Ep 15. The Chinese War Sword

In Forged in Fire season 7 episode 15, titled "The Chinese War Sword," four bladesmiths are challenged to create a legendary Chinese war sword known as the "Zhanmadao." The Zhanmadao, also known as a "horse-cutting broadsword," was used by the Chinese military during the Ming dynasty and was known for its ability to cut through both horse and rider in a single strike.

The bladesmiths are given only three hours to forge their blades using traditional Chinese techniques, including folding the steel multiple times to create a strong, flexible blade. After the initial forging, the blades are quenched in oil to harden them and then tempered to create a durable, long-lasting edge.

Once the blades are forged, the bladesmiths must create a handle using traditional materials, such as wood and bone. They also must design and craft a sheath for their sword to complete the overall aesthetic of the weapon.

During the testing phase, the blades are put through a rigorous set of tests to determine their strength and durability. The blades must first chop through a bamboo mat, a test that simulates cutting through a horse's neck. The blades are then tested on a ballistic dummy to see how well they can cut through flesh and bone.

The two remaining bladesmiths then face off in the final round, where they must recreate a historic weapon from Chinese history using their own unique design. The final weapon is put through a series of tests to determine its overall effectiveness and whether it lives up to the legendary status of the Zhanmadao.

Throughout the episode, the bladesmiths must demonstrate their expertise in forging techniques, as well as their knowledge of Chinese history and weaponry. The show provides an in-depth look at the process of creating a traditional Chinese sword, as well as the challenges faced by modern bladesmiths attempting to reproduce it. Ultimately, the episode highlights the skill and dedication required to craft a truly exceptional weapon.