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These tests are conducted by using the weapons to chop/slash/stab various objects, which range from ice blocks and ropes to animal carcasses, wooden slabs, and steel doors. Once the bladesmiths complete this task, their weapons are put to the test by judges, who test the weapons to determine their proficiency in areas of sharpness, durability, and ease of use. In this round, the bladesmiths are given a particular amount of time to turn their basic blades into a fully operational edged weapon and address the issues and flaws pointed out by judges in the first round. Understandably, the second round starts with the remaining three contestants. Once the evaluation is done, the maker of the worst blade gets eliminated from the competition. Once the blades have been made, they are evaluated by the judges based on their quality and their adherence to the criteria set by Willis. Regardless of the source material, show host Wil Willis states one or more sets of criteria that have to be adhered to in the making of the blade. In the first round, the bladesmiths are required to forge a blade from a given material, or they are given the option to choose their own materials or salvage materials from unused metal parts such as junked cars or other metal objects. In each episode, four bladesmiths are chosen to fight it out for glory, and the competition takes place in three rounds. Set in Brooklyn, New York, the show has a set-up called “The Forge” which is stocked with all the equipment required to make a fine blade. What Can Forged in Fire Season 8 be About? Season 8 is expected to see at least three of the aforementioned judges making a return. Weapons history expert David Baker and edged-weapons specialist and US military contractor Doug Marcaida serve as the other two members of the three-member judge panel. However, while Neilson has been present for most of the show, ABS Master Smith Jason Knight and two-time ‘Forged in Fire’ champion Ben Abbott served as his replacements in portions of Season 3 and Season 4. Neilson, who is a Master Smith with the American Bladesmith Society (ABS) and is responsible for examining weapons’ technical aspects and durability in the show. One long-standing judge has been knife and sword expert J.
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In season 8, Willis will make a comeback.Īs far as judges are concerned, the constitution of the three-member panel has remained mostly constant too. Wil Willis, the show’s host, is a former US Army Ranger and a decorated US Air Force para-rescue specialist, who has had former television experience and has appeared in television shows like ‘Special Ops Mission’ and ‘Triggers’. ‘Forged in Fire’ season 8 will release on July 15, 2020, at 9/8c. Almost immediately after, the show was renewed for its eighth edition. ‘Forged in Fire’ 7 premiered on October 9, 2019, on History, and ended with its 31st episode on May 6, 2020.
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