Ep 7. Hollywood's Deadliest Weapon

In season 1 episode 7 of Savage Builds, titled "Hollywood's Deadliest Weapon", host Adam Savage takes on the challenge of creating a real-life version of an iconic movie weapon. Savage is joined by special effects expert Chad Houseknecht as they attempt to bring to life the retractable wrist blade used by the character Bishop in the movie Aliens.

The episode begins with Savage and Houseknecht discussing the design and mechanics of the wrist blade, noting that it would need to be able to retract and extend without the use of electronics in order to stay true to the movie. They begin by working on a prototype, using a 3D printer to create a basic model of the blade and its retracting mechanism.

Once they have a working prototype, Savage and Houseknecht begin refining the design, working to make it more robust and durable. They experiment with different materials for the blade itself, as well as the mechanism used to retract it, testing each one to ensure it can withstand the force needed to deploy the blade.

As the build progresses, Savage and Houseknecht face several unexpected challenges. They discover that the blade, once deployed, is difficult to retract due to the force required to hold it in place. They also find that the blade is unwieldy once extended, making it difficult to control and maneuver.

Despite these challenges, Savage and Houseknecht press on, experimenting with various mechanisms and materials until they find the right combination. They also work on a custom harness that will allow a wearer to deploy and retract the blade with ease, just like in the movie.

The episode culminates in a test of the finished product, with Savage strapping on the wrist blade and demonstrating its functionality. He shows off how it can be deployed with a flick of the wrist and retracted just as quickly. He also demonstrates its durability, using it to slice through various objects including a watermelon and a metal pipe.

Overall, "Hollywood's Deadliest Weapon" is a fascinating look at the process of creating a functional prop from a fictional movie world. Savage and Houseknecht's expertise in special effects and engineering are on full display as they work through the challenges of bringing the wrist blade to life. Fans of movie props and special effects will definitely want to check out this episode of Savage Builds.