and you can cast the complete inside of the forge ,, better than k wool

  • @tree2040
    @tree2040 Před 8 lety

    Does anyone know of a good way to get into forging? I'm a teen living in a fairly small town and for the last few years I've had the interest of making things growing more and more. What should I seek out?

  • @gentilknives8907
    @gentilknives8907 Před 7 lety

    Do anyone know how many tons his press press???

  • @valentindamour9869
    @valentindamour9869 Před 8 lety

    Is it possible to transform by hand any pieces of iron into a iron bar, the same as you use ? I'm using a coal forge .

  • @marianogarabato1111
    @marianogarabato1111 Před 9 lety

    good morning , wanted to know how 420MoV forge welding stainless steel and carbon steel SAE1095 . From already thank you very much. Best regards from Argentina .