Ep 29. The Steel Crossbow

In Forged in Fire season 5 episode 29, titled "The Steel Crossbow," four bladesmiths compete to create the strongest, sharpest, and most beautiful crossbow bolts. The episode begins with a quick rundown of the rules of the competition and introduces the judges. Then, the forge competition begins, with the bladesmiths having to create their weapons in a limited amount of time using various materials.

The first round of competition involves creating the blade of the crossbow bolt. The bladesmiths use different types of steel, such as high carbon steel or damascus steel, to create their blades. They use hammering and grinding techniques to forge the steel into the desired shape. The judges evaluate the blades for their strength and sharpness.

Once the blades are complete, the contestants move on to the second round, which involves creating the shaft of the crossbow bolt. The materials used for the shaft are typically wood or composite materials. The bladesmiths must create a shaft that is sturdy enough to withstand the immense force of the crossbow firing while also being aerodynamic.

In the third and final round, the contestants must assemble their crossbow bolts and attach the blades to the shafts. This round requires precision and attention to detail, as the blades need to be securely fastened to the shafts to avoid any mishaps.

After the weapons are complete, the judges carefully evaluate each crossbow bolt, taking into consideration factors such as accuracy, penetration power, and durability. One by one, the bolts are tested on a target, with the judges examining the results closely.

In the end, only one bladesmith is declared the winner, receiving a cash prize and the coveted title of Forged in Fire champion. This episode showcases the skills and dedication of the contestants as they strive to create the ultimate steel crossbow bolt.