Ep 17. The Kpinga

In Forged in Fire season 4 episode 17, titled "The Kpinga," four bladesmiths compete in a fierce forging competition to create one of Africa's deadliest throwing knives, the kpinga. The kpinga is a unique weapon with a crescent-shaped blade, commonly used by the Azande tribe of Sudan and Congo.

The episode begins with the bladesmiths first receiving a piece of railroad track from which they must forge their blade. They then have to shape the steel into a blade and add a handle. However, the process is not as simple as it sounds. The competitors are working against time, and there is a lot of heat and sparks flying around.

After finishing their blades, they are tested for strength and durability. The blades are struck with a hammer to assess how much force they are able to withstand. The weakest blade is eliminated, and the three remaining competitors move on to the next round.

In the second round, the bladesmiths are given four hours to add details to their blades to make them more effective as throwing knives. They must add balance and aerodynamics to their blades and ensure that they are sharp enough to penetrate the target. The competitors put their skills to the test and try out their knives on a wooden target in the forge. The knives are then judged based on their accuracy and effectiveness in accomplishing their designated task.

In the final round, the remaining two bladesmiths must create a kpinga, the final product. This round presents its own set of challenges as it requires the bladesmiths to create a very specific weapon with unique characteristics. The completed kpingas are then judged on their functionality, balance, and overall aesthetic appeal.

The last two competitors must take their kpingas and use them to slice a watermelon in half. They must prove that their kpinga can penetrate and slice through the tough outer layer of the watermelon, as well as the softer inside.

Finally, the bladesmiths present their kpingas to the judges, who assess their handiwork and make their final decision. In the end, one of the bladesmiths emerges as the winner, taking home a cash prize and the title of Forged in Fire champion.

Overall, Forged in Fire season 4 episode 17 is an exciting and informative episode that showcases the skills of four talented bladesmiths. The episode presents a unique challenge, as the kpinga is not a weapon that is commonly seen or known in the western world. It is interesting to see the different approaches and techniques that the bladesmiths use to create a weapon that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The judges provide insightful feedback throughout the episode, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of each blade and providing valuable information for viewers who may be interested in learning more about the art of bladesmithing.