Ep 31. Armed Forces Tournament Part 2

Forged in Fire is an American reality TV show that centers around the art of weapon making and testing. In the show's eighth season, episode 31, titled "Armed Forces Tournament Part 2", four military veterans return to compete in the finale of the Armed Forces Tournament.

The Armed Forces Tournament is a special episode in which active and veteran military personnel compete to test their skills and honor their service. The contestants in this episode have previously won their respective branches' preliminary heats and made it to the finale.

In the first round, the four contestants are tasked with forging a blade out of a steel cable. They must first have to remove the cable's outer wrapping to reveal the high carbon steel inside. The blades must be at least 13 inches with no sharp curves, and must maintain a consistent thickness along the length of the blade.

After the forging process, the contestants must then move on to the second round, where they will use a coal forge to heat-treat their blades. The heat-treating process is a critical step in making any blade, as it ensures that the metal is hardened enough to hold a sharp edge but not too hard that it becomes brittle and breaks.

In the third round, the two remaining contestants must create a battle-ready weapon based on their own specified design. They have five days to complete their projects, which can be anything from a sword to an axe or a spear. The final weapons must not only be functional but also aesthetically pleasing, with a fit and finish that would pass muster in any military museum.

The contestants are then tested on their weapons' strength and sharpness, as well as their ability to cut through various materials such as ice, rope and ballistic gel. Finally, the judges will test the weapons' combat effectiveness by having them beat down a barrel and penetrate a metal helmet to determine which one was the best.

Each of the contestants has a unique story of their time in service, and their experience is an essential component of the show's overall narrative. The show's judges are experts in weapon making, and they provide fascinating insights into the history and techniques involved in forging quality blades.

Overall, Forged in Fire's Armed Forces Tournament Part 2 episode is sure to delight fans of the show and military enthusiasts alike. With the added element of military service, this episode of the competition promises to be both thrilling and emotional as the contestants strive to create the best weapons they can.