I've always silver soldered my blades and only had one joint fail in about 15
years. The jigs that hold the ends together while soldering work very nicely.
Easy to make yourself too.

Important thing is to scarf the ends and grind the joint so it doesn't bump
going through the guides. A Google search should get you some plans.

I bought a bunch of surplus blades for a very good price that were 10 inches
too long. Easy to modify to fit my saw.

Earle Rich
Mont Vernon, NH