David Baker: Swordsmith and expert in fabricating replicas of rare weapons.

Replaces Neilson for some episodes as of the end of Season 4, after which he would alternate with Neilson.

Ben Abbott: Two-time Forged in Fire champion.

Replaced by Jason Knight (another ABS Master Smith) during a medical leave for hand surgery during parts of Seasons 3 and 4, after which he returned as a regular judge. Neilson: Master Smith with the American Bladesmith Society.

Grady Powell (season 8-): A former US Army Green Beret.

Wil Willis (seasons 1-7): A former US Army Ranger and US Air Force Pararescueman.

The loser turns in his weapon, and the winner is named as the day's champion and receives the $10,000 prize. They then bring their weapons back to the Forge for testing against objects and conditions that resemble the situations in which they were typically used.

As before, the smith whose weapon is judged the least satisfactory has to turn it in and leave.įor the final round, the two remaining smiths are shown a historically significant weapon and have five days (reduced to four in later seasons) to create their own versions of it, working at their home forges.

The judges then put the weapons through tests to gauge properties such as sharpness, durability, and ease of use, by chopping/slashing/stabbing objects that include logs, ropes, animal carcasses, and steel car doors. In the second round, the three remaining smiths are given another three hours (reduced to two in later seasons) to turn their blades into fully functional weapons, by attaching handles, grinding/sharpening/polishing, and cleaning up any problems noted by the judges in the first round. The person who handed in the worst blade (or a blade that didn't meet the specifications) is eliminated from the competition, and must turn in his/her weapon and leave the Forge. The host does not take part in the judging, but sometimes offers insights based on their military service in order to give the judges a different perspective on the blades. When the time is up, they present their blades to a panel of three judges who evaluate the craftsmanship/quality and point out any flaws or defects. Medics are on hand to treat any injuries or other health problems (usually caused by the intense heat) and may disqualify any smiths they feel are unable to continue safely. The bladesmiths are given three hours (four if the extra challenge is particularly difficult) to forge their blades and deal with anything that goes wrong. The host issues a set of specifications for the blade length, and sometimes gives an extra challenge (add things like serrations or a fuller, use a specific technique, and so on). The type of steel can vary from a standard block, to a choice of scrap metal objects, to material salvaged from a junked car or lawnmower, to rejected blades from previous episodes. For the first round, the smiths are given some type of steel and must use it to make a blade in a style of their choosing.

The first two rounds normally take place in 'The Forge,' a studio stocked with a wide range of metalworking tools and equipment, sometimes the show will mix it up by having one or both of them take place in an alternative location such as a scrapyard. In each episode, four smiths compete to win $10,000 by forging bladed weapons in a three-round contest. Forged In Fire is a reality show about the art of bladesmithing, originally hosted by Wil Willis (seasons 1-7) and currently hosted by Grady Powell (season 8 to present).

Forged in fire forges