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Forged in Fire: The Barbarian Spatha (S7, E11) | Full Episode

HISTORY・35 minutes read

Bladesmiths compete in "Forged in Fire" championship with specific challenges and judging criteria. Alex Horn wins the competition after excelling in the final test, securing the title of champion and a $10,000 prize.

Insights

  • Importance of technique, steel selection, and symmetry in dagger making emphasized for Bladesmiths in "Forged in Fire" competition, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship required in blade forging.
  • Alex Horn's strategic use of Damascus steel and meticulous craftsmanship led him to victory in the "Forged in Fire" championship, highlighting the critical role of skill, innovation, and determination in achieving success in bladesmithing competitions.

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Recent questions

  • What is the competition theme in "Forged in Fire"?

    Goths incorporating enemy weapons into their arsenal.

  • What is the first round challenge for bladesmiths in "Forged in Fire"?

    Forge a pugio dagger using Hada technique with specific parameters.

  • How do bladesmiths reinforce weak spots in their blades?

    Plans were made to reinforce the weak spot in round two of the competition.

  • What materials are used to fill holes in knife handles?

    Epoxy is used to fill holes and cover the handle of a knife.

  • What specific requirements are needed for forging a spatha in "Forged in Fire"?

    Two remaining contestants are tasked with forging a spatha, a Roman sword, with specific requirements within four days.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Bladesmiths Compete for "Forged in Fire" Title

  • Alex Horn, 26, excited for competition, loves challenges and pushing skill levels.
  • Kevin Burkman, 49, retired Army, started bladesmithing due to dissatisfaction with military knife.
  • Pat Biggin from Elkhorn, Wisconsin, began bladesmithing after receiving grandfather's WWII knife.
  • Mike Benton, 45, has a large family, six kids, loves them dearly.
  • Bladesmiths compete in three rounds for "Forged in Fire" championship and $10,000 prize.
  • Judges include Ben Abbot, David Baker, and Doug Marcaida.
  • Competition theme: Goths incorporating enemy weapons into their arsenal.
  • First round challenge: Forge a pugio dagger using Hada technique with specific parameters.
  • Bladesmiths have three hours to complete the first round.
  • Importance of Hada technique, steel selection, and symmetry in dagger making emphasized.

11:37

Blade forging competition highlights craftsmanship challenges.

  • Kevin welded a tang onto a blade, creating a weak spot at the junction.
  • The weak spot was noted to be between the business end and the user end of the blade.
  • Plans were made to reinforce the weak spot in round two of the competition.
  • Alex used the horn of an anvil and a hammer to create a wasp waist on the blade.
  • After forging the blade, grinding was planned to finalize the knife's profile and add beveling.
  • Concerns arose about delamination at the tang's end, requiring steel cutting before heat treatment.
  • Caesar quenching was mentioned as a technique used by one of the bladesmiths.
  • Issues with heat treating were faced by Kevin, leading to multiple quench attempts.
  • Pat's blade failed to meet parameters due to size, leading to his elimination.
  • Round two required the addition of handles, medallions, guards, and pommels to the blades within a two-hour time frame.

23:34

"Knife Making Competition: Challenges and Creativity"

  • Epoxy is used to fill holes and cover the handle of a knife, but it needs to be handled carefully to prevent leakage.
  • Medallions are causing time pressure for one contestant, who opts for a leather-wrapped tang as a workaround.
  • Another contestant rushes to put an edge on the knife before the glue sets.
  • A contestant struggles with attaching medallions and has to change plans to ensure functionality over perfection.
  • Different methods of medallion construction are discussed for the knife handles.
  • During the strength test, one contestant's blade loses a quarter inch of the tip, while another's tip breaks off.
  • A contestant is eliminated due to missing critical features on the blade, leading to disappointment.
  • Two remaining contestants are tasked with forging a spatha, a Roman sword, with specific requirements within four days.
  • One contestant faces challenges with Damascus blade welding, leading to setbacks and adjustments in the process.
  • The contestants work on shaping the blades, fitting handles, and adding unique designs like a lion's head pommel.

36:57

"Forged in Fire: Alex's Damascus Triumph"

  • The individual is determined to enhance a blade with bronze metal stain, despite facing fatigue.
  • The spatha requires a wooden guard, disk-shaped pommel, and a stacked handle with iron wood and black wood.
  • The bladesmiths present their finale spathas, with Alex using Damascus steel and Kevin utilizing 5160 steel with brass and rosewood.
  • Alex's spatha excels in the KEAL test, leading him to win the title of "Forged in Fire" champion and a $10,000 prize.
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