Ep 1. The Rhomphaia

In season 5 episode 1 of Forged in Fire, titled "The Rhomphaia", four skilled bladesmiths come together to compete in a fierce competition to forge the best blade possible. The Rhomphaia, a sword with a curved blade originating from the ancient Thracians, is the weapon of choice for this episode.

The first round puts the bladesmiths to the test as they are given just three hours to craft a blade from scratch using only raw materials and their own expertise. The judges scrutinize every aspect of the blades, from the sharpness of the edge to the balance of the weapon and the overall craftsmanship.

In the second round, the remaining three contestants are given five days to fully create and finish their Rhomphaia swords. They are allowed access to powerful machinery and advanced techniques to help them in their quest to create the perfect sword. The judges make sure to evaluate each blade not only on its effectiveness in battle, but also on its beauty and historical accuracy.

As the blades are put through rigorous tests to measure their strength and durability, the bladesmiths' skills are tested to the fullest. They must balance the competing demands of creating a weapon that is both functional and beautiful, while also remaining true to the ancient forging methods of the Rhomphaia. The contestants battle it out, using their own unique styles and techniques to try and create the best Rhomphaia possible.

Ultimately, only one bladesmith will be named the winner of the competition and take home the prize of $10,000. But for each contestant, the experience of stepping into the forge and battling to create a legendary weapon like the Rhomphaia will be one they never forget.