Top 5 AMAZING Movie Weapons (Black Panther, Lord of the Rings & More!) | Forged in Fire

Forged in Fire31 minutes read

Bladesmiths Ricardo Villar and Nick Hicks compete in Forged in Fire, showcasing their skills in creating the ekakalaka weapon, with Ricardo emerging as the champion. Other competitors like James Davis and Ian also participate, demonstrating their craftsmanship and unique techniques in blade smithing competitions.

Insights

  • The ekakalaka, a weapon with a rich history in the Kingdom of London, symbolized wealth and social status within a tribe and was prominently featured in the movie Black Panther.
  • Blade smiths like Nick Hicks and Ricardo Villar showcase their craftsmanship in forging blades like the ekakalaka, with Ricardo ultimately winning the Forged in Fire competition, highlighting the dedication and skill required in blade smithing.

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Recent questions

  • What is an ekakalaka?

    A weapon with a double-edged blade from London.

  • Who is Ricardo Villar?

    A bladesmith from Brazil aiming for success in the US.

  • What is the nagamaki?

    A two-handed weapon used by Samurai Warriors.

  • Who is James Davis?

    A blacksmith from North Carolina using ADC rv2 steel.

  • How did Ian win the competition?

    With a well-performing sword earning $10,000.

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Summary

00:00

Forged blades wielded in competition and film.

  • The ekakalaka was a weapon forged by a tribe in the Kingdom of London in the early 1800s, designed for executions with a double-edged blade featuring a thick spine and large Crescent tip.
  • The weapon quickly became associated with wealth, dignity, and social position among men and women in the tribe, and can be seen in the 2018 film Black Panther.
  • Nick Hicks, a bladesmith, enjoys the artwork behind blade smithing, transforming junk into beautiful and usable pieces.
  • Nick works on shaping the blade, quenching it, and ensuring it is straight, heavy, and commanding.
  • Ricardo Villar, originally from Brazil, immigrated to the US and aims to make a name for himself in blade smithing.
  • Ricardo uses water on the Anvil to control the teeth, then quenches the blade, ensuring it is hard and straight.
  • Ricardo competes in a kill test with his ekakalaka, impressing the judges with its weight, sharpness, and effectiveness.
  • Nick's ekakalaka is deemed too heavy for testing due to safety concerns, leading to his elimination from the competition.
  • Ricardo emerges as the Forged in Fire champion, winning $10,000 and showcasing his skill in blade smithing.
  • The nagamaki, a two-handed weapon used by Samurai Warriors in feudal Japan, is highlighted for its effectiveness and influence in pop culture, like in Lord of the Rings.

20:24

"Damascus sword creation process and competition results"

  • Damascus layers are exposed using an angle grinder and chisel to create decorative elements on the sword.
  • Concern arises during the heat treat process due to the blade's size, but it turns out well.
  • Initial etching of the blade reveals an undesired pattern due to decarb, requiring further grinding.
  • After grinding, the desired Damascus pattern is achieved, though the blade is thinner than preferred.
  • James Davis, a blacksmith from North Carolina, uses ADC rv2 steel for its impact and edge retention qualities.
  • The blade passes the heat treat test successfully without issues.
  • Handle work involves carving a channel for the tang and adding fur for a personal touch.
  • The sword is balanced and wieldable, with a unique handle design.
  • In a competition, James' sword is critiqued for its weight and grip, leading to his elimination.
  • Ian, a 19-year-old bladesmith, wins the competition with his well-performing sword, earning $10,000.

40:06

Blade straightening, Walnut handle, sword competition results.

  • The process involves a three-pin straightening method to fix a blade warp without breaking it in a vise, leading to a successful outcome.
  • The sword's handle, made of Walnut with a riser underneath the leather, enhances grip and visual appeal, contributing to a high confidence level in the final product.
  • In a competition involving sword combat tests, one contestant's sword excelled in thrusting capability but failed in slicing bones, leading to the selection of another contestant as the Forged in Fire champion.
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