Ep 14. The Horseman's Axe

In Forged in Fire season 5 episode 14, titled The Horseman's Axe, four skilled bladesmiths compete to show off their forging abilities in the hopes of winning $10,000. Each contestant must forge a fully functional, battle-ready axe inspired by the horseman's axe used by powerful cavalrymen throughout history.

The episode begins with host and judge Wil Willis introducing the contestants and their backgrounds. In this episode, we get to meet Alex, a former auto mechanic from New York; Ben, a professional bladesmith from Texas; Mark, a blacksmith from Vermont; and Ron, a retired Navy veteran from Ohio.

The first round of competition, the blade round, begins, and each contestant has just three hours to forge the blade of their axes. They all use different techniques and styles to shape their blades, but it quickly becomes apparent that some are struggling more than others. Each blade must be tested for strength and durability, which provides some moments of tension as we see some of the blades fail under pressure.

Next, the remaining contestants move into the second round, the handle round. With just two hours on the clock, they must fashion a handle that will complement the blade and deliver maximum impact. The competitors use wood, leather, and other materials to create a handle that not only looks good, but also provides optimum grip and balance.

After a grueling day of forging, two finalists are chosen: Ben and Ron. They must now return to their home forges to complete their axes, using all of the knowledge and skills they've acquired throughout the competition to create a weapon fit for a horseman.

In the final round, the two finalists head back to the forge to perfect their axes. They only have five days to complete the weapon, and they both take different approaches to the task. Ben focuses on perfecting the details, while Ron opts for a strong and durable design.

The final products are then put through a series of grueling tests to determine the winner. The axes are tested on their sharpness, cutting power, and durability. The winner will receive the grand prize of $10,000 and bragging rights as the best bladesmith of the episode.

Without giving anything away, The Horseman's Axe is an intense episode that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire competition. The forging process is fascinating to watch, and the final product is nothing short of impressive. Fans of the show and newcomers alike will enjoy this episode as it showcases the best bladesmithing has to offer.