Ep 8. Karabela

In Forged in Fire season 5 episode 8, titled Karabela, four bladesmiths were tasked with recreating one of the most iconic swords in Polish history, the Karabela. The Karabela was a sword that was heavily used by the Polish cavalry from the 16th to the 18th century. The swords were elegant and had a unique shape, with a long, slender blade and a crossguard that curved upwards to protect the wielder's hand.

For the first challenge, the bladesmiths had to make a blade out of a pile of old tools, including rasp files, wagon wheel spokes, and a pickaxe. They had to forge the blade into shape and ensure that it was strong enough to withstand a series of tough tests. The blades would be tested for sharpness, flexibility, and overall durability.

After the first round, two bladesmiths were eliminated, and the remaining two were given five days to recreate the Karabela from scratch. They had to use traditional forging techniques and were given access to a variety of tools and materials, such as a power hammer and a forge.

The judges, Doug Marcaida, Dave Baker, and J. Neilson, closely monitored the bladesmiths' progress throughout the five days, offering advice and critiques along the way. They examined the blades at various stages of production, checking for flaws and defects that could compromise the sword's integrity.

Finally, the time came to test the two Karabela swords. The blades were first tested for sharpness by slicing through a variety of materials, including ropes, bamboo, and animal carcasses. Then, the swords were put through a series of strength tests, including chopping through a steel helmet, stabbing through a breastplate, and slicing through a rope-wrapped dummy.

After the tests, the judges announced the winner, who received a cash prize of $10,000 and the title of Forged in Fire champion. The show is perfect for history buffs and fans of the art of bladesmithing, as it showcases the intricate and impressive craftsmanship that goes into making a traditional sword.