Ep 8. The Cutlass

The Cutlass is the eighth episode of Forged in Fire season 2, a competition show that challenges bladesmiths to create historical weapons using traditional techniques.

In this episode, four new contestants enter the forge to face off against each other in three rounds of intense challenges. The first round requires the bladesmiths to create a basic blade out of high carbon steel using any traditional techniques they choose. The second round takes things up a notch as the remaining contestants have to create a handle for their blade, using authentic materials and design methods.

The final challenge is the most demanding of all; the remaining two bladesmiths are tasked with creating a razor-sharp Cutlass, a classic sword used by sailors in the 18th and 19th centuries. They are given three hours to craft a blade that is at least 18 inches long, with a curved shape that is optimised for chopping and hacking.

One of the challenges of this round is that the Cutlass is not a single sword design but has been influenced by different historical periods and cultures. Each contestant has to pick a particular type of Cutlass and attempt to replicate it as accurately as possible, while still incorporating their own design elements into the final product.

As the contestants work feverishly, they face a number of unexpected obstacles, such as issues with their forge temperatures, problems with their materials, and fractures in their blades. They have to be resourceful and adaptable to overcome these challenges, and it soon becomes obvious that only the most skilled and experienced bladesmiths will make it through to the final round.

Once the blades are complete, they are rigorously tested for quality and resilience. The judges first check the sharpness of each blade by slicing through a row of hanging pumpkins. Then, they test the swords' strength by chopping through large blocks of ice. Finally, the blades are subjected to a grueling durability test where they must chop through a 55-gallon oil drum.

At the end of the day, only one bladesmith will be awarded the title of Forged in Fire Champion, along with a cash prize of $10,000. The decision is made by the expert panel of judges, who consider a range of factors such as the overall quality of the blade, its accuracy to the historical design, and its performance in the testing rounds.

The Cutlass is an exciting episode of Forged in Fire that showcases the intense skill and dedication required for bladesmithing. It is also a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Cutlass, a weapon that has shaped naval warfare for centuries and remains an iconic symbol of seafaring culture.