Ep 3. Butterfly Swords

In season 3, episode 3 of Forged in Fire, titled Butterfly Swords, four bladesmiths are tasked with crafting the titular weapon, a pair of short twin swords commonly used in Chinese martial arts films. Judges J. Neilson and David Baker are joined by special guest judge, martial arts expert Doug Marcaida, to determine which smith will be crowned champion.

First, the smiths must each forge their blades from scratch, using traditional steel that they must first fold and manipulate to create the desired shape. The Butterfly Swords are known for their unique shape, featuring a curved blade that flares out at the end, and each smith must take care to create blades that are as precise and identical as possible.

After the forging process, the blades are quenched and tempered, and the smiths move on to the handle portion of the swords. They must each create a handle that fits comfortably in the hand and provides balance to the finished product. This is no easy feat, as the Butterfly Swords feature a unique double-lung design, with a handle that allows the user to hold both swords in one hand and wield them as a single weapon.

Once the blades are complete, the smiths move on to the final stage: the sharpness test. This involves slicing through various materials, such as bamboo and ropes, to determine the sharpness and overall effectiveness of the swords. After this, the judges bring the contestants back for a final round of testing, where they must use their swords to chop through a variety of targets, including water bottles and melons.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to fascinating insights into the world of bladesmithing, as each contestant describes their unique approach to creating the Butterfly Swords. Some emphasize the importance of getting the balance just right, while others focus on the sharpness of the blades or the intricacy of the handle design.

At the end of the episode, one contestant emerges as the clear winner, having impressed the judges with their precision, attention to detail, and overall craftsmanship. As always, viewers are left with a newfound appreciation for the art of bladesmithing, and a desire to learn more about these fascinating weapons and the people who create them.