Ep 14. The Kachin Dao

In Forged in Fire season 4 episode 14, "The Kachin Dao," four skilled bladesmiths are tasked with creating a traditional Kachin dao, a weapon used by the Kachin people of Myanmar. The judges include renowned weapon expert David Baker, ABS Master Bladesmith J. Neilson, and Forged in Fire champion Ben Abbott.

The competition begins with the blade smiths forging their blades using a selection of metals. They must first create the blade's shape before using the power hammer to shape the metal. The judges inspect the blades to ensure they are of the correct thickness and length. Following this, the bladesmiths move on to the quenching stage, where they must rapidly cool their blades in oil to harden the metal and give it the necessary strength.

Once the blades are quenched, the bladesmiths commence with the handle-making process. They must create a handle that not only provides a solid grip but also complements the blade aesthetically. The judges closely examine each handle for its durability and craftsmanship.

Next up in the competition is the sharpness test. The bladesmiths must test the blades' edge by cutting through a series of water bottles and take note of how the blade handles through the process. The judges are impressed with one blade and disappointed with another, leading to the contestant's elimination.

Then comes the strength test, where the blades are put to the ultimate test to determine if they can withstand the real-world stresses and strain of battle. The bladesmiths' work is put up against a Kachin dao already in use to determine the strength and durability of their creations. The competitors must slice through a variety of obstacles, including coconuts, wood, and bota bags.

After the strength test is completed, the bladesmiths face the judging panel. They evaluate the weapons on various criteria such as sharpness, durability, balance, and craftsmanship. The winner receives a cash prize and the title of Forged in Fire Champion.

"The Kachin Dao" showcases the talented blade smiths as they compete to create an iconic weapon. The episode is filled with suspense, drama, and spectacular demonstrations of craftsmanship. It is an ideal episode for fans of Forged in Fire and anyone interested in the art of bladesmithing.