Ep 39. Judges Takeover: Dave Baker

Judges Takeover: Dave Baker is the thirty-ninth episode of the eighth season of the popular reality TV series Forged in Fire. This episode features a special guest episode in which one of the judges, Dave Baker, takes the helm as the contestants attempt to forge a Japanese katana sword.

The episode starts with host Wil Willis introducing the challenge and Dave Baker as the judge and mentor for the day. Dave is a world-renowned sword maker with over 30 years of experience who has judged on Forged in Fire since the show's inception. He is known for his expertise in traditional Japanese sword making, which is the focus of the challenge for this episode.

The four contestants are tasked with creating a functional and authentic katana sword using traditional Japanese techniques. The blades must be made from high carbon steel, which the contestants must forge by hand using a charcoal-fueled forge. Once the blades are forged, the contestants move on to the grinding and shaping process, which is crucial for creating the signature curved shape of a katana.

Dave Baker is on hand to offer guidance and advice to the contestants as they work on their blades. He provides tips on everything from choosing the right steel to creating the perfect curve for the blade. As the contestants work, Dave watches closely, providing feedback and making suggestions for improvements.

Once the blades are complete, it's time for the judging. Dave Baker and the other judges evaluate each blade on its sharpness, durability, and overall authenticity. They look for the hallmarks of a true katana, such as a hamon line, which is a visible line on the blade that shows where the hard steel of the blade meets the softer steel of the exterior.

After rigorous testing and evaluation, one contestant is eliminated, leaving the remaining three to move on to the final round. In the final round, the contestants must add a handle and a scabbard to their blades, which must be both functional and visually striking. They are given just a few hours to complete the final touches before the judging begins.

When it's time for the final judging, the contestants present their completed swords to Dave Baker and the other judges. They evaluate the swords based on their functionality, beauty, and overall accuracy to the traditional Japanese katana style. In the end, one contestant emerges as the winner, earning the title of Forged in Fire champion for this episode.

Overall, Judges Takeover: Dave Baker is an exciting episode of Forged in Fire that showcases the talent and expertise of one of the show's top judges. The challenge of creating a traditional Japanese katana pushes the contestants to their limits, resulting in some truly impressive blades. Whether you're a fan of sword-making or just love watching people compete in high-stakes challenges, this episode is sure to entertain.