Ep 22. The Lochaber Axe

In "Forged in Fire" season 6 episode 22, titled "The Lochaber Axe," four bladesmiths from around the country compete to recreate the iconic Scottish battle axe, the Lochaber Axe. The Lochaber Axe was traditionally used by highlanders during the Scottish uprising against the British in the 1700s. This task requires the contestants to not only forge a powerful and efficient axe head but also to create a historically accurate handle.

As the competition begins, the bladesmiths are given a set amount of time to forge their axe heads out of raw materials. They must also incorporate a historical feature of the original Lochaber Axe into their design, such as a hook or a spike. The tools used for this process include an anvil, a forge, and various hammers and tongs. The judges scrutinize the crafting process, observing the contestants' skills and techniques. Only three contestants are chosen to move on to the final round of the competition, where they will finish crafting their axes and present their final products to the judges.

The final round consists of the contestants completing the handles for their axes. The contestants have a limited amount of time to create a handle that will complement and balance their axe head while staying true to the history of the Lochaber Axe. This round adds an extra layer of difficulty to the competition, as the contestants must demonstrate their woodworking skills in addition to their forging skills.

Finally, the contestants present their finished axes to the judges, who test them for durability and effectiveness. The judges judge the axes based on several criteria, including craftsmanship, historical accuracy, and overall quality of the final product. The winner of the competition is awarded a cash prize and the title of Forged in Fire champion.

"The Lochaber Axe" is a thrilling episode of "Forged in Fire" that showcases the unique history and craftsmanship of the Scottish battle axe. The contestants' creativity and skill are put to the test as they attempt to forge and craft a historically accurate Lochaber Axe. The competition is intense, and the final products are impressive to behold. Fans of the show and enthusiasts of historic weapons will enjoy this episode.