Ep 14. The Naginata

In Forged in Fire season 3 episode 14, titled "The Naginata," four bladesmiths battle it out in a competition to create a traditional Japanese weapon known as a Naginata, a long spear-like weapon with a curved blade on the end.

The first round requires the contestants to forge the blades using steel from a recycled lawnmower. They must create a weapon that not only looks great, but also functions properly. The judges take a close look at the makers' work, examining their blades' sharpness, edge retention, and overall craftsmanship.

For the second round, each bladesmith is given three hours to attach a handle to their blades and complete the Naginata. The handle must be perfectly balanced for the weapon to function correctly. The judges test each weapon by slicing through melons, a classic test of a blade's sharpness and effectiveness.

The final round involves the two remaining bladesmiths creating a weapon of their choosing using their signature style. They must use a different technique or material than they did in the previous rounds, with the goal of creating a unique and impressive weapon. The blades are tested using a ballistic dummy to see how much damage they can inflict.

Ultimately, the judges make their decision based on the makers' overall performance, examining their expertise, creativity, and attention to detail. In the end, only one bladesmith will be crowned the winner of Forged in Fire season 3 episode 14 and walk away with the title of champion.