Ep 5. Forging Excalibur

In Savage Builds season 1 episode 5 titled "Forging Excalibur," host Adam Savage sets out to create one of the most famous swords in history: King Arthur's Excalibur.

To make this happen, Savage enlists the help of a renowned blacksmith named Tony Swatton, who is known for creating weapons for Hollywood movies and TV shows. Together, Savage and Swatton embark on a journey to craft a sword that not only looks the part, but also has the strength and durability to withstand real combat.

The episode begins with Savage and Swatton discussing the myth and legend surrounding Excalibur, which was said to be a magical sword with supernatural powers. Savage is determined to create a sword that matches the myth, and begins by sketching out a design for the sword.

Once the design is complete, Swatton takes over and begins to forge the sword. He uses a combination of traditional and modern techniques to create the intricate details and unique shape of the sword. The process is lengthy and labor-intensive, but the end result is an impressive work of art.

As the sword begins to take shape, Savage begins to focus on the next aspect of the project - testing the sword's strength and durability. To do this, he enlists the help of a professional swordsman named Dave Rawlings, who is considered one of the best in the world.

Rawlings puts the sword through its paces, testing its strength by cutting through various objects such as watermelons and sandbags. The results are impressive - the sword is strong enough to cut through almost anything. But Savage isn't satisfied yet; he wants to test the sword in a real combat scenario.

To do this, he travels to England to participate in a medieval combat reenactment. Armed with his newly forged Excalibur, Savage takes to the battlefield to face off against other reenactors. The fight is intense, and Savage quickly realizes just how difficult it is to wield a sword in real combat.

Despite the challenges, Savage is determined to prove that his sword is more than just a work of art - it's a powerful weapon that can hold its own in battle. And thanks to the skills of Swatton and the expertise of Rawlings, he is able to do just that.

Overall, Savage Builds season 1 episode 5 is a thrilling and inspiring look at the art of blacksmithing and sword-making. With its combination of historical research, expert craftsmanship, and real-world testing, it's a must-watch for anyone interested in medieval weapons or the art of forging.