A method of joining a bulk metallic glass to a second similar or dissimilar material in an air environment. The method includes the steps of: a) removing an oxide layer on at least a portion of a surface of a first bulk metallic glass during thermoplastic forming of the first bulk metallic glass in a supercooled liquid region, wherein the removing of the oxide layer on the at least the portion of the surface creates a fresh surface that is at least substantially free of oxides and/or contaminants; and b) joining the fresh surface of the first bulk metallic glass to a second material.