Ep 5. The Giant Sword of William Wallace

In Forged in Fire season 8 episode 5, titled "The Giant Sword of William Wallace," four bladesmiths are tasked with recreating one of Scotland's most iconic weapons -- the massive claymore sword wielded by legendary warrior William Wallace. As they begin their journey in the forge, they must first choose the steel they will use to make their blades. Some opt for traditional materials like high carbon steel, while others choose modern alloys for added strength and durability.

Once the steel is chosen, the bladesmiths get to work forming and shaping their blades. They use a variety of tools, including hammers, grinders, and even power blasters, to create the intricate shape of the claymore sword. One bladesmith encounters a few difficulties early on, but manages to recover and get back on track with the help of some quick thinking.

With the blades forged, it's time for the next challenge: hardening and tempering the steel. This is a crucial step in the process, as it sets the blade's strength and durability. To do this, the bladesmiths must heat their blades to extreme temperatures and then rapidly cool them in a quenching liquid. If done correctly, this process creates a hard and resilient edge that can withstand the toughest of challenges.

Once the blades have been hardened and tempered, it's time for the most critical stage of all: testing. This is where the bladesmiths get to see how their creations hold up under real-world conditions. They must make cuts through a variety of materials, including coconuts, rope, and animal hides. The blades are also subjected to a series of stress tests to assess their strength and durability.

After the tests are complete, one bladesmith is eliminated, leaving just three to battle it out in the final challenge. This time, they must create a handle and hilt to complement their blades. They are given access to a variety of materials, including leather, bone, and wood, and must use their creativity and skill to create a design that will both enhance the sword's appearance and provide a firm grip.

The final challenge is a grueling one - a head-to-head combat simulation against a suit of armor. The blades must not only be able to cut through the armor, but also remain strong and intact after repeated strikes. The bladesmiths have only a limited amount of time to prepare their swords for battle, and the pressure is high as they go head to head in an intense showdown.

In the end, only one bladesmith can emerge victorious and take home the title of Forged in Fire champion. Will it be the bladesmith who opted for traditional materials and techniques, or the one who took a more modern approach? Tune in to find out who will claim the coveted prize and walk away with the glory of victory.