Ep 1. Champion Edition

In Forged in Fire season 3 episode 1, titled "Champion Edition," four previous champions of the show return to compete against each other for the ultimate title of “Forged in Fire Grand Champion.” The contestants include Ben Abbott, Chris Farrell, Jason Knight, and Ryker Gamble, all of whom have won past episodes and proved their skills in blacksmithing.

The contestants are tasked with creating a blade that can withstand the extreme pressure test, where the weapon is subjected to unpredictable and harsh conditions that test its durability and strength. The judges, who are famous bladesmiths in their own right, scrutinize every detail of the contestants' work, from the choice of materials to the blade's thickness and shape.

In this episode, the blade that the contestants create must be a weapon that can be used in a gladiatorial combat, and it must also exhibit creativity and aesthetic appeal. In addition, the blade must be tested through rigorous examinations that put the weapon through different challenges such as rope-cutting and watermelon-chopping.

The competitors must use their skills, knowledge, and creativity to come up with the perfect blade. They often utilize different strategies and techniques to achieve their objective and show off their metalworking abilities. They also undergo different rounds of testing that push their weapons to the limits.

The judges assess each weapon for its ability to perform under pressure, the quality of the blade edge, and the weapon's overall functionality. They take into account the contestant's creativity in crafting the blade and their ability to take on the various challenges.

The competition is intense and fierce, and each contestant is determined to prove that they are the best. The final outcome is determined by a few things, such as the quality of the blade, the contestant's ability to handle and use the weapon, and the judges' overall assessment.

Through it all, there's an innate respect for craftsmanship and beauty, along with the desire to create the ultimate weapon worthy of the "Forged in Fire Grand Champion" honor. With highly skilled champions competing against each other, the Champion Edition of Forged in Fire season 3 episode 1 is sure to be an exciting display of blacksmith artistry and skill.