1 00:00:05,080 --> 00:00:08,156 [dramatic music] 2 00:00:08,250 --> 00:00:10,083 - Here in the forge, we have seen hundreds of smiths 3 00:00:10,236 --> 00:00:12,569 Create some of the most feared edge weapons in history. 4 00:00:12,588 --> 00:00:14,496 ♪ ♪ 5 00:00:14,590 --> 00:00:17,407 Now, in honor of history's miniseries event "colosseum," 6 00:00:17,426 --> 00:00:19,334 We have decided to transform our forge 7 00:00:19,428 --> 00:00:21,520 Into a roman gladiators arena. 8 00:00:21,747 --> 00:00:22,929 ♪ ♪ 9 00:00:23,082 --> 00:00:24,339 Over the next few weeks, 10 00:00:24,433 --> 00:00:25,916 We are doing a competition series 11 00:00:25,934 --> 00:00:28,919 Unlike anything you've ever seen. 12 00:00:29,012 --> 00:00:31,588 This is "gladiators of the forge." 13 00:00:31,607 --> 00:00:33,090 ♪ ♪ 14 00:00:33,108 --> 00:00:34,867 Over the course of the next five episodes 15 00:00:35,094 --> 00:00:37,036 And ten battles, we will see bladesmiths 16 00:00:37,263 --> 00:00:39,538 Go head-to-head in sudden-death competitions. 17 00:00:39,765 --> 00:00:41,281 ♪ ♪ 18 00:00:41,375 --> 00:00:43,617 The winner will become the gladiator of the forge, 19 00:00:43,711 --> 00:00:46,045 And earn a check for $5,000. 20 00:00:46,272 --> 00:00:48,121 Then they'll have the opportunity to go back 21 00:00:48,274 --> 00:00:50,716 Into the arena and fight again. 22 00:00:50,867 --> 00:00:52,051 Now, if they keep winning, 23 00:00:52,202 --> 00:00:53,777 They will earn more and more money 24 00:00:53,870 --> 00:00:55,279 With bonuses along the way. 25 00:00:55,297 --> 00:00:57,614 ♪ ♪ 26 00:00:57,633 --> 00:01:00,559 Tonight the battles begin with a lot on the line. 27 00:01:00,786 --> 00:01:02,728 One of these fierce competitors 28 00:01:02,955 --> 00:01:04,379 Has a chance of winning every single one 29 00:01:04,473 --> 00:01:05,639 Of these competitions 30 00:01:05,791 --> 00:01:07,566 And, with that, the most amount of money 31 00:01:07,793 --> 00:01:10,652 We have ever given out in "forged in fire" history... 32 00:01:12,798 --> 00:01:14,147 - Whoo! 33 00:01:14,300 --> 00:01:15,482 - Who has what it takes 34 00:01:15,634 --> 00:01:17,134 To become a gladiator of the forge? 35 00:01:17,227 --> 00:01:19,303 The competition starts now. 36 00:01:19,321 --> 00:01:25,918 ♪ ♪ 37 00:01:27,830 --> 00:01:29,088 - Hi, I'm alex silverman. 38 00:01:29,239 --> 00:01:31,423 I'm from manchester, new hampshire. 39 00:01:31,575 --> 00:01:35,076 I'm 30 years old, and I've been doing this for 4 years, 40 00:01:35,170 --> 00:01:36,670 About 2 of those full-time. 41 00:01:36,764 --> 00:01:38,655 I do armored combat. 42 00:01:38,674 --> 00:01:40,432 I've got scars to prove it. 43 00:01:40,659 --> 00:01:43,936 So I think I would be a great gladiator of the forge. 44 00:01:44,163 --> 00:01:45,996 If I were to choose a gladiator name, 45 00:01:46,014 --> 00:01:49,591 I'll go by the name I already fight under, thorfin jarnison. 46 00:01:49,610 --> 00:01:52,277 [deep voice] victory will be mine! 47 00:01:52,504 --> 00:01:54,338 [chuckles] 48 00:01:54,356 --> 00:01:55,856 ♪ ♪ 49 00:01:56,008 --> 00:01:57,765 - My name is kurt. I live in chugach, alaska. 50 00:01:57,860 --> 00:02:01,769 I'm 31 years old, and I am a full-time bladesmith. 51 00:02:01,864 --> 00:02:05,849 I don't know if I could consider myself a gladiator. 52 00:02:05,868 --> 00:02:09,186 The old actual gladiators were terrifying. 53 00:02:09,279 --> 00:02:12,873 [chuckles] but as far as a modern-day competition, 54 00:02:13,025 --> 00:02:15,192 I absolutely feel like I can win. 55 00:02:15,210 --> 00:02:17,210 ♪ ♪ 56 00:02:17,304 --> 00:02:20,788 - Well, alex, kurt, gentlemen, welcome to the forge. 57 00:02:20,883 --> 00:02:23,200 This is a competition we are calling 58 00:02:23,293 --> 00:02:25,535 "gladiators of the forge." 59 00:02:25,554 --> 00:02:29,314 ♪ ♪ 60 00:02:29,541 --> 00:02:31,224 We're gonna start off today with the two of you 61 00:02:31,318 --> 00:02:33,468 Going head-to-head in a forging competition, 62 00:02:33,562 --> 00:02:36,304 Where you'll be building a blade from start to finish. 63 00:02:36,398 --> 00:02:38,048 Now, when the time runs out, 64 00:02:38,141 --> 00:02:39,992 You're gonna turn those blades over, 65 00:02:40,143 --> 00:02:42,219 And they're gonna be put through a series of tests 66 00:02:42,237 --> 00:02:43,645 By our esteemed judges. 67 00:02:43,664 --> 00:02:45,722 Now, at the end of that testing, 68 00:02:45,741 --> 00:02:48,558 One of you will be chosen as a gladiator of the forge. 69 00:02:48,577 --> 00:02:50,227 ♪ ♪ 70 00:02:50,320 --> 00:02:53,063 Now, this is where things get exciting. 71 00:02:53,156 --> 00:02:56,249 We have ten rounds in this competition, 72 00:02:56,402 --> 00:02:58,568 And for every round that you win 73 00:02:58,662 --> 00:03:01,071 Will come with a check for 5 grand. 74 00:03:01,089 --> 00:03:02,906 If you win 5 times in a row, 75 00:03:02,999 --> 00:03:05,667 You will earn a bonus of $10,000. 76 00:03:05,761 --> 00:03:08,670 But if you choose to continue on and win all of the battles, 77 00:03:08,764 --> 00:03:12,524 You'll earn a total bonus of $25,000. 78 00:03:12,676 --> 00:03:17,029 That's a total of $75,000. 79 00:03:17,180 --> 00:03:20,424 - Holy balls. 80 00:03:20,517 --> 00:03:21,942 There's a lot of money on the line. 81 00:03:22,036 --> 00:03:24,369 I really want that. 82 00:03:24,596 --> 00:03:26,020 - All right, we got to figure out 83 00:03:26,040 --> 00:03:27,372 What you're both gonna be building 84 00:03:27,599 --> 00:03:29,783 From our wall of roman weapons-- 85 00:03:29,877 --> 00:03:33,437 All featured in history's miniseries event "colosseum," 86 00:03:33,530 --> 00:03:35,363 As well as the forge-welding technique 87 00:03:35,457 --> 00:03:37,107 That you're both gonna use. 88 00:03:37,125 --> 00:03:39,200 And we're gonna leave it up to a coin toss. 89 00:03:39,294 --> 00:03:41,720 Now, gentlemen, this coin comes from the roman empire, 90 00:03:41,871 --> 00:03:44,130 And it dates back about 2,000 years, 91 00:03:44,283 --> 00:03:47,041 And it's gonna decide which one of you gets a choice first. 92 00:03:47,061 --> 00:03:49,210 Alex, if this coin lands on heads, 93 00:03:49,304 --> 00:03:51,379 You get to pick either the weapon you want to build, 94 00:03:51,398 --> 00:03:53,473 Or you choose the forge-welding technique. 95 00:03:53,625 --> 00:03:56,050 Kurt, if it lands on tails, you choose first. 96 00:03:56,070 --> 00:03:57,961 Now, whatever aspect of the challenge 97 00:03:58,054 --> 00:03:59,629 Hasn't been chosen by the first smith, 98 00:03:59,723 --> 00:04:01,740 The other guy's gonna get the choice. 99 00:04:01,967 --> 00:04:02,908 Here we go. 100 00:04:03,135 --> 00:04:08,154 ♪ ♪ 101 00:04:08,249 --> 00:04:10,657 All right, gentlemen, it landed on heads. 102 00:04:10,751 --> 00:04:13,401 Alex, you get the choice. Do you want to pick the weapon 103 00:04:13,495 --> 00:04:14,828 That you guys are gonna be building, 104 00:04:14,980 --> 00:04:16,421 Or do you want to go with the technique? 105 00:04:16,648 --> 00:04:18,072 - I'll pick the weapon. - All right. 106 00:04:18,166 --> 00:04:21,151 We've got ten weapons here on the wall of roman weapons. 107 00:04:21,169 --> 00:04:22,744 Make your choice. 108 00:04:22,838 --> 00:04:24,671 - I like the look of that falx. 109 00:04:24,765 --> 00:04:26,990 That looks like a fun build. - Falx. All right. 110 00:04:27,009 --> 00:04:29,009 ♪ ♪ 111 00:04:29,103 --> 00:04:32,012 - The falx is a fierce first-century weapon 112 00:04:32,164 --> 00:04:34,180 Used by dacian and thracian warriors-- 113 00:04:34,275 --> 00:04:37,334 Enemies of rome hailing from modern-day eastern europe. 114 00:04:37,352 --> 00:04:39,853 This unique sword features at forward-curved blade 115 00:04:40,005 --> 00:04:41,521 Sharpened on the inside 116 00:04:41,615 --> 00:04:43,673 That was designed to deliver deadly slashes and cuts 117 00:04:43,767 --> 00:04:45,784 Upon any enemy in its path. 118 00:04:46,011 --> 00:04:48,287 The falx was so lethal, the romans adapted their armor 119 00:04:48,438 --> 00:04:51,681 To help protect their soldiers from its devastating blows. 120 00:04:51,700 --> 00:04:53,959 ♪ ♪ 121 00:04:54,186 --> 00:04:56,628 - I've done a lot of work with things of this length 122 00:04:56,855 --> 00:04:58,946 And with curvature in the metal. 123 00:04:58,966 --> 00:05:00,690 So I think it'll be a great weapon 124 00:05:00,709 --> 00:05:03,468 That'll really showcase what I do best as a smith 125 00:05:03,695 --> 00:05:06,863 And might trip up my opponent a little bit. 126 00:05:06,882 --> 00:05:08,640 - Your blade length, measured from tip 127 00:05:08,792 --> 00:05:10,309 To where the cutting edge ends in a straight line, 128 00:05:10,536 --> 00:05:13,294 Needs to be between 23 and 25 inches. 129 00:05:13,388 --> 00:05:15,221 Your blade needs to have a depth of curve 130 00:05:15,316 --> 00:05:16,873 Of at least 3 inches. 131 00:05:16,892 --> 00:05:19,467 You need to have fuller on both sides of your blade 132 00:05:19,561 --> 00:05:22,062 And a handle that includes a pommel. 133 00:05:22,214 --> 00:05:24,156 Now, alex, you got to choose the weapon. 134 00:05:24,307 --> 00:05:25,732 Kurt, that means you get to choose 135 00:05:25,826 --> 00:05:27,717 The forge-welding technique that you both must use. 136 00:05:27,811 --> 00:05:29,828 - I don't do a whole lot of long blades. 137 00:05:29,979 --> 00:05:33,165 So I want something that I'm comfortable with. 138 00:05:33,392 --> 00:05:35,742 - What do you got? - Let's do a twisted damascus. 139 00:05:35,836 --> 00:05:37,502 - All right, twisted damascus. 140 00:05:37,729 --> 00:05:39,412 ♪ ♪ 141 00:05:39,506 --> 00:05:41,081 All right, gentlemen, 142 00:05:41,175 --> 00:05:44,067 You will only have eight hours of forging to complete this. 143 00:05:44,086 --> 00:05:46,160 At five and a half hours into this competition, 144 00:05:46,254 --> 00:05:48,405 Your forges will be turned off. 145 00:05:48,498 --> 00:05:50,090 Now, at the end of the day, gentlemen, 146 00:05:50,242 --> 00:05:51,350 One of you will be chosen 147 00:05:51,501 --> 00:05:53,093 As the first gladiator of the forge 148 00:05:53,245 --> 00:05:54,744 And get a $5,000 check. 149 00:05:54,763 --> 00:05:55,929 ♪ ♪ 150 00:05:56,023 --> 00:05:57,597 Good luck. Stay sharp. 151 00:05:57,691 --> 00:05:59,249 Your time starts now. 152 00:05:59,267 --> 00:06:02,769 ♪ ♪ 153 00:06:02,863 --> 00:06:06,106 We've got $75,000 on the line for these guys right now. 154 00:06:06,200 --> 00:06:07,424 This is intense. 155 00:06:07,517 --> 00:06:09,534 Eight hours might seem like a long time, 156 00:06:09,686 --> 00:06:11,945 But, you know, these guys are building the falx. 157 00:06:12,039 --> 00:06:13,947 - I think ben and I would tend to disagree with you. 158 00:06:14,099 --> 00:06:16,099 Eight hours does not seem like a lot of time. 159 00:06:16,118 --> 00:06:17,267 - No. No, no, no. 160 00:06:17,285 --> 00:06:18,710 ♪ ♪ 161 00:06:18,937 --> 00:06:21,046 - I've never done twist damascus before, 162 00:06:21,273 --> 00:06:23,106 But I'm pretty confident I can handle it. 163 00:06:23,199 --> 00:06:25,032 - All right, guys, vote of the thumbs-- 164 00:06:25,052 --> 00:06:28,053 You guys happy to sit and make damascus... 165 00:06:28,204 --> 00:06:30,055 With a twist. 166 00:06:30,206 --> 00:06:32,449 [laughter] 167 00:06:32,467 --> 00:06:33,708 ♪ ♪ 168 00:06:33,727 --> 00:06:36,878 - I really want to have a vibrant pattern, 169 00:06:36,897 --> 00:06:39,639 And I find that super-high layer counts 170 00:06:39,791 --> 00:06:43,143 Have this tendency to not show up super well. 171 00:06:43,295 --> 00:06:45,478 So I stack my steel-- 172 00:06:45,572 --> 00:06:48,648 Two 15n20, two 1095, et cetera, et cetera. 173 00:06:48,742 --> 00:06:51,392 And what this does is it lowers my layer count. 174 00:06:51,486 --> 00:06:52,652 - You can do a low-layer twist, 175 00:06:52,804 --> 00:06:54,729 And it can be bold and really cool, 176 00:06:54,748 --> 00:06:55,972 But when it's that wide, 177 00:06:56,065 --> 00:06:58,065 A low layer twist just kind of looks 178 00:06:58,160 --> 00:07:00,644 Like a couple of stripes going across it. 179 00:07:00,662 --> 00:07:01,995 - As a queer gentleman, 180 00:07:02,147 --> 00:07:04,147 A big part of coming here for me 181 00:07:04,240 --> 00:07:06,091 Is showing the world that it's cool 182 00:07:06,242 --> 00:07:10,262 To be a flamboyant queer who pounds hot steel 183 00:07:10,489 --> 00:07:12,079 And then goes home and paints your nails, 184 00:07:12,099 --> 00:07:13,765 Does your makeup, and, you know, 185 00:07:13,992 --> 00:07:18,161 Enjoy some of the delights that the world offers. 186 00:07:18,180 --> 00:07:20,439 ♪ ♪ 187 00:07:20,590 --> 00:07:24,334 - My plan for the billet is to start with 20 layers, 188 00:07:24,352 --> 00:07:27,929 Cut the billet in half, so I can get to 40 layers. 189 00:07:27,948 --> 00:07:31,675 That will help me really make the blade stand out. 190 00:07:31,693 --> 00:07:34,101 - You guys happy with the decision to make the falx? 191 00:07:34,196 --> 00:07:35,345 - Yep. - Oh, yeah. I like that. 192 00:07:35,363 --> 00:07:37,956 - One, two. Doug? 193 00:07:38,107 --> 00:07:39,349 Three thumbs up. 194 00:07:39,367 --> 00:07:40,959 ♪ ♪ 195 00:07:41,186 --> 00:07:42,961 - I joined the military in 2011, 196 00:07:43,188 --> 00:07:45,855 And my experience under pressure in the army 197 00:07:45,874 --> 00:07:48,950 Really taught me how to deal with stress, 198 00:07:48,969 --> 00:07:51,695 Taught me time management, and that's really going 199 00:07:51,788 --> 00:07:54,789 To help me out through this competition. 200 00:07:54,883 --> 00:07:57,200 $75,000 will be fantastic. 201 00:07:57,219 --> 00:07:58,626 I'll be able to do a lot with that. 202 00:07:58,645 --> 00:07:59,811 [laughs] 203 00:08:00,038 --> 00:08:02,038 ♪ ♪ 204 00:08:02,057 --> 00:08:03,965 - It's really important 205 00:08:03,984 --> 00:08:07,301 To get up to a proper welding temperature, 206 00:08:07,321 --> 00:08:09,212 'cause if you're too cool when you forge-weld, 207 00:08:09,231 --> 00:08:10,880 It's gonna splay apart, 208 00:08:10,899 --> 00:08:13,566 And you're gonna end up with a banana at the end. 209 00:08:13,660 --> 00:08:15,902 And nobody wants that. 210 00:08:16,054 --> 00:08:18,312 That's what I'm looking for. 211 00:08:18,406 --> 00:08:19,889 This is the big harrowing moment. 212 00:08:19,983 --> 00:08:21,649 I'm worried about shearing a weld 213 00:08:21,668 --> 00:08:23,651 Because it could blow apart on me. 214 00:08:23,670 --> 00:08:25,820 - It looks like alex's billet 215 00:08:25,839 --> 00:08:28,656 Is starting to consolidate and his welds are sticking. 216 00:08:28,675 --> 00:08:31,417 - [bleep], yeah. 217 00:08:31,512 --> 00:08:33,236 I've got the weld set. 218 00:08:33,255 --> 00:08:34,846 I'm drawing things out. 219 00:08:34,998 --> 00:08:37,423 Oh, beautiful. Beautiful, bro. 220 00:08:37,518 --> 00:08:39,409 I'm feeling pretty good. 221 00:08:39,427 --> 00:08:41,019 - Never heard of gladiators dancing before. 222 00:08:41,246 --> 00:08:44,080 - [chuckles] 223 00:08:44,173 --> 00:08:47,267 - It looks like the forge welds have taken. 224 00:08:47,419 --> 00:08:49,085 I'm extremely happy. 225 00:08:49,104 --> 00:08:53,198 So now I just need to begin stretching this billet out. 226 00:08:53,349 --> 00:08:55,091 Pretty is not a parameter. 227 00:08:55,110 --> 00:08:58,203 However, I think alex is gonna turn in a very good blade. 228 00:08:58,430 --> 00:09:02,432 So my only hope is that having the 40 layers 229 00:09:02,450 --> 00:09:03,708 Instead of the 20 layers 230 00:09:03,935 --> 00:09:06,545 Is what ends up winning this competition. 231 00:09:06,772 --> 00:09:09,122 - You know, I love to see the smiths go above and beyond, 232 00:09:09,216 --> 00:09:11,775 But adding an extra forge weld 233 00:09:11,793 --> 00:09:14,110 Could be that straw that broke the camel's back 234 00:09:14,203 --> 00:09:15,278 And throws him out of the competition. 235 00:09:15,297 --> 00:09:16,279 - Yeah, you don't want to go 236 00:09:16,372 --> 00:09:17,556 Above and beyond the time limit. 237 00:09:17,783 --> 00:09:18,557 - Yeah. - Yeah. 238 00:09:18,708 --> 00:09:20,058 - Welding! 239 00:09:21,878 --> 00:09:25,230 - All right, bladesmiths, you have six hours left! 240 00:09:25,457 --> 00:09:26,881 - Whoo. 241 00:09:26,975 --> 00:09:29,717 So now I'm ready to twist. 242 00:09:29,736 --> 00:09:31,795 This is a real do-or-die moment. 243 00:09:31,888 --> 00:09:34,573 Every single one of those forge welds 244 00:09:34,800 --> 00:09:36,891 Has the chance to just burst apart at this point, 245 00:09:36,985 --> 00:09:39,244 And there's nothing really you can do other than start over. 246 00:09:39,471 --> 00:09:42,138 Oh, [bleep]. 247 00:09:42,157 --> 00:09:45,825 Why do they not bolt this vise to the floor? 248 00:09:45,977 --> 00:09:47,419 It's moving all around. 249 00:09:47,646 --> 00:09:49,979 It's really hard to get a purchase on. 250 00:09:50,073 --> 00:09:51,815 The twist is one of the parameters. 251 00:09:51,833 --> 00:09:55,594 If I don't get the twist done, I could be going home. 252 00:09:55,821 --> 00:09:57,654 - That twist damascus is a big hurdle, 253 00:09:57,672 --> 00:10:00,932 'cause to end up with a sword, you need to have a big billet. 254 00:10:01,159 --> 00:10:03,343 So twisting a big billet is a pain in the neck. 255 00:10:03,437 --> 00:10:04,585 - [grunts] 256 00:10:04,679 --> 00:10:05,829 So the second time around, 257 00:10:05,922 --> 00:10:07,922 I know where I need to put my foot 258 00:10:08,016 --> 00:10:09,999 So it doesn't just walk around on me. 259 00:10:10,018 --> 00:10:13,111 And I'm able to get a nice full twist in there. 260 00:10:13,338 --> 00:10:14,838 - Now, execution of the technique-- 261 00:10:14,931 --> 00:10:17,782 You guys happy with what alex did? 262 00:10:18,009 --> 00:10:20,343 Ooh, general consensus said no--why? 263 00:10:20,436 --> 00:10:22,679 - That was, like, what, one and a half twists? 264 00:10:22,697 --> 00:10:24,956 - Yeah, it was a bare minimum to get a twist in there. 265 00:10:25,183 --> 00:10:26,607 - Then by the time you draw it out, 266 00:10:26,627 --> 00:10:27,917 The twist is gonna disappear. 267 00:10:29,463 --> 00:10:31,187 - Take a look at kurt. 268 00:10:31,206 --> 00:10:33,798 I think he just got three full turns on this one heat. 269 00:10:34,025 --> 00:10:35,692 - I love it. 270 00:10:35,710 --> 00:10:38,452 - I want to get enough twist that you really get 271 00:10:38,546 --> 00:10:40,454 To see that nice twist pattern. 272 00:10:40,548 --> 00:10:43,383 However, if I twist too much, 273 00:10:43,477 --> 00:10:46,961 There's a chance that I end up cutting the billet in half. 274 00:10:46,980 --> 00:10:49,797 - Kurt did a lot more twists than alex did 275 00:10:49,891 --> 00:10:52,225 And has more visible layers than alex. 276 00:10:52,319 --> 00:10:55,378 So I think you'll get a much more vibrant pattern. 277 00:10:55,397 --> 00:10:58,639 - Now I can start working on shaping the blade. 278 00:10:58,659 --> 00:11:01,718 - Bladesmiths, we are officially at the halfway mark! 279 00:11:01,736 --> 00:11:04,162 You have four hours left! 280 00:11:04,389 --> 00:11:06,331 - There's a clock ticking, and I got to go. 281 00:11:06,558 --> 00:11:09,242 I'm working on bringing the thing into shape. 282 00:11:09,394 --> 00:11:12,745 I'll strike the edge of the blade over my anvil horn. 283 00:11:12,839 --> 00:11:15,064 Just keep working it until I have it at a point 284 00:11:15,083 --> 00:11:16,991 That I'm happy with it. 285 00:11:17,010 --> 00:11:18,735 Yeah! 286 00:11:18,753 --> 00:11:20,904 So now it's time to quench. 287 00:11:20,997 --> 00:11:23,589 - Keeping that long thin curve evenly heated-- 288 00:11:23,742 --> 00:11:25,258 Quenching's gonna be tricky. 289 00:11:25,410 --> 00:11:28,578 - This is the time that so much can go wrong. 290 00:11:28,596 --> 00:11:31,247 Maybe there's an inclusion that I missed 291 00:11:31,266 --> 00:11:34,250 Or a cold shut that could blow apart. 292 00:11:34,343 --> 00:11:36,769 If something does go catastrophically wrong, 293 00:11:36,863 --> 00:11:40,365 I don't know if I have the time to fix it. 294 00:11:40,592 --> 00:11:44,035 ♪ ♪ 295 00:11:44,187 --> 00:11:45,704 - Alex quenched. 296 00:11:45,931 --> 00:11:47,372 - Nope... 297 00:11:48,950 --> 00:11:50,099 ♪ ♪ 298 00:11:50,118 --> 00:11:51,692 My heart sinks. 299 00:11:51,712 --> 00:11:54,361 If my blade isn't hardened, it's not a blade 300 00:11:54,456 --> 00:11:56,622 And it doesn't meet parameters. 301 00:11:56,717 --> 00:11:59,776 Gonna have to requench, just the way it goes. 302 00:11:59,869 --> 00:12:01,110 - Apparently he's not happy with it, 303 00:12:01,129 --> 00:12:02,779 'cause he is back in the forge again. 304 00:12:02,797 --> 00:12:05,223 - One side's heating up differently than the other. 305 00:12:05,450 --> 00:12:07,450 - Every time you quench a blade, 306 00:12:07,469 --> 00:12:09,394 You increase the chance 307 00:12:09,621 --> 00:12:13,047 Of warping, twisting, delaminations, cracking. 308 00:12:13,141 --> 00:12:15,475 But I really don't have a choice. 309 00:12:15,569 --> 00:12:16,960 I hope this works out. 310 00:12:17,053 --> 00:12:19,696 If this goes wrong, I could be going home. 311 00:12:23,802 --> 00:12:24,968 - Guys, we're in the first-ever 312 00:12:24,986 --> 00:12:26,819 "gladiators of the forge" competition. 313 00:12:26,913 --> 00:12:28,488 We're seeing that we've got two very talented smiths 314 00:12:28,582 --> 00:12:31,065 That are fully capable of turning in strong falxes 315 00:12:31,084 --> 00:12:32,475 For these tests. 316 00:12:32,568 --> 00:12:33,826 It's a nail-biter. - Yeah. 317 00:12:33,920 --> 00:12:36,921 - One of them is gonna get a chance at $75,000. 318 00:12:37,148 --> 00:12:38,757 Alex was able to get his blade quenched, 319 00:12:38,908 --> 00:12:40,258 But apparently he's not happy with it 320 00:12:40,409 --> 00:12:42,318 'cause he's back in the forge again. 321 00:12:42,337 --> 00:12:46,431 - I have to quench again. I am very nervous. 322 00:12:46,658 --> 00:12:49,826 If this goes wrong, I could be going home. 323 00:12:49,844 --> 00:12:51,418 Here we go. 324 00:12:51,438 --> 00:12:54,922 - All right, alex just quenched for a second time. 325 00:12:54,941 --> 00:12:58,276 - Oh, yeah. Much better. 326 00:12:58,427 --> 00:13:00,503 [shouts operatically] 327 00:13:00,522 --> 00:13:02,688 Now I've got a hard blade. 328 00:13:02,841 --> 00:13:04,616 ♪ ♪ 329 00:13:04,767 --> 00:13:06,785 - So now that I have the billet drawn 330 00:13:06,936 --> 00:13:08,861 To a length that I'm comfortable with, 331 00:13:09,014 --> 00:13:12,515 I begin putting that curve in the blade. 332 00:13:12,534 --> 00:13:16,185 I'm flattening the blade out and moving that curve in. 333 00:13:16,204 --> 00:13:19,705 Alex picks a blade that's curved in a straight forge, 334 00:13:19,858 --> 00:13:22,375 And it just makes everything more challenging. 335 00:13:22,527 --> 00:13:24,377 Hey, alex, next time 336 00:13:24,471 --> 00:13:26,638 Can you pick something that fits in the forge? 337 00:13:26,789 --> 00:13:28,789 - [laughs] 338 00:13:28,809 --> 00:13:31,384 - It's just interesting to have a curve on the inside. 339 00:13:31,478 --> 00:13:34,370 A lot of smiths will pre-curve their knives like that 340 00:13:34,463 --> 00:13:36,556 And then hammer the bevel in, 341 00:13:36,708 --> 00:13:37,816 Curving them back straight again. 342 00:13:38,043 --> 00:13:39,375 - Oh. - So it's gonna be interesting 343 00:13:39,394 --> 00:13:41,894 To see if they can maintain that opposite curve. 344 00:13:42,047 --> 00:13:43,804 - Good. 345 00:13:43,824 --> 00:13:45,214 It looks like it's within parameters. 346 00:13:45,233 --> 00:13:47,066 So get ready for heat treat. 347 00:13:47,218 --> 00:13:50,236 ♪ ♪ 348 00:13:50,330 --> 00:13:51,496 - Kurt is in the oil. 349 00:13:51,647 --> 00:13:53,072 Now we have two quenched blades. 350 00:13:53,224 --> 00:13:54,666 ♪ ♪ 351 00:13:54,893 --> 00:13:56,242 - So now I've got a hardened blade. 352 00:13:56,394 --> 00:13:57,743 I start work on my handle. 353 00:13:57,838 --> 00:14:00,580 My plan right now is a two-piece handle construction, 354 00:14:00,674 --> 00:14:03,900 Because the example had a two-piece handle, 355 00:14:03,993 --> 00:14:06,327 And I want to put a nod to that. 356 00:14:06,346 --> 00:14:08,404 This is so sloppy. 357 00:14:08,423 --> 00:14:10,590 As I'm getting everything fit up, 358 00:14:10,684 --> 00:14:12,909 There's gaps in some spots and hang-ups in others, 359 00:14:12,927 --> 00:14:14,335 And I'm just thinking to myself, 360 00:14:14,429 --> 00:14:17,096 "man, I would never sell this." 361 00:14:17,190 --> 00:14:19,840 But there's a clock ticking, and I got to go. 362 00:14:19,860 --> 00:14:22,085 Hopefully I'll have enough time left to make it pretty. 363 00:14:22,103 --> 00:14:23,769 But right now it's about getting a weapon 364 00:14:23,922 --> 00:14:25,421 That can be tested. 365 00:14:25,514 --> 00:14:28,533 ♪ I'm peening in the rain ♪ 366 00:14:30,036 --> 00:14:31,852 - After the quench, 367 00:14:31,872 --> 00:14:34,113 I start working on the finishing profile 368 00:14:34,265 --> 00:14:36,207 Getting everything to that final shape. 369 00:14:36,434 --> 00:14:38,025 [bleep]. 370 00:14:38,119 --> 00:14:40,286 I notice some cold shuts. 371 00:14:40,380 --> 00:14:42,029 That's a weak point, 372 00:14:42,048 --> 00:14:45,108 And if this blade gets hit hard against something, 373 00:14:45,126 --> 00:14:46,959 It could very easily break. 374 00:14:47,053 --> 00:14:48,794 I need to fix that. 375 00:14:48,889 --> 00:14:51,890 The only way is to fully grind this cold shut out, 376 00:14:52,117 --> 00:14:55,134 And hopefully they don't go too deep. 377 00:14:55,286 --> 00:14:57,470 - The last thing you want to have on an edge is a notch. 378 00:14:57,564 --> 00:14:59,880 Every place that that delamination crosses the edge 379 00:14:59,974 --> 00:15:01,399 Is a potential weak spot. 380 00:15:01,626 --> 00:15:03,401 - Some of them I am able to grind out, 381 00:15:03,628 --> 00:15:05,461 But there's a couple on the edge 382 00:15:05,554 --> 00:15:07,480 That I can't seem to get out, 383 00:15:07,632 --> 00:15:09,315 So I'm just gonna leave them. 384 00:15:09,467 --> 00:15:12,577 I'm hoping that it's just a cosmetic flaw. 385 00:15:12,804 --> 00:15:15,655 - Bladesmiths, you're down to the final 30 minutes! 386 00:15:15,749 --> 00:15:16,973 ♪ ♪ 387 00:15:16,991 --> 00:15:18,399 - Now that my handle's fit up, 388 00:15:18,418 --> 00:15:20,401 It's time to start getting a real edge on this thing. 389 00:15:20,495 --> 00:15:22,161 I glance over at kurt, 390 00:15:22,255 --> 00:15:26,591 And he's made this beautiful damascus blade. 391 00:15:26,742 --> 00:15:30,486 I'm gonna need to make sure that I come out swinging, 392 00:15:30,505 --> 00:15:34,081 Pun intended, with a really good edge geometry. 393 00:15:34,175 --> 00:15:38,161 I'm not sure how well I pull it off, but we'll see. 394 00:15:38,179 --> 00:15:41,681 I think my blade will make it to the end. 395 00:15:41,775 --> 00:15:44,591 - At this point, I can really do some finish work. 396 00:15:44,686 --> 00:15:47,670 I spent a lot of extra time to get the 40 layers. 397 00:15:47,689 --> 00:15:51,265 So I want to make sure that the pattern is clearly visible. 398 00:15:51,284 --> 00:15:53,342 Perfect. 399 00:15:53,436 --> 00:15:56,287 I am really happy with the pattern, 400 00:15:56,514 --> 00:15:59,940 And now I just have to add the handle. 401 00:15:59,960 --> 00:16:03,110 - How cool would it actually be to be in the colosseum 402 00:16:03,129 --> 00:16:05,521 When the gladiators were just fighting to the death 403 00:16:05,614 --> 00:16:07,281 With these kind of weapons? 404 00:16:07,375 --> 00:16:09,467 - It'd be cool if we were in the same position we are now 405 00:16:09,618 --> 00:16:11,544 And not down in the arena. - Yeah. 406 00:16:11,638 --> 00:16:15,289 - I chose the name flamma for my gladiator name 407 00:16:15,308 --> 00:16:16,975 Because his name means fire. 408 00:16:17,202 --> 00:16:19,368 He was also a soldier in syria. 409 00:16:19,387 --> 00:16:23,055 So me being in the military and forging blades, 410 00:16:23,208 --> 00:16:25,316 You know, have a few things in common. 411 00:16:25,543 --> 00:16:27,634 So that's the name that I went with. 412 00:16:27,654 --> 00:16:32,548 - Five, four, three, two, one. 413 00:16:32,567 --> 00:16:33,899 Bladesmiths, turn off your machines! 414 00:16:34,052 --> 00:16:35,476 Put down your tools! 415 00:16:35,495 --> 00:16:37,236 The first round of our gladiator competition is over! 416 00:16:37,388 --> 00:16:38,904 ♪ ♪ 417 00:16:38,999 --> 00:16:41,648 - I am really proud of what I accomplished. 418 00:16:41,743 --> 00:16:46,170 I'm there to win $75,000. 419 00:16:46,397 --> 00:16:49,081 I really got to make it all the way. 420 00:16:49,234 --> 00:16:52,418 ♪ ♪ 421 00:16:52,570 --> 00:16:54,661 - Bladesmiths, welcome to our strength test-- 422 00:16:54,756 --> 00:16:58,090 Our gladiator armor chop. 423 00:16:58,243 --> 00:17:00,259 Alex, you're up first. You ready to go, man? 424 00:17:00,353 --> 00:17:02,520 - For honor, for glory, and for advancement 425 00:17:02,747 --> 00:17:05,097 In this bladesmithing competition, lay on. 426 00:17:05,191 --> 00:17:06,524 - I will do that. 427 00:17:07,919 --> 00:17:09,752 ♪ ♪ 428 00:17:09,771 --> 00:17:12,088 - My heart's beating hard. 429 00:17:12,181 --> 00:17:14,365 This is gonna be a brutal test. 430 00:17:14,592 --> 00:17:16,275 I'm hoping that it'll make it through. 431 00:17:16,427 --> 00:17:23,207 ♪ ♪ 432 00:17:38,374 --> 00:17:41,208 - Nice job, alex. - Thank you, j. 433 00:17:41,227 --> 00:17:43,377 - Your blade's still straight. 434 00:17:43,396 --> 00:17:45,137 I love twist damascus, 435 00:17:45,290 --> 00:17:48,974 But the problem is you can't see it at all on your blade. 436 00:17:49,069 --> 00:17:53,220 You got a couple little rolls on the edge--nothing major. 437 00:17:53,314 --> 00:17:55,147 Everything's still tight. 438 00:17:55,300 --> 00:17:57,558 You do have a bit of an offset on your tip now, 439 00:17:57,577 --> 00:18:00,244 But for a beating like that, that's not too bad. 440 00:18:00,396 --> 00:18:02,655 So, overall, good job. 441 00:18:02,807 --> 00:18:04,082 - Thank you. 442 00:18:04,309 --> 00:18:05,899 - All right, kurt, how you feel, man? 443 00:18:05,993 --> 00:18:07,810 - Uh... [stammers] 444 00:18:07,829 --> 00:18:09,495 Go for it. [laughter] 445 00:18:09,589 --> 00:18:10,996 - I can do that. 446 00:18:11,149 --> 00:18:13,816 ♪ ♪ 447 00:18:13,835 --> 00:18:15,742 - J. Neilson scares me. 448 00:18:15,762 --> 00:18:19,338 He's going to just smash my blade into this armor. 449 00:18:19,490 --> 00:18:21,674 I'm already worried about those cold shuts, 450 00:18:21,768 --> 00:18:24,160 And it could crack. 451 00:18:24,178 --> 00:18:26,270 I have no room for error in the strength test. 452 00:18:30,593 --> 00:18:32,852 - J. Neilson's going to just smash my blade 453 00:18:32,946 --> 00:18:34,186 Into this armor. 454 00:18:34,280 --> 00:18:36,263 I'm already worried about those cold shuts, 455 00:18:36,282 --> 00:18:38,599 And it could crack. 456 00:18:38,618 --> 00:18:41,193 I hope my blade holds well. 457 00:18:41,346 --> 00:18:48,126 ♪ ♪ 458 00:18:55,135 --> 00:18:57,301 [exhales deeply] 459 00:18:57,528 --> 00:19:00,363 - All right, good job, kurt. You survive. 460 00:19:00,381 --> 00:19:02,548 First off, love the damascus pattern. 461 00:19:02,700 --> 00:19:04,049 This came out very nice. 462 00:19:04,202 --> 00:19:07,720 You've got several delaminations, 463 00:19:07,872 --> 00:19:09,814 But nothing came apart. 464 00:19:10,041 --> 00:19:12,224 You got some dings and some dulling. 465 00:19:12,377 --> 00:19:13,893 Right in here, that sweet spot, 466 00:19:14,045 --> 00:19:15,653 Is where it took most of the abuse, 467 00:19:15,804 --> 00:19:17,713 But, overall, it stayed together. 468 00:19:17,732 --> 00:19:19,732 Nothing came loose. Nice job. 469 00:19:19,884 --> 00:19:21,734 - Thank you. 470 00:19:21,886 --> 00:19:24,887 ♪ ♪ 471 00:19:24,906 --> 00:19:26,572 - All right, bladesmiths, 472 00:19:26,724 --> 00:19:29,500 This is the sharpness test-- the fish slice. 473 00:19:29,652 --> 00:19:31,243 Alex, you're up first. You ready? 474 00:19:31,337 --> 00:19:32,745 - Lay on. 475 00:19:32,897 --> 00:19:33,896 - All right. 476 00:19:33,915 --> 00:19:40,845 ♪ ♪ 477 00:19:54,752 --> 00:19:55,768 - [chuckles] 478 00:19:55,920 --> 00:19:57,253 ♪ ♪ 479 00:19:57,271 --> 00:19:59,197 - All right, alex, let's talk about your falx. 480 00:19:59,348 --> 00:20:02,015 Your blade's a little bit offset from that strength test, 481 00:20:02,109 --> 00:20:04,927 But your edge is sharp. 482 00:20:04,946 --> 00:20:08,873 It's got a nice feel to it, and, overall, sir, it will cut. 483 00:20:09,024 --> 00:20:10,857 - Thank you, doug. 484 00:20:10,877 --> 00:20:12,101 - Kurt, your turn, sir. You ready? 485 00:20:12,194 --> 00:20:14,787 - Slice some fish. - Let's do this. 486 00:20:14,939 --> 00:20:21,719 ♪ ♪ 487 00:20:39,797 --> 00:20:42,298 All right, kurt, let's talk about your falx right here. 488 00:20:42,316 --> 00:20:44,149 It's got a wider blade here. 489 00:20:44,244 --> 00:20:46,744 It actually helps support the edge when I'm cutting. 490 00:20:46,971 --> 00:20:49,580 I can feel the push in through the cut. 491 00:20:49,732 --> 00:20:51,474 You still have those delaminations, 492 00:20:51,492 --> 00:20:53,584 But they were not a factor in cutting the fish. 493 00:20:53,811 --> 00:20:57,070 Overall, sir, your weapon... It will cut. 494 00:20:57,090 --> 00:20:59,164 - Thank you, doug. 495 00:20:59,317 --> 00:21:01,484 ♪ ♪ 496 00:21:01,502 --> 00:21:02,909 - You guys, congratulations. 497 00:21:02,929 --> 00:21:04,503 You made it through both the tests with flying colors. 498 00:21:04,655 --> 00:21:06,005 Now the time has come for the judges to decide 499 00:21:06,099 --> 00:21:07,673 Which one of you 500 00:21:07,767 --> 00:21:09,416 Is gonna be the first-ever gladiator of the forge. 501 00:21:09,435 --> 00:21:11,160 So, while they discuss, I'm gonna ask 502 00:21:11,178 --> 00:21:13,178 That you both please step off the forge floor. 503 00:21:13,331 --> 00:21:16,332 ♪ ♪ 504 00:21:16,350 --> 00:21:17,424 All right, guys, we're at the end of the first battle 505 00:21:17,518 --> 00:21:19,168 Of a series of ten. 506 00:21:19,186 --> 00:21:20,444 You guys have a difficult decision to make, 507 00:21:20,671 --> 00:21:22,280 'cause we got two blades in one piece. 508 00:21:22,431 --> 00:21:23,839 I want to hear what you think about 'em. 509 00:21:23,932 --> 00:21:25,674 - Well, both blades performed 510 00:21:25,693 --> 00:21:27,860 Almost equally on the sharpness test. 511 00:21:27,954 --> 00:21:30,513 I mean, the inward curve that they have there, 512 00:21:30,531 --> 00:21:33,866 That's designed to cut, and it did just that. 513 00:21:34,018 --> 00:21:35,518 - Kurt's blade was beautiful. 514 00:21:35,536 --> 00:21:37,186 It had a great damascus pattern, 515 00:21:37,204 --> 00:21:38,796 And the overall profile of the blade 516 00:21:38,947 --> 00:21:40,189 And the cross-section of the blade 517 00:21:40,282 --> 00:21:41,524 Were both ground very well. 518 00:21:41,542 --> 00:21:43,450 There is an issue with delaminations. 519 00:21:43,469 --> 00:21:45,361 But then when I look at alex's blade, 520 00:21:45,379 --> 00:21:47,120 It not only took edge damage, 521 00:21:47,140 --> 00:21:49,698 But it did take a little bit of a set in the strength test. 522 00:21:49,792 --> 00:21:52,551 - The problem with alex's is, 523 00:21:52,703 --> 00:21:54,645 The only reason we know it's twist damascus 524 00:21:54,872 --> 00:21:56,722 Is 'cause we saw him do it. - Mm-hmm. 525 00:21:56,874 --> 00:21:58,557 - You can't see it at all on that blade, 526 00:21:58,651 --> 00:22:02,728 And the blade is off, as far as symmetry and evenness. 527 00:22:02,880 --> 00:22:04,655 - So you guys have a difficult decision to make. 528 00:22:04,882 --> 00:22:06,490 Ben, have you made yours? - I have, yeah. 529 00:22:06,642 --> 00:22:08,217 - J? - Oh, yeah. 530 00:22:08,310 --> 00:22:09,568 - What about you? - Yes, I have. 531 00:22:09,720 --> 00:22:11,887 - All right, gentlemen, we'll call 'em in. 532 00:22:11,906 --> 00:22:15,074 ♪ ♪ 533 00:22:15,226 --> 00:22:16,575 - Well, bladesmiths, you guys 534 00:22:16,727 --> 00:22:18,151 Gave a very difficult decision to our judges 535 00:22:18,171 --> 00:22:20,229 Because both your blades were great, 536 00:22:20,247 --> 00:22:21,655 But they made a final decision. 537 00:22:21,674 --> 00:22:24,917 The first-ever gladiator of the forge, 538 00:22:25,011 --> 00:22:26,752 Taking home $5,000 is... 539 00:22:26,904 --> 00:22:29,830 ♪ ♪ 540 00:22:29,924 --> 00:22:32,074 Kurt. Congratulations. 541 00:22:32,093 --> 00:22:34,685 - Congratulations, man. - Thank you. 542 00:22:34,912 --> 00:22:37,429 - You deserve it. You did an awesome job. 543 00:22:37,582 --> 00:22:38,931 - Now, alex, we want to say thank you so much 544 00:22:39,083 --> 00:22:40,599 For coming out and fighting hard, 545 00:22:40,693 --> 00:22:42,601 But, unfortunately, your blade did not make the cut 546 00:22:42,753 --> 00:22:44,845 And j's gonna tell you why. 547 00:22:44,864 --> 00:22:47,089 - Alex, I commend you both for your choice of weapons 548 00:22:47,182 --> 00:22:48,849 And the hard work you put into it. 549 00:22:48,868 --> 00:22:51,535 During the testing, you both pretty much performed equally. 550 00:22:51,687 --> 00:22:53,520 So we had to look at the finer details, 551 00:22:53,539 --> 00:22:55,355 And, honestly, your competitor's blade 552 00:22:55,375 --> 00:22:57,190 Was more refined and more symmetrical. 553 00:22:57,210 --> 00:22:58,450 That's why we're sending you home. 554 00:22:58,544 --> 00:23:00,211 - Completely understand. 555 00:23:00,362 --> 00:23:02,104 - Well, alex, there's no doubt that you're talented smith 556 00:23:02,123 --> 00:23:04,289 And you deserved every second you spent in this forge, 557 00:23:04,442 --> 00:23:06,384 But, unfortunately, it just didn't make the cut. 558 00:23:06,611 --> 00:23:08,127 And at this time, I'm gonna have to ask you 559 00:23:08,279 --> 00:23:10,295 To please step off the forge floor. 560 00:23:10,448 --> 00:23:12,114 - Thank you. 561 00:23:12,133 --> 00:23:14,633 I absolutely agree with the judges' decision. 562 00:23:14,727 --> 00:23:16,135 My fit and finish 563 00:23:16,287 --> 00:23:18,712 Just wasn't at the same level as kurt's. 564 00:23:18,806 --> 00:23:20,046 Being in the first 565 00:23:20,066 --> 00:23:21,473 "gladiators of the forge" battle 566 00:23:21,626 --> 00:23:23,459 Was such a unique opportunity, 567 00:23:23,477 --> 00:23:26,478 And I am really proud of what I accomplished. 568 00:23:26,631 --> 00:23:29,982 To kurt, you better not go out like a chump, man. 569 00:23:30,134 --> 00:23:32,801 ♪ ♪ 570 00:23:32,820 --> 00:23:34,895 - Kurt, you are the first gladiator of the forge, 571 00:23:34,914 --> 00:23:37,081 And you've got to check for $5,000 coming your way. 572 00:23:37,232 --> 00:23:38,807 Congratulations. 573 00:23:38,826 --> 00:23:40,400 - Thank you. 574 00:23:40,420 --> 00:23:43,087 I'm officially the gladiator of the forge. 575 00:23:43,238 --> 00:23:45,089 - Now, the fun's not quite over. 576 00:23:45,316 --> 00:23:46,982 You got a difficult decision to make. 577 00:23:47,001 --> 00:23:48,984 Are you gonna take your sword, lay it down, and go home 578 00:23:49,077 --> 00:23:50,653 With the title and the check, 579 00:23:50,671 --> 00:23:52,245 Or are you gonna pick up a hammer 580 00:23:52,339 --> 00:23:54,323 And head back into the forge? - I'm going back in the forge. 581 00:23:54,341 --> 00:23:55,340 - Fantastic. 582 00:23:55,493 --> 00:23:56,825 Well, congratulations for being 583 00:23:56,919 --> 00:23:58,494 The first gladiator of the forge. 584 00:23:58,512 --> 00:24:00,162 We're excited to see you work again. 585 00:24:00,181 --> 00:24:02,514 For that, man, I'll see you on the forge floor. 586 00:24:02,608 --> 00:24:05,109 - Now that I've tasted that little bit of victory, 587 00:24:05,260 --> 00:24:06,518 I can't wait for more. 588 00:24:06,612 --> 00:24:08,595 I feel confident 589 00:24:08,689 --> 00:24:10,673 That I'll be able to take this all the way to the end. 590 00:24:10,691 --> 00:24:13,617 ♪ ♪ 591 00:24:17,790 --> 00:24:19,682 - My name is bryan ledford. I am 51 years old. 592 00:24:19,775 --> 00:24:21,608 I live in los angeles, california, 593 00:24:21,627 --> 00:24:24,536 And I've been bladesmithing part-time 594 00:24:24,689 --> 00:24:26,855 For about seven and a half years. 595 00:24:26,874 --> 00:24:28,357 If I had a gladiator name, 596 00:24:28,450 --> 00:24:31,210 It would be flavius crispus gallus-- 597 00:24:31,362 --> 00:24:34,713 The blonde curly-haired rooster. 598 00:24:34,807 --> 00:24:36,031 - Kurt, welcome back. 599 00:24:36,124 --> 00:24:38,476 And, bryan, welcome to the forge. 600 00:24:38,703 --> 00:24:40,219 Now, you just stepped into the colosseum 601 00:24:40,371 --> 00:24:42,295 For the second battle in our 602 00:24:42,315 --> 00:24:44,206 "gladiators of the forge" competition. 603 00:24:44,299 --> 00:24:45,649 Now, this is gonna consist 604 00:24:45,876 --> 00:24:47,726 Of eight-straight hours of forging, 605 00:24:47,820 --> 00:24:49,653 Where you're gonna go up against your competition, 606 00:24:49,880 --> 00:24:52,381 Building a blade from start to finish. 607 00:24:52,399 --> 00:24:54,641 Now, kurt, you're the reigning champion here. 608 00:24:54,660 --> 00:24:56,401 You just came out of the last competition 609 00:24:56,554 --> 00:24:58,570 Against alex winning $5,000 610 00:24:58,664 --> 00:25:01,147 And getting your first title of gladiator of the forge. 611 00:25:01,242 --> 00:25:04,335 Now, you're here to defend that title against your competitor. 612 00:25:04,562 --> 00:25:07,730 Now, if you win, you'll rack up another $5,000, 613 00:25:07,823 --> 00:25:09,340 Another gladiator of the forge title, 614 00:25:09,567 --> 00:25:13,344 And still stay in the running for $75,000-- 615 00:25:13,571 --> 00:25:16,088 The most money we have ever paid out 616 00:25:16,240 --> 00:25:18,349 In "forged in fire" history. 617 00:25:18,576 --> 00:25:20,425 Now, the choice as to what you're gonna be building 618 00:25:20,578 --> 00:25:22,411 Will be left up to you. 619 00:25:22,429 --> 00:25:24,413 If it's heads, kurt, you get the first choice. 620 00:25:24,431 --> 00:25:25,672 You know how this works. 621 00:25:25,766 --> 00:25:27,082 You can choose either the weapon 622 00:25:27,101 --> 00:25:29,009 Or the technique that you'll both use. 623 00:25:29,028 --> 00:25:30,586 Now, on the other side of the coin, 624 00:25:30,604 --> 00:25:32,271 If it lands on tails, bryan, the choice is yours. 625 00:25:32,365 --> 00:25:33,589 You guys ready to go? 626 00:25:33,607 --> 00:25:35,199 - Ready. - Ready. 627 00:25:35,426 --> 00:25:36,925 - All right, leave it up to chance here. 628 00:25:36,944 --> 00:25:38,685 ♪ ♪ 629 00:25:38,779 --> 00:25:40,037 We landed on heads. 630 00:25:40,264 --> 00:25:41,930 ♪ ♪ 631 00:25:42,024 --> 00:25:44,099 Kurt, you get to choose first. 632 00:25:44,192 --> 00:25:45,209 You want to choose the weapon, 633 00:25:45,436 --> 00:25:46,935 Or do you want to choose the technique? 634 00:25:46,954 --> 00:25:48,787 - I'll choose the weapon. - All right. 635 00:25:48,939 --> 00:25:52,291 So we've got nine weapons here on the wall of roman weapons. 636 00:25:52,385 --> 00:25:54,718 Pick your poison, bud. 637 00:25:54,945 --> 00:25:59,448 - I'm looking at the wall, and I don't know what to pick. 638 00:25:59,466 --> 00:26:02,042 The falx curve in the first challenge 639 00:26:02,136 --> 00:26:03,710 Was difficult. 640 00:26:03,804 --> 00:26:06,212 I don't want to fight another curve. 641 00:26:06,307 --> 00:26:07,639 I'll feel a lot more comfortable 642 00:26:07,733 --> 00:26:09,066 Working on a straight blade. 643 00:26:09,217 --> 00:26:11,460 Let's go with that spatha. 644 00:26:11,478 --> 00:26:15,814 ♪ ♪ 645 00:26:15,966 --> 00:26:17,466 - The spatha was a vicious weapon 646 00:26:17,484 --> 00:26:19,968 Used by roman cavalry during the third century. 647 00:26:19,987 --> 00:26:21,653 Featuring a long double-edged blade, 648 00:26:21,747 --> 00:26:23,247 The weapon allowed soldiers 649 00:26:23,474 --> 00:26:25,974 To deliver devastating slashes and cuts from horseback. 650 00:26:25,993 --> 00:26:27,251 This blade was featured 651 00:26:27,478 --> 00:26:29,736 On two previous "forged in fire" competitions, 652 00:26:29,830 --> 00:26:31,146 Where smiths struggled 653 00:26:31,165 --> 00:26:33,090 With its length and its medial ridge. 654 00:26:33,317 --> 00:26:34,499 - By the end of the eight hours, 655 00:26:34,652 --> 00:26:37,336 Make sure that they fall within these parameters. 656 00:26:37,488 --> 00:26:39,263 Your blade length measured from tip 657 00:26:39,490 --> 00:26:41,098 To where the cutting edge ends in a straight line 658 00:26:41,325 --> 00:26:44,101 Needs to be between 26 and 28 inches. 659 00:26:44,252 --> 00:26:46,511 Your blade must be double-edged 660 00:26:46,606 --> 00:26:48,088 And have a medial ridge. 661 00:26:48,107 --> 00:26:49,498 Now, as far as your hilt goes, 662 00:26:49,591 --> 00:26:51,091 You're gonna need a wooden guard 663 00:26:51,185 --> 00:26:54,186 With a metal plate at the top and also a round pommel. 664 00:26:54,338 --> 00:26:56,505 Now, bryan, that means that you get to choose 665 00:26:56,523 --> 00:26:58,690 The forge-welding technique that both of you guys must use. 666 00:26:58,784 --> 00:27:00,934 What are you thinking? 667 00:27:00,953 --> 00:27:03,362 - I really want to do something a little bit different 668 00:27:03,514 --> 00:27:06,014 With some really interesting patterns. 669 00:27:06,033 --> 00:27:08,459 I'm gonna go with go mai. 670 00:27:08,686 --> 00:27:11,019 - Gentlemen, you will both only have eight hours 671 00:27:11,113 --> 00:27:14,948 To build this massive spatha in go mai. 672 00:27:15,042 --> 00:27:16,525 Now, when the time runs out, 673 00:27:16,618 --> 00:27:18,618 We'll go directly into the testing grounds 674 00:27:18,712 --> 00:27:20,362 And decide which one of you 675 00:27:20,455 --> 00:27:22,288 Is taking home the title of gladiator of the forge 676 00:27:22,383 --> 00:27:24,199 And getting a check for $5,000. 677 00:27:24,292 --> 00:27:25,884 So good luck. Stay sharp. 678 00:27:25,978 --> 00:27:27,536 Your time starts now. 679 00:27:27,554 --> 00:27:30,222 ♪ ♪ 680 00:27:30,316 --> 00:27:32,207 So this is kurt's second time 681 00:27:32,300 --> 00:27:34,634 Battling it out in the gladiators competition. 682 00:27:34,728 --> 00:27:37,212 He's already got five grand. He's already got one title. 683 00:27:37,231 --> 00:27:39,305 Ben, you've done a lot of competing in here. 684 00:27:39,400 --> 00:27:41,400 How does it feel going right up again 685 00:27:41,552 --> 00:27:43,385 And having to battle it out? 686 00:27:43,478 --> 00:27:44,828 - It makes you question your motives. 687 00:27:44,980 --> 00:27:46,388 [laughter] 688 00:27:46,407 --> 00:27:47,906 ♪ ♪ 689 00:27:48,000 --> 00:27:50,742 - I feel like I am much more prepared this time 690 00:27:50,836 --> 00:27:52,336 Than the previous challenge, 691 00:27:52,563 --> 00:27:54,988 But every challenge is a new challenge. 692 00:27:55,082 --> 00:27:57,733 $75,000 will be fantastic. 693 00:27:57,826 --> 00:27:59,067 I'll be able to get my own press, 694 00:27:59,086 --> 00:28:01,253 My own power hammer, have all those tools 695 00:28:01,405 --> 00:28:03,514 That I've been wanting for years now. 696 00:28:03,741 --> 00:28:05,424 - Now, they've got to do go mai. 697 00:28:05,518 --> 00:28:08,911 - The tricky part about this is getting that forge weld set 698 00:28:09,004 --> 00:28:11,004 And making sure you have enough material 699 00:28:11,023 --> 00:28:12,764 To stretch it out. 700 00:28:12,858 --> 00:28:15,175 - I've done san mais, and I've done damascus billets, 701 00:28:15,194 --> 00:28:17,102 But I've never focused on a go mai itself. 702 00:28:17,254 --> 00:28:19,345 So that's a challenge 703 00:28:19,365 --> 00:28:22,032 That I'm gonna have to try to overcome. 704 00:28:22,259 --> 00:28:24,943 I know that I want to go with a 1095 for the core 705 00:28:25,095 --> 00:28:28,354 With nickel in the middle and mild steel on the outside. 706 00:28:28,374 --> 00:28:29,873 Welding! 707 00:28:30,025 --> 00:28:31,616 I've never worked with nickel, 708 00:28:31,711 --> 00:28:34,211 But I know that it's going to look pretty cool. 709 00:28:34,438 --> 00:28:36,547 ♪ ♪ 710 00:28:36,698 --> 00:28:38,774 - What I'm bringing in this competition is me 711 00:28:38,792 --> 00:28:40,609 At my most competitive. 712 00:28:40,702 --> 00:28:44,613 I pick 1095, the nickel, and the mild steel. 713 00:28:44,631 --> 00:28:46,056 ♪ ♪ 714 00:28:46,283 --> 00:28:47,616 So my strategy is, 715 00:28:47,709 --> 00:28:49,451 Knowing that there's gonna be a medial ridge, 716 00:28:49,544 --> 00:28:52,045 Is I make a very, very thick core of 1095. 717 00:28:52,064 --> 00:28:54,289 Welding. 718 00:28:54,382 --> 00:28:56,567 So I don't have the mild steel on the edge. 719 00:28:56,794 --> 00:28:57,976 Let's go. 720 00:28:58,070 --> 00:29:00,479 - Whoa, bryan's got a lot of steel there. 721 00:29:00,573 --> 00:29:02,740 I think bryan's got enough steel to make two swords. 722 00:29:02,967 --> 00:29:04,908 - Getting this sword done in eight hours 723 00:29:05,060 --> 00:29:07,578 Depends entirely on getting it right. 724 00:29:07,729 --> 00:29:10,639 Really don't have a lot of time to start over. 725 00:29:10,657 --> 00:29:14,159 ♪ ♪ 726 00:29:14,253 --> 00:29:17,496 - Now, kurt here--he actually has home-field advantage. 727 00:29:17,648 --> 00:29:19,256 - Yeah. - 'cause he already knows 728 00:29:19,407 --> 00:29:20,924 The setup we have from his previous competition. 729 00:29:21,076 --> 00:29:22,651 - Absolutely. 730 00:29:22,669 --> 00:29:25,411 - I'm going to get the welds nice and set. 731 00:29:25,431 --> 00:29:28,156 If the welds start opening up, forge scale can get in, 732 00:29:28,250 --> 00:29:29,825 And then when I draw out the billet, 733 00:29:29,918 --> 00:29:31,935 I'm gonna just have a nightmare of a time. 734 00:29:32,162 --> 00:29:34,605 So I want to make sure that I go nice and slow 735 00:29:34,756 --> 00:29:37,516 And get these forged welds right in the beginning. 736 00:29:37,610 --> 00:29:39,684 The welds are holding. 737 00:29:39,837 --> 00:29:41,445 I'm very happy with that. 738 00:29:41,672 --> 00:29:43,005 ♪ ♪ 739 00:29:43,098 --> 00:29:45,282 If it wasn't for me going in the military, 740 00:29:45,433 --> 00:29:47,509 I probably would've never gotten into bladesmithing, 741 00:29:47,602 --> 00:29:49,286 Because you need to have a fixed-blade knife. 742 00:29:49,513 --> 00:29:51,938 Well, I couldn't find a knife that I wanted. 743 00:29:51,957 --> 00:29:53,849 I picked up some steel, and I fell in love with it 744 00:29:53,942 --> 00:29:55,959 After the first knife that I made. 745 00:29:56,186 --> 00:29:59,187 ♪ ♪ 746 00:29:59,281 --> 00:30:01,023 - So my steel comes up to temperature. 747 00:30:01,041 --> 00:30:03,300 This is the point where I start to feel confident 748 00:30:03,527 --> 00:30:05,861 That it's time to take it to the press. 749 00:30:05,954 --> 00:30:08,305 - That's nowhere near hot enough to forge weld. 750 00:30:08,456 --> 00:30:11,475 - Looks like bryan's go mai is becoming an "oh, my." 751 00:30:11,702 --> 00:30:13,218 - [chuckles] 752 00:30:13,312 --> 00:30:16,221 - [bleep] and a half. 753 00:30:16,315 --> 00:30:20,375 I start to notice that the welds are starting to fail. 754 00:30:20,394 --> 00:30:21,819 - Oh! - Uh-oh. 755 00:30:22,046 --> 00:30:23,879 - Now, is there any saving this billet right now? 756 00:30:23,972 --> 00:30:26,323 - Given where he is right now, I'd start over. 757 00:30:26,550 --> 00:30:28,066 - So I'm looking at this billet, 758 00:30:28,218 --> 00:30:31,219 And it's only the ends that aren't sticking. 759 00:30:31,238 --> 00:30:34,389 I don't have a lot of time to start over 760 00:30:34,408 --> 00:30:36,741 So I can get a little bit more flux in there. 761 00:30:36,894 --> 00:30:38,669 I just hope it works. 762 00:30:38,896 --> 00:30:41,839 ♪ ♪ 763 00:30:41,990 --> 00:30:43,656 - This thing's a lot longer than I thought it was. 764 00:30:43,750 --> 00:30:46,510 [laughs] - a little bit, yeah. 765 00:30:46,737 --> 00:30:48,328 - Do you guys approve of the spatha 766 00:30:48,422 --> 00:30:49,662 As a choice of weapon to build? 767 00:30:49,756 --> 00:30:51,014 - I do. - Yeah. 768 00:30:51,241 --> 00:30:52,574 - I like it. It's probably the largest blade 769 00:30:52,593 --> 00:30:54,759 We have on the wall of gladiator blades. 770 00:30:54,912 --> 00:30:57,079 Kurt's got the lengthy ones. 771 00:30:57,097 --> 00:30:58,930 Now he's on big blu working the tip in. 772 00:30:59,083 --> 00:31:01,024 - I just put a quick tip on my billet, 773 00:31:01,251 --> 00:31:04,419 And then I can focus on forging the tang. 774 00:31:04,512 --> 00:31:06,864 I want to make sure that I have enough tang 775 00:31:07,091 --> 00:31:11,351 That it stays nice and thick so that it's a strong tang. 776 00:31:11,445 --> 00:31:14,354 - It looks like the perfect replica. 777 00:31:14,373 --> 00:31:16,598 - Pretty good 778 00:31:16,617 --> 00:31:18,100 ♪ ♪ 779 00:31:18,118 --> 00:31:21,044 - Bladesmiths, you only have six hours left! 780 00:31:21,271 --> 00:31:23,213 ♪ ♪ 781 00:31:23,440 --> 00:31:26,366 - So now I'm on the road to consolidating this billet. 782 00:31:26,460 --> 00:31:30,554 I really need this to work. I don't want to start over. 783 00:31:30,781 --> 00:31:33,539 - Oh, no, guys, bryan's billet's splitting apart. 784 00:31:33,634 --> 00:31:35,300 - For [bleep] sake, dude. 785 00:31:35,452 --> 00:31:36,785 The nickel's not welding. 786 00:31:36,878 --> 00:31:40,956 I don't have go mai. I've got a mess. 787 00:31:41,049 --> 00:31:44,717 One thing after another after another. 788 00:31:44,737 --> 00:31:46,795 I don't know what to do right here, 789 00:31:46,813 --> 00:31:48,463 But I got to think of something fast. 790 00:31:48,482 --> 00:31:49,239 Come on. [bleep]. 791 00:31:54,138 --> 00:31:56,562 - This is the second gladiator competition. 792 00:31:56,582 --> 00:31:58,916 Both of our smiths have got to do go mai-- 793 00:31:59,067 --> 00:32:00,900 Five different layers alternating 794 00:32:00,920 --> 00:32:02,327 And forge weld together. 795 00:32:02,479 --> 00:32:04,146 ♪ ♪ 796 00:32:04,164 --> 00:32:06,572 Oh, no, guys, bryan's billet's splitting apart. 797 00:32:06,592 --> 00:32:08,833 - For [bleep] sake dude. 798 00:32:08,928 --> 00:32:10,152 It didn't stick. 799 00:32:10,245 --> 00:32:13,931 I don't have go mai. I've got a mess. 800 00:32:14,082 --> 00:32:17,583 One thing after another after another. 801 00:32:17,603 --> 00:32:19,161 I don't know what to do right here, 802 00:32:19,179 --> 00:32:21,012 But I got to think of something fast. 803 00:32:21,165 --> 00:32:22,606 - I probably would start over. 804 00:32:22,833 --> 00:32:24,608 I think he's just making more problems for himself. 805 00:32:24,759 --> 00:32:27,260 - Yeah, but he's got to make that decision now. 806 00:32:27,354 --> 00:32:28,687 - Come on. Come on. 807 00:32:28,839 --> 00:32:31,264 ♪ ♪ 808 00:32:31,283 --> 00:32:33,433 So, at this point, I can't make this work. 809 00:32:33,527 --> 00:32:35,193 I have to abandon this. 810 00:32:35,287 --> 00:32:37,788 I keep the 1095 core 811 00:32:37,939 --> 00:32:41,959 And grab some 80crv2 and 15n20. 812 00:32:42,186 --> 00:32:43,943 Welding. 813 00:32:43,963 --> 00:32:46,538 - You think the best move is to scrap the billet he's got, 814 00:32:46,632 --> 00:32:48,298 Start over clean? 815 00:32:48,450 --> 00:32:50,208 - Yep. Bryan having so much steel, 816 00:32:50,360 --> 00:32:51,969 He might end up with a 26-inch boat anchor. 817 00:32:52,196 --> 00:32:53,528 - Oh, yeah. 818 00:32:53,547 --> 00:32:55,288 - But I can tell you it is gut-wrenching 819 00:32:55,307 --> 00:32:57,866 Being out on that floor and starting over. 820 00:32:57,884 --> 00:33:00,310 - Oh, no. What the [bleep]? 821 00:33:00,462 --> 00:33:02,980 I totally taco'd my blade. 822 00:33:03,131 --> 00:33:04,889 I think I'm gonna start over. - Really? 823 00:33:04,984 --> 00:33:06,799 - Oh, I know. 824 00:33:06,819 --> 00:33:07,892 - Moment of truth. 825 00:33:08,045 --> 00:33:09,486 ♪ ♪ 826 00:33:09,713 --> 00:33:12,305 I don't quit. It's not in my nature. 827 00:33:12,324 --> 00:33:16,159 It's gonna be messy, but by god, it's gonna happen. 828 00:33:16,311 --> 00:33:18,978 - Bladesmiths, listen up! You are halfway through! 829 00:33:18,998 --> 00:33:22,891 Four hours have elapsed! You have four hours remaining! 830 00:33:22,909 --> 00:33:24,167 - Once I have a good shape 831 00:33:24,394 --> 00:33:25,818 That I'm comfortable with on my sword, 832 00:33:25,912 --> 00:33:27,337 It's time for the quench. 833 00:33:27,564 --> 00:33:29,748 I'm very concerned about this nickel. 834 00:33:29,900 --> 00:33:33,493 I don't know how it's going to react in the quench tank. 835 00:33:33,512 --> 00:33:36,071 It could split open. 836 00:33:36,164 --> 00:33:37,830 - Kurt is already thermocycling. 837 00:33:37,850 --> 00:33:39,924 I think he's doing a pretty dang good job. 838 00:33:40,077 --> 00:33:41,518 - The only thing is, kurt's blade is so thin 839 00:33:41,745 --> 00:33:44,429 That as he's thermocycling, it's moving. 840 00:33:44,523 --> 00:33:46,931 It's changing. 841 00:33:47,026 --> 00:33:49,918 - Once I see that the blades all even color, 842 00:33:49,936 --> 00:33:51,603 I move over to the quench tank. 843 00:33:51,755 --> 00:33:55,014 ♪ ♪ 844 00:33:55,034 --> 00:33:56,274 - All right, kurt's quenched. 845 00:33:56,426 --> 00:33:58,426 ♪ ♪ 846 00:33:58,445 --> 00:33:59,444 - Good. 847 00:33:59,596 --> 00:34:00,779 ♪ ♪ 848 00:34:00,931 --> 00:34:02,447 I'm happy with what I have. 849 00:34:02,599 --> 00:34:07,602 ♪ ♪ 850 00:34:07,695 --> 00:34:09,604 - I know I have too much steel, 851 00:34:09,623 --> 00:34:12,440 But, I mean, it's a sword-like object. 852 00:34:12,459 --> 00:34:14,609 - Bryan is dealing with a billet that's so heavy, 853 00:34:14,628 --> 00:34:17,036 He has to use two hands to hold it. 854 00:34:17,056 --> 00:34:18,555 - I've been there, 855 00:34:18,706 --> 00:34:20,448 But I'm usually making something four times that size. 856 00:34:20,467 --> 00:34:22,450 - That's made to be a two-handed sword. 857 00:34:22,469 --> 00:34:23,468 - Yeah. 858 00:34:23,620 --> 00:34:24,969 - There's always a chance 859 00:34:25,122 --> 00:34:26,897 That something can go catastrophically wrong, 860 00:34:27,124 --> 00:34:30,383 And I can't start over at this point, 861 00:34:30,477 --> 00:34:32,143 And that is terrifying. 862 00:34:32,296 --> 00:34:34,387 ♪ ♪ 863 00:34:34,481 --> 00:34:36,648 - Bryan has quenched his blade. 864 00:34:36,742 --> 00:34:40,893 - I pull out a good straight, hard blade. 865 00:34:40,987 --> 00:34:42,821 I am really happy about that. 866 00:34:42,973 --> 00:34:44,322 ♪ ♪ 867 00:34:44,474 --> 00:34:47,309 Now that that's done, I've got no time to waste. 868 00:34:47,327 --> 00:34:48,326 I just got to keep moving. 869 00:34:48,478 --> 00:34:51,070 ♪ ♪ 870 00:34:51,090 --> 00:34:53,757 - I'm working on the grinder to get that medial ridge 871 00:34:53,984 --> 00:34:56,334 Going down the center of the blade. 872 00:34:56,428 --> 00:34:59,262 - That's four symmetrical grinds you got to do. 873 00:34:59,414 --> 00:35:00,822 - Yeah. - Yeah. Right. 874 00:35:00,841 --> 00:35:03,825 - If I end up winning this competition, 875 00:35:03,844 --> 00:35:05,994 Some of the money's probably gonna go 876 00:35:06,012 --> 00:35:07,178 To visiting family in florida. 877 00:35:07,272 --> 00:35:09,088 Being in alaska, 878 00:35:09,182 --> 00:35:11,924 I just don't get to see 'em as much as I would like to. 879 00:35:12,018 --> 00:35:14,185 So it really means a lot. 880 00:35:14,338 --> 00:35:15,928 - That's fantastic. 881 00:35:15,948 --> 00:35:18,340 - The medial ridge looks good, 882 00:35:18,358 --> 00:35:20,525 But that clock is ticking behind me. 883 00:35:20,677 --> 00:35:22,527 And I got to start working on my handle. 884 00:35:22,679 --> 00:35:24,529 ♪ ♪ 885 00:35:24,681 --> 00:35:26,790 - Bladesmiths, you have two hours remaining! 886 00:35:29,019 --> 00:35:30,943 - Oh. 887 00:35:31,037 --> 00:35:33,204 - This piece of metal is at least five pounds easy, 888 00:35:33,357 --> 00:35:35,966 And it's got to be down to two and a half, three, 889 00:35:36,193 --> 00:35:38,618 Or it's just gonna be too heavy. 890 00:35:38,637 --> 00:35:40,362 - This sword is kind of forward heavy 891 00:35:40,380 --> 00:35:42,139 Because it doesn't have a counterbalance. 892 00:35:42,366 --> 00:35:45,884 But that's when it has a normal size blade on it. 893 00:35:46,036 --> 00:35:48,052 When it has the blade that bryan's making on it, 894 00:35:48,205 --> 00:35:49,704 It's gonna be so forward heavy, 895 00:35:49,723 --> 00:35:51,556 It's gonna be very difficult to wield. 896 00:35:51,708 --> 00:35:54,209 - We've actually refused to test some blades 897 00:35:54,227 --> 00:35:55,986 Because they were too heavy. 898 00:35:56,213 --> 00:35:58,321 [sighs] the minute you pick up this weapon, 899 00:35:58,473 --> 00:36:01,658 I feel the stress on my wrist, my elbows, and my shoulder. 900 00:36:01,809 --> 00:36:04,719 - Nick, due to the extreme weight of your ikakalaka, 901 00:36:04,738 --> 00:36:06,905 We cannot move forward with testing. 902 00:36:07,057 --> 00:36:08,147 ♪ ♪ 903 00:36:08,241 --> 00:36:09,574 - Time's running out. 904 00:36:09,668 --> 00:36:12,002 I've got to get it to a more manageable thickness, 905 00:36:12,153 --> 00:36:15,655 But I haven't fit the handle pieces yet. 906 00:36:15,749 --> 00:36:17,174 So this is where I have 907 00:36:17,325 --> 00:36:19,083 To just concentrate on the handle, 908 00:36:19,236 --> 00:36:21,586 And I'm hoping that I can get it done. 909 00:36:21,738 --> 00:36:24,422 ♪ ♪ 910 00:36:24,516 --> 00:36:26,925 - Once all the handle material fits on the tang, 911 00:36:27,077 --> 00:36:28,760 I need a mechanical hold. 912 00:36:28,854 --> 00:36:32,004 Otherwise, it's going to come loose in the testing, 913 00:36:32,024 --> 00:36:33,523 And that would eliminate me. 914 00:36:33,750 --> 00:36:35,266 Welding. 915 00:36:35,360 --> 00:36:39,011 - It's good to see that, so far, our current champion, 916 00:36:39,031 --> 00:36:43,091 Kurt, is really doing well ahead of the game right now. 917 00:36:43,109 --> 00:36:44,426 - Mm-hmm. 918 00:36:44,444 --> 00:36:45,777 - That looks pretty good. 919 00:36:45,929 --> 00:36:47,779 I know that I still have a lot of shaping to do, 920 00:36:47,873 --> 00:36:49,614 And I still have to sharpen this entire blade, 921 00:36:49,766 --> 00:36:51,374 But I'm giving it my all, 922 00:36:51,601 --> 00:36:54,936 And I'm not gonna stop till the clock runs out. 923 00:36:54,955 --> 00:36:57,455 - Bladesmiths, you have 15 minutes! 924 00:36:57,607 --> 00:36:59,716 ♪ ♪ 925 00:36:59,943 --> 00:37:02,293 - No, no, no! [shouts indistinctly] 926 00:37:02,446 --> 00:37:04,370 Clock's ticking. I've got no time to waste. 927 00:37:04,389 --> 00:37:05,780 I've just got to keep moving. 928 00:37:05,799 --> 00:37:07,873 Now6 it's time to glue everything up. 929 00:37:07,968 --> 00:37:10,802 Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. 930 00:37:10,954 --> 00:37:12,470 - With all the work that bryan's got to do, 931 00:37:12,564 --> 00:37:14,305 He's really got to start kicking into another gear 932 00:37:14,399 --> 00:37:15,473 And get going. 933 00:37:15,625 --> 00:37:16,733 - We're in. 934 00:37:16,960 --> 00:37:18,476 - I've got the handle fit, and it works. 935 00:37:18,628 --> 00:37:20,962 But now I have a major gap. 936 00:37:21,055 --> 00:37:24,148 Worst everything I've ever done. 937 00:37:24,301 --> 00:37:26,243 I know I can't build a new piece for a spacer. 938 00:37:26,470 --> 00:37:28,470 I can't take it apart. The glue is setting. 939 00:37:28,563 --> 00:37:30,305 I don't have any more time. 940 00:37:30,323 --> 00:37:33,250 So I go and run and grab some roman duct tape. 941 00:37:33,477 --> 00:37:35,660 - [chuckles] - gap filler, there you go. 942 00:37:35,812 --> 00:37:37,236 - Hey, whatever works, man. 943 00:37:37,256 --> 00:37:38,813 - C'est la vie, mon ami. 944 00:37:38,832 --> 00:37:40,164 It's done. 945 00:37:40,317 --> 00:37:41,165 ♪ ♪ 946 00:37:41,260 --> 00:37:42,484 Time's running out. 947 00:37:42,577 --> 00:37:44,002 I've got to get an edge on this. 948 00:37:44,154 --> 00:37:45,503 ♪ ♪ 949 00:37:45,655 --> 00:37:50,492 - Five, four, three, two, one. 950 00:37:50,585 --> 00:37:52,343 Bladesmiths, put down your tools! 951 00:37:52,496 --> 00:37:55,346 Turn off your machines! This battle is over! 952 00:37:55,499 --> 00:37:56,998 ♪ ♪ 953 00:37:57,017 --> 00:38:00,110 - I definitely want to win this entire competition. 954 00:38:00,337 --> 00:38:03,947 I would be able to really advance my shop. 955 00:38:04,098 --> 00:38:06,357 The money would help me out. [chuckles] 956 00:38:06,510 --> 00:38:08,510 ♪ ♪ 957 00:38:08,603 --> 00:38:11,679 - Bladesmiths, welcome to the keal test. 958 00:38:11,773 --> 00:38:13,848 Kurt, you're up first. You ready? 959 00:38:13,867 --> 00:38:15,867 - Let's do it. - Let's do this. 960 00:38:16,019 --> 00:38:18,202 ♪ ♪ 961 00:38:18,355 --> 00:38:20,446 - If I win this one, I get another 5,000. 962 00:38:20,465 --> 00:38:23,783 But my concern is that thin edge 963 00:38:23,802 --> 00:38:25,785 And the blade developing a warp. 964 00:38:25,879 --> 00:38:27,712 That could send me home. 965 00:38:27,864 --> 00:38:30,265 ♪ ♪ 966 00:38:34,371 --> 00:38:35,478 - My blade is by no means perfect. 967 00:38:35,705 --> 00:38:38,222 My concern is the blade developing a warp. 968 00:38:38,317 --> 00:38:39,557 Hopefully it holds. 969 00:38:39,709 --> 00:38:46,489 ♪ ♪ 970 00:39:12,333 --> 00:39:14,851 - All right, kurt, let's talk about your spatha here. 971 00:39:15,002 --> 00:39:17,579 First up, the nickel that you have here 972 00:39:17,597 --> 00:39:20,673 And how you brought that out is eye-catching. 973 00:39:20,692 --> 00:39:22,341 It's almost like you got some lightning 974 00:39:22,435 --> 00:39:23,918 Going on in your blade. 975 00:39:23,937 --> 00:39:26,863 Now, your edge is wicked sharp, 976 00:39:27,014 --> 00:39:28,756 Penetrates very deep into this ballistics dummy 977 00:39:28,850 --> 00:39:30,925 And cuts the bones into that. 978 00:39:30,944 --> 00:39:33,853 Overall, sir, your weapon, it will keal. 979 00:39:33,872 --> 00:39:35,521 - Thank you, doug. 980 00:39:35,540 --> 00:39:36,931 - Bryan, your turn, sir. 981 00:39:36,950 --> 00:39:38,433 You ready? - Absolutely. 982 00:39:38,451 --> 00:39:39,951 - All right, let's do this. 983 00:39:40,103 --> 00:39:41,786 ♪ ♪ 984 00:39:41,938 --> 00:39:44,029 - I shaved five pounds off of that thing, 985 00:39:44,124 --> 00:39:45,773 And it was still heavy. 986 00:39:45,792 --> 00:39:49,201 So I'm a little concerned with how it will perform. 987 00:39:49,221 --> 00:39:51,462 I'm starting to get nervous here. 988 00:39:51,615 --> 00:39:58,061 ♪ ♪ 989 00:40:05,237 --> 00:40:07,478 - I cannot, no. 990 00:40:07,631 --> 00:40:08,905 ♪ ♪ 991 00:40:10,967 --> 00:40:17,705 ♪ ♪ 992 00:40:20,310 --> 00:40:21,901 Gentlemen, I think we have a problem here. 993 00:40:21,920 --> 00:40:26,481 When I'm swinging, all that forward weight is on my wrist. 994 00:40:26,499 --> 00:40:29,000 I can't wield it with one hand safely. 995 00:40:29,152 --> 00:40:31,243 ♪ ♪ 996 00:40:31,263 --> 00:40:32,987 I have to use two hands. 997 00:40:33,006 --> 00:40:34,505 - Did you do two-handed on the other blade? 998 00:40:34,658 --> 00:40:35,823 - On the last swing, 999 00:40:35,842 --> 00:40:39,510 But on all the moves, single-handed. 1000 00:40:39,663 --> 00:40:42,664 ♪ ♪ 1001 00:40:42,682 --> 00:40:44,348 - So there's a vote of no confidence? 1002 00:40:44,501 --> 00:40:45,516 - Yeah. 1003 00:40:45,669 --> 00:40:51,673 ♪ ♪ 1004 00:40:51,691 --> 00:40:53,508 - Well, bryan, we want to say thank you 1005 00:40:53,601 --> 00:40:54,842 For your hard work in the forge. 1006 00:40:54,936 --> 00:40:56,602 You have absolutely zero quit in you. 1007 00:40:56,621 --> 00:40:59,605 But, unfortunately, due to the sheer weight of your blade, 1008 00:40:59,624 --> 00:41:02,533 Doug is unable to safely wield it without using two hands. 1009 00:41:02,627 --> 00:41:04,535 So, for those reasons, I'm gonna have to ask you 1010 00:41:04,688 --> 00:41:06,354 To please step off the forge floor. 1011 00:41:06,372 --> 00:41:07,872 - Fair enough. Thank you. 1012 00:41:08,024 --> 00:41:09,874 ♪ ♪ 1013 00:41:10,026 --> 00:41:11,209 Oh, I agree with what the judges had to say. 1014 00:41:11,361 --> 00:41:12,952 It was too heavy. 1015 00:41:12,971 --> 00:41:15,029 Initially, I thought if I picked something difficult 1016 00:41:15,048 --> 00:41:16,714 Like go mai, 1017 00:41:16,866 --> 00:41:19,642 It'd be more difficult for kurt, and instead, it bit me. 1018 00:41:19,869 --> 00:41:21,644 So I'm not in the competition anymore, 1019 00:41:21,796 --> 00:41:24,722 But, kurt, keep it up and give 'em hell, buddy. 1020 00:41:24,874 --> 00:41:26,390 ♪ ♪ 1021 00:41:26,485 --> 00:41:27,800 - Well, kurt, 1022 00:41:27,819 --> 00:41:29,486 You are a two-time gladiator of the forge. 1023 00:41:29,637 --> 00:41:34,215 Now you're at $10,000, going for that $75,000. 1024 00:41:34,308 --> 00:41:36,234 Congratulations. - Thank you, gentlemen. 1025 00:41:36,386 --> 00:41:37,494 I just won the second 1026 00:41:37,645 --> 00:41:40,221 "gladiator of the forge" competition. 1027 00:41:40,314 --> 00:41:41,498 - Now we got a question for you. 1028 00:41:41,725 --> 00:41:44,726 After two eight-hour brutal competitions, 1029 00:41:44,744 --> 00:41:45,910 You think you still have what it takes 1030 00:41:46,062 --> 00:41:47,670 To go in for a third battle? 1031 00:41:47,897 --> 00:41:49,339 - Oh, I'm going right back in there. 1032 00:41:49,566 --> 00:41:51,582 - Oh, absolutely. Well done. - Thank you. 1033 00:41:51,735 --> 00:41:53,325 ♪ ♪ 1034 00:41:53,345 --> 00:41:55,586 It wasn't how I wanted to win, 1035 00:41:55,739 --> 00:41:59,407 But I absolutely want to make it to all ten challenges 1036 00:41:59,500 --> 00:42:00,850 And be the victor of them all. 1037 00:42:01,077 --> 00:42:03,186 So I'm absolutely ready for another win. 1038 00:42:03,337 --> 00:42:05,596 Get out there and do it all over again. 1039 00:42:05,749 --> 00:42:12,654 ♪ ♪