Forged in Fire: The EXHILARATING Chinese Zhanmadao Sword's Final Round (Season 7) | History

Forged in Fire・2 minutes read

Nick and Josh compete in a final round to recreate a zhanmadao, facing challenges in forging, shaping, and testing their blades. Despite both blades passing the tests, Josh is crowned the champion for his exceptional cutting ability, earning $10,000.

Insights

  • Josh faces challenges due to the immense size of the zhanmadao blade, working on forging it in sections and using 5160 steel, showcasing his adaptability and problem-solving skills.
  • Nick encounters difficulties during the quenching process and struggles with achieving the necessary curve in the blade, highlighting the importance of precision and attention to detail in blade-making competitions.

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Recent questions

  • What historical weapon are contestants recreating?

    Zhanmadao

  • What material is the blade made from?

    5160 steel

  • How do contestants maintain straightness during cooling?

    Two-by-fours

  • What test are the blades subjected to?

    Boar carcass

  • Who is crowned the "Forged in Fire" champion?

    Josh

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Summary

00:00

Competition to Forge Iconic Zhanmadao Weapon

  • Nick, Josh, and another contestant are in the final round of a competition to recreate an iconic historical weapon, the zhanmadao.
  • Josh is challenged by the size of the blade, made from 5160 steel, and works on forging it in sections due to its immense size.
  • Nick shapes the blade and faces a nerve-wracking moment during quenching when it doesn't curve as needed, requiring a second attempt.
  • Both contestants focus on heat treating their blades on day two, with Josh using two-by-fours to maintain straightness during cooling.
  • Nick works on the guard and handle, aiming to finish the blade the next day, while Josh grinds the bevel and starts on the handle.
  • The blades are tested on a boar carcass, with Josh's blade impressing with its balance, power, and cutting ability, while Nick's blade lacks the expected curve.
  • In the strength test, Nick's blade remains flexible but loses its fine edge, while Josh's blade shows rolling on the edge but is well-crafted overall.
  • Both blades pass the sharpness test, with Josh's blade excelling in cutting ability, leading to him being crowned the "Forged in Fire" champion and winning $10,000.
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