Ep 20. The Foot Artillery Sword

In Forged in Fire season 6 episode 20 titled “The Foot Artillery Sword,” four bladesmiths are tasked with forging a foot artillery sword in hopes of earning the title of Forged in Fire Champion and a cash prize of $10,000. The foot artillery sword was a weapon used during battles by foot soldiers in the 18th and 19th centuries. This sword was designed for close combat and could take down both mounted and unmounted opponents.

To begin the competition, the bladesmiths are given small pieces of metal, which they must use to forge their blades. They are also provided with a variety of tools that they can use to shape their swords, including power hammers, grinders, and anvils. The time limit for this first round is three hours.

Once the blades have been forged, the contestants must move on to the second round, which involves the heat treatment process. The blades must first be heated in a forge to a specific temperature and then quenched in oil or water to harden the metal. This process is critical to ensure that the blade is strong and durable. If the blade is not heat-treated correctly, it could break or be too soft to hold an edge.

After the heat treatment process, the contestants must sand and grind their swords to shape them and create an edge. This is a time-consuming process that requires precision and patience. Once the blades are shaped and sharpened, the bladesmiths must create their handles using materials such as wood, bone, or antler. They must also attach the handles to the blades using pins or glue.

Finally, the blades are put through a series of tests that are designed to assess their durability and functionality. The blades are first tested by slicing through a variety of materials, such as bamboo and rope. They are then tested for strength by chopping into a steel plate. Finally, the blades are tested for sharpness by shaving hair off of an arm.

After all of the tests have been completed, the judges evaluate the blades and choose a winner based on the quality of the blade, the strength and durability of the blade, and the overall design. The winner of the competition earns the title of Forged in Fire Champion and a cash prize of $10,000.

“The Foot Artillery Sword” is an exciting episode of Forged in Fire that showcases the skill and creativity of the contestants. It’s amazing to see how four pieces of metal can be transformed into a functional and beautiful blade in just a few short hours. The contestants face challenges at every step of the way, from the initial forging to the final testing, but their dedication and skill shine through. The episode is a testament to the value of craftsmanship and the power of the human spirit.