On several knife making forums where I post I have been reading about this chainsaw and or bicycle chain damascus billet making, also is non-galvanized wire rope thats heated, pulled and twisted tighter to also create a new effect, and now another idea of using mild steel tube filled with ball bearings and misc types of steel brazing rod and its welded at the ends and then hammerforged flat to create not only a strong resilient steel but also with enough of carbides and carbon to make for good edge abilities.
the japanese of course have it down to a religious art with metal folding but there are modern ways and modern materials available that are just lying around or available at a welding shop. I am going to dig into that some more, I am thinking of adding studs like we use in our winter tires up here in Alaska. just ordinary common stuff I have access to.
Until somebody decides its illegal or taxable that is.