Phase 2 is easier if you ride around behind him and wack on his foot. He'll roll away instead of attacking, rinse repeat. Just have to juke a little bit away if he can get in a swing before you get back behind him.
After experiencing almost all that Elden Ring has to offer, my new passion is watching the endless compilations of rage/fail videos. Many a controller, keyboard and mouse have died to bring us such entertainment.
It doesn't expire in the sense that its usually loaded up with so much sugar that bacteria doesn't grow, but everything will start to go stale no matter how well its sealed.
The dual crucible knight fight is fun without ashes. And by fun, I mean running around for 95% of the fight fun. sword of night and flame is pretty effective against them though.