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Forged in Fire: The Tizona of El Cid DEMOLISHES the Final Round (S7, E8) | Full Episode

HISTORY・35 minutes read

Former Karate practitioner Jerry Cripe, along with music enthusiast Brent Smith and science teacher Thomas Hacker, compete on "Forged in Fire" by creating blades amidst challenges like material selection and time constraints, culminating in the recreation of El Cid's Tizona sword. Bladesmiths face elimination due to blade integrity issues, with Brent and Thomas advancing to the final round where they impress the judges with their craftsmanship and performance in strength and sharpness tests.

Insights

  • Contestants in the bladesmithing competition face challenges in material selection and forging techniques, with failures resulting in immediate elimination, highlighting the importance of precision and skill in blade creation.
  • The bladesmiths' journey showcases the significance of perseverance, attention to detail, and adaptability in overcoming obstacles, as seen through Jerry's dedication during quenching and Brent and Thomas navigating setbacks with patience and determination in crafting their swords.

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Recent questions

  • What is the competition hosted by "Forged in Fire" about?

    Bladesmithing competition judged by experts.

  • How do bladesmiths handle challenges with materials during the competition?

    Techniques like creating a tang are crucial.

  • What happens to bladesmiths who fail to meet competition parameters?

    Immediate dismissal from the Forge.

  • How do bladesmiths approach the final round of the competition?

    Recreating historical swords like El Cid's Tizona.

  • How are the bladesmiths' finished swords tested in the competition?

    Through strength and sharpness tests.

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Summary

00:00

Bladesmiths Compete in Forged in Fire

  • Jerry Cripe, a former Karate practitioner, crafts his own weapons due to his martial arts discipline, emphasizing perseverance and calmness for the competition.
  • Brent Smith, a music enthusiast and bladesmith, incorporates music into his work, dancing in his shop while creating weapons.
  • Thomas Hacker, a science teacher and part-time bladesmith, joins the competition to inspire his students to pursue their passions, overcoming his initial fears.
  • Rick Hall, a former steer wrestler, shares his background before the bladesmithing competition commences.
  • The competition, hosted by "Forged in Fire," involves three rounds of timed edged weapon making, judged by experts Ben Abbott, David Baker, and Doug Marcaida.
  • In the first round, contestants must use W1 round stock and mild steel from heavy metal band equipment to forge a signature blade with a through-tang using the San Mai technique.
  • Failure to meet competition parameters results in immediate dismissal from the Forge without deliberation.
  • Contestants face challenges in selecting and working with materials, such as Jerry using a thin brass cymbal and Thomas struggling with cleaning mild steel.
  • Techniques like placing mild steel in the middle of the billet and creating a tang are crucial for successful blade creation.
  • Brent faces challenges with his blade taking a banana shape, while Thomas encounters issues with blistering during hammering and welding.

12:01

Bladesmiths face challenges in forging competition.

  • The bladesmith is hesitant about returning to the quench due to stress on the high carbon steel.
  • Despite a minor warp in the blade after quenching, the bladesmith is confident it can be fixed through grinding.
  • Concern arises for a fellow bladesmith, Jerry, who seems affected by the heat.
  • The bladesmith successfully forge-welds a bubble and proceeds with the quench, ensuring not to drop the knife.
  • Jerry impresses with his work, displaying skill and dedication during the quenching process.
  • After etching, the bladesmith identifies the mild steel in the blade and begins profiling it.
  • Rick's blade is critiqued for the mild steel running through the center, affecting its integrity.
  • Rick is eliminated due to the compromised integrity of his blade caused by the mild steel.
  • The remaining bladesmiths advance to the next round, tasked with adding handles, steel guards, and pommels to their blades.
  • Jerry faces challenges in shaping his handle, taking a slow approach that raises concerns about his stamina and well-being.

23:24

Bladesmiths compete to forge El Cid's sword.

  • Bladesmiths are working on peening their pommels, requiring patience and heat.
  • Jerry struggles with the propane torch, causing his project to fall apart due to burnt glue.
  • Thomas faces similar issues with peening and regluing his project.
  • Jerry rushes to weld and shape his handle, feeling the pressure of time.
  • Jerry's project falls apart, leading to his elimination from the competition.
  • Brent and Thomas advance to the final round to recreate El Cid's Tizona sword.
  • El Cid's sword is described as a prized possession with intricate details and a balanced design.
  • Bladesmiths have four days to complete the Tizona sword, facing challenges like twisted tangs and detailed guard assembly.
  • Brent and Thomas work on forging, welding, and shaping their swords, with Brent using a mustard patina finish.
  • Brent and Thomas present their finished Tizona swords for testing, showcasing their craftsmanship and performance in a strength test.

36:07

Blade Strength and Sharpness Test Results

  • The strength test involves chopping into armored knights to assess blade strength and construction.
  • Brent's blade had a few chips and rolls but was deemed strong and sharp with a slick handle.
  • Thomas' sword had a fine edge and performed well in the test, despite some rolls on the edge.
  • The sharpness test involved slashing salmons to test the edge of the blades, with both Brent and Thomas' swords proving sharp and effective.
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