Ep 3. Dual Swords

Forged in Fire: Beat the Judges is an American reality television series that premiered on the History Channel in 2020. The show features former champions of the original Forged in Fire series who now serve as judges, such as J. Neilson, David Baker, and Doug Marcaida. The contestants are expert bladesmiths from across the country who compete against one another in a series of challenges to create the best blades possible, with the winner receiving a cash prize and the title of champion.

Season 1, Episode 3 of Forged in Fire: Beat the Judges is titled Dual Swords. The episode begins with the four contestants meeting at the forge, where the judges reveal that they will be creating not one, but two swords in this challenge. The bladesmiths are given a limited amount of time to craft their blades, with the judges keeping a close eye on their progress.

In the first challenge, the contestants are tasked with creating a traditional Japanese katana, which is known for its curved blade and long handle. The judges provide the bladesmiths with a piece of high carbon steel and challenge them to forge the blade in the traditional Japanese style, which involves folding the steel multiple times to create a strong and durable blade.

As the contestants work to create their katanas, they face a number of obstacles, including difficulties with the welding process, problems with the forge, and time constraints. The judges offer advice and feedback throughout the process, pushing the bladesmiths to refine their techniques and create the best blades possible.

Once the katanas are complete, the bladesmiths move on to the second challenge, which involves creating a second sword of their choice. The judges provide a variety of materials for the contestants to choose from, including high carbon steel, brass, and titanium, and challenge them to create a unique and creative sword that showcases their skill and creativity.

As the second challenge progresses, the judges continue to offer advice and feedback, pushing the bladesmiths to push their boundaries and create something truly special. The contestants face a number of challenges along the way, including problems with the heat treatment process, difficulties with the grinding and polishing process, and issues with the handle and guard construction.

In the final round of the competition, the judges put the blades to the test in a series of rigorous tests. They test the sharpness and edge retention of the katanas by cutting through a variety of materials, including rope, leather, and bamboo. They then move on to the second swords, testing their durability and strength by smashing them against a wooden block.

As the tests progress, the bladesmiths watch anxiously, hoping their blades will hold up to the judges' expectations. In the end, one bladesmith emerges as the clear winner, impressing the judges with their skill, creativity, and attention to detail.

Overall, season 1, episode 3 of Forged in Fire: Beat the Judges is an exciting and engaging episode that showcases the incredible skill and creativity of the bladesmiths. With a challenging set of tasks and an impressive array of blades on display, this episode is sure to entertain and amaze viewers of all backgrounds and interests.