List of Forged in Fire episodes

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

• Note: Kim is the show's first female contestant.

Results:  1. Craig Camerer   2. Jeff Bridgers   3. Kim Stahl   4. Harry Harkins 

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

These four contestants, all champions from previous seasons, were invited to compete again. The winner received an additional $10,000 and the title "Champion of Champions".

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

These four contestants from previous seasons were invited to compete again based on fans' reaction to their initial performance.

Judges: Jason Knight, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Jason Knight, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Kelly Vermeer-Vella was the first woman to win her episode.

Judges: Jason Knight, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Jason Knight, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Jason Knight, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Jason Knight, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Jason Knight, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Jason Knight, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Jason Knight, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

These four contestants, all champions from previous seasons, were invited to compete again. The winner received an additional $10,000 and the title "Champion of Champions".

Judges: Jason Knight, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Jason Knight, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Jason Knight, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Jason Knight, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Jason Knight, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

This episode featured contestants eliminated from previous episodes returning for a chance at redemption.

Judges: Jason Knight, J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

These four contestants from previous seasons, each chosen by one of the four judges, were invited to compete again.

Judges: Jason Knight, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Jason Knight, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Jason Knight, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Jason Knight, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

These four contestants from previous seasons were invited to compete again based on fans' reaction to their initial performance.

Judges: Jason Knight, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Jason Knight, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

This episode featured contestants eliminated from previous episodes returning for a chance at redemption.

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Four master/apprentice pairs competed in this episode. When Jesse withdrew at the end of the first round because of a family emergency, Zack was allowed to continue on his own.

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

 1. J.W. Randall 

 2. Julien Maniglier 

 3. Guillermo Mendoza 

 4. Michal Sielicki 

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Five champions from previous episodes were invited to compete again. Raymond Smith was eliminated based on the results of a preliminary test performed on blades that they forged ahead of time.

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Sometimes listed as E99.

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

This episode followed the same structure as the "Ultimate Champions Edition" in Season 4, with five smiths who were inspired to take up the craft after watching the show.

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Master and apprentice pairs competed together. Each pair was required to alternate who worked on the blade at any given time.

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

This four-part invitational tournament is the first time four bladesmiths competing on an episode have the same background.

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

The winner received $50,000.

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Tim Miller's brother came in second in S5 E12.

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Round 1 was outdoors.

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

The contestants were not allowed the use of the drill presses in rounds 1 and 2. They had to drift the required hole in the knife and do a wrap to secure their scales.

Judges: J. Neilson, Ben Abbott, Doug Marcaida

Seven non-winners from seasons 4 and 5 competed over two episodes for $20,000. In "Long Road to Redemption Part 1", seven returning non-winners competed outside using coal forges. One is eliminated before they go inside for testing, and one is eliminated after testing. The remaining five contestants are given 2 days in their home forges to make the "perfect chopper," after which a third contestant is eliminated.

Judges: J. Neilson, Ben Abbott, Doug Marcaida

Seven non-winners from seasons 4 and 5 competed over two episodes for $20,000. In "Long Road to Redemption Part 2", four remaining blacksmiths compete and at last, the two finalists choose which swords they will make at their home forges. Unlike previous seasons, the finalists were only given 4 days in their home forges.

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

The winner received $50,000.

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Round 1 was outdoors in the snow using coal forges.

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Contestants had 2 hours in round 2 starting with this episode.

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

In round 1, four bladesmiths are asked to replicate a "parameter-heavy" mystery blade in just two hours. Neither the weapon nor the weapon tests are revealed. For round 2, the three remaining smiths are tasked with adding wooden handles to what is unveiled to be a gunstock war club. Two finalists go head-to-head at their home forges to fabricate General Patton's sabre.

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Contestants were given a choice of 5 knife styles and had to combine the blade from one and the handle from another.

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Ricardo Vilar was a judge on the Latin American version of Forged in Fire.

Each style of bowie had a different set of parameters:

• Old style: Simple block of steel, power tools could not be used, framed handle with straight guard.
• New style: Damascus steel, power tools could be used, acid-etched handle with two guards.

Results:  1. Forrest Ketner (Baby Boomers)   2. Caleb Ledford (Gen Z)   3. Zach Batanyan (Gen Z)   4. Jimmy Pool (Baby Boomers) 

In a reversal of sorts, the smiths created the titanium handles in the first round before forging the dagger blades in the second. To accommodate for this, the forges and power tools were made available in both rounds, a first for the show.

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Jennifer's husband Jody was on S5 E39.

Four champions from previous episodes were invited to participate in this episode. After competing against each other, the winner challenged one of the judges, a veteran weapon recreation bladesmith. In the final round, Collin Sage competed and won against judge David Baker in a side-by-side duel in the studio forge.

In the "pay-to-play" competition, the competitors used money to buy metal and materials.

Event 1: Signature blades (using W1 steel & railroad spikes)
Event 2: Damascus-layered Throwing knives

Event 3: Greek Xiphos
Event 4: Choice of Kachin Dao (5 points), Katzbalger (10 points), Kora sword (15 points), Ngombe Ngulu (20 points)

The "Case American Heroes Knife Series" consists of the "Lamb Hunter" – SGM Kyle Lamb, Army; "The Hambone" – SGT Clint Romesha, Army; "The Skinner" – Kevin Holland, Navy & Army; "Recurve Utility #6" – Harry Bologna, Navy.

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

In the Brute de forge challenge, the blade is forged to shape, not ground.

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

In the "Perfect Timing" challenge, smiths must choose between different forging techniques, each with its own time limit. The round 1 options included:

• 4 hours: Stacked canister Damascus (no one)
• 3 hours: Ladder pattern Damascus (Jordan, Jesse, Marcus)
• 2 hours: Railroad spike San Mai (Eric)
• 1 hour: Large ball bearing (no one)

In round 2, smiths had the choice of handle construction that would determine how much time they had in this round:

• 2 hours: Handle, guard, and mosaic pin (no one)
• 90 minutes: Handle plus guard (Marcus)
• 1 hour: Handle scales only (Jordan, Jesse)

In keeping with the "Beat the clock" theme, the smiths were only give 3 days in the home forges during round 3.

Results:  1. Jordan Kepler   2. Jesse Overton   3. Marcus Wise   4. Eric Alrecht 

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

The "Flip the Script" challenge involved the contestants deciding amongst themselves the type of blade they would make and all other parameters, including handle material. They were not allowed to choose a monosteel construction. The parameters decided on were:

• Blade type: Bowie
• Blade length: 10"
• Total length: 15"
• Blade width: 2"
• Construction: Go mai
• Handle construction: Two materials, G10 and ironwood
• Other: They must include a lanyard loop

Results:  1. Adam Coonradt   2. Alex Morris   3. Charlie Bridges   4. Scott Bragg 

The contestants are asked to make a San Mai blade. To keep with the mystery theme, the contestants not only have to figure out for themselves what kind of steel they have, but also have to contend with an "invisible clock" for the first round, only relying on time callouts from Grady. In the final round, weapons are tested in the "forge of mystery" which contains various mysterious materials for testing.

For the first time on Forged In Fire history, eight former competitors head back to the forge for a second chance at $10,000. Two smiths who suffered catastrophic failures face-off while two smiths who failed to turn in blades in time get another shot to beat the clock. The winner of each 5-hour duel received $2,000 and a place in the final round of the tournament.

Duel 1: "Tough Breaks" bracket results:  1. James Mays (S6 E30)   2. Steve Wells (S7 E30) 

The Second Chance Tournament continues with the remaining duels. Two runner-up smiths battle it out in the forge to prove they have what it takes to be number one. Then two more smiths whose blades failed to make it to testing compete to get their weapons into the hands of the judges.

Duel 3: "Runner-up" bracket results:  1. Michael Seronde (S6 E6)   2. Rick Rabjohn (S5 E33)  

After winning their duels, the four remaining smiths go all out in the final round—creating a san mai chopper from a ball bearing and steel from a backhoe bucket. Two smiths survive to recreate a weapon from a past Forged in Fire episode (S5, E5), the Flyssa.

In round 1, four smiths cut through steel cages (representing a WWE Hell in a Cell steel cage match) to retrieve 1095 and 15N20 steel plates used for their signature blades. In round 2, three smiths made handles from wooden weapons seen in WWE wrestling matches. The winner of round 3 received $10,000 and a WWE championship title belt. WWE Hall of Famer "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair makes a special guest appearance.

Using tools forged from pieces of mild steel, the smiths must retrieve high carbon steel ball bearings from ice blocks to make their ulus that were used by the Inuit in arctic climates for centuries. The smiths have to recreate their blades in an "arctic forge" in 27 degrees fahrenheit.

For rounds 1 and 2, smiths get to gamble in the Forge Casino's game of cards in order to determine what type of challenge they get. In round 3, the two remaining smiths press their luck by spinning the "Wheel of Forging" to see what type of weapon to create. If they don't like where they land on the first spin, they can spin again, but in doing so, they will lose two hours of their total time at their home forges.

In round 1, smiths are tasked with making a signature Damascus san mai blade with a 80CrV2 steel core inside a 1095 and 15N20 steel Damascus "sandwich". Round 2 showcased handle construction using two different materials on both sides of the blade. The remaining two smiths craft a pair of Ginunting swords at their home forges in round 3.

The episode honors Korean bladesmithing heritage. In round 1, four smiths are assigned to forge a Korean hwando sword. For the first time in the show's history, the blades are not oil quenched, but water quenched, complementing the episode's yin and yang fire and water theme. The display piece was crafted by Forged in Fire season 7 episode 14 ("A Very Forged Christmas") champion and Korean-American Boyd Ritter, who also narrates the animated historical description of the weapon. For round 2, three contestants must add handles to their weapons, with a habaki being furnished. Round 3 sends the two finalists to their home forges to craft a Korean woldo polearm.

Before round 1 begins, the four bladesmiths choose from four tiers of challenges, using various steel types and forging difficulties presented to them on a table. Their choice also carries into the handle round. The smith's choices (in the order as called to pick) include:

• Caleb – Round 1: Fish hook canister; Round 2: Cast guard and pommel; Medium difficulty
• Colin – Round 1: Turkish twist damascus; Round 2: G10 handle; Hardest difficulty
• Tony – Round 1: Cube and stack canister; Round 2: 2-tone handle and mosaic pins; Hard difficulty
• Cody – Round 1: 100+ layer pattern damascus; Round 2: Keyhole guard and handle; Easy difficulty

Results:  1. Tony Bravo   2. Colin Roy   3. Caleb Peck   4. Cody Kruseman 

The episode pays tribute to some of the most iconic terrifying horror scenes in cinematic history. In round 1, four bladesmiths are tasked in constructing weapons from metal items hanging on a "Wall of Torture" tools. In round 2, the remaining three smiths make handles from wooden tools found inside vampire hunting kits. A notable test for round three's fireman's axe was the "Horror Door Chop" strength test. The axes are used to chop through a door with "FORGED" written backwards in red along the central door frame rail. Both the axe chop and the backwards red lettering are references to the 1980 film The Shining.

The smiths go through the "Pick of the Barrel" Challenge: a barrel with five different sources of mild steel (chains, pry bars, hammers, railroad spikes and horseshoes) attached to iron poles sticking out of the barrel. But what they can't see is what's actually inside the barrel. Attached to the poles are five different high-carbon steel which they have to make a blade out of. The easier the mild steel pick, the harder the high-carbon steel will be to use, and vice versa.

Eight military veterans who competed in The Forge are brought back for this season's Armed Forces Redeployment Tournament. This time, some of the best bladesmiths and toughest American warriors battle it out in four head-to-head duels. Eight former competitors and U.S. service members will be redeployed to The Forge, building a blade from start to finish in one five-hour round. During the duels, the bladesmiths pick 1 out of 5 different knife handles that are sticking out of an ammo crate. Attached to those handles are five unique blades from U.S. military history that the competitors must copy. The winner of each duel will take home a check for $2,000 and earn themselves a seat in the final battle of the tournament where they will face tough competition for a chance of winning $10,000 and the ever-coveted title of "Forged in Fire Champion".

Duel 1: "E-4" bracket results:  1. Garrett Elting (Corporal; Marines) (S6 E12)   2. Robert Guest (Specialist; Army) (S6 E4) 

Duel 3: "Champions" bracket results:  1. Ethan Lee (Navy) (S6 E6)   2. Mike Rizzo (Army) (S8 E1) 

In round 1, four bladesmiths, each winners of their respective duels, are tasked with creating their favorite combat blades. The blades are to be made from ball bearings, bandsaw blades, and fish hooks into a canister Damascus billet. Unfortunately, canisters are out of stock for the competition. Therefore, replica 1914 bazooka tubes are chopped up into needed canisters. Stacked leather handle parameters are added for round 2. For the final round, the two remaining bladesmiths recreate the "Ames" Cavalry Saber at their home forges.

In this special episode, the Judges; J, Dave, Doug, and Ben have a change not only to critique contestants blades, but create their very own challenge...in the Judges Takeover. For the first time in Forged In Fire history, in the next four weeks, the Judges will takeover The Forge by having the bladesmiths create their favorite weapons in their style and their favorite techniques. The Judges even get to test them out in the most brutal of tests.

First up was Doug Marcaida who trained U.S. and Philippines RECON Marines with a Filipino Ginunting knife which the "Kortada" is designed from.

In this special episode, Forged In Fire brought back four of the series youngest bladesmiths to ever win the competition. These Champions age range from 18 as the youngest and 20 as the oldest to victory. Once again, these "Young Guns" will test their bladesmithing skills in The Forge and possibly be a two-time Forged In Fire Champion, a title first held by judge Ben Abbott. And for the first time in the show's history, all four smiths advanced to Round 2 and added handles to their signature blades. Handles were made from skateboard wood. After the handles were added and blades were tested, Round 2 saw a double elimination.

Week 2 of the "Judges Takeover" is presented and led by Ben Abbott. Ben tasks the bladesmiths with forging a billhook, using pure nickel. As its first-time appearance on the show, nickel is to be used in a go mai (or "five layer") forging technique. In Round 2, the handle round, Ben wants the smiths to use a wood of their choice and incorporate a ferrule. For Round 3, Ben assigns the contestants to replicate the Sutton Hoo sword, which Ben also showcased and fabricated in season 8's "Judges' Home Forge Battle" special episode.

• Note: The episode is dedicated to Ben Abbott's late father, Peter Abbott (1923–2016).

Results:  1. Josh Adams   2. Jarred Irby   3. Paul Elkins   4. Clayton Martin 

This episode takes a look at the darker side of history. Bladesmiths have to forge weapons from a deadly device from the French Revolution. Those who make it to the final round must create a sword of death.

This week's "Judges Takeover" features J. Neilson, who challenges the smiths to recreate his serpentine push dagger designed and fabricated specifically for the episode. With the canister Damascus technique being used, Neilson also adds the stipulation that the canister must be removed. For a Round 2 parameter, Judge Neilson wants the contestants to use burl wood for the handle.

This episode gives tribute to NASCAR in what is dubbed a "layer race". Four smiths are assigned to make a signature blade, forging the metal with as many damascus layers as possible in 3 hours. The smith that can forge a blade with the most layers gets an additional 30 minutes to their time in the handle round.

The final week of "Judges Takeover", week 4, is presented and led by Dave Baker. In Round 1, Judge Baker requests the smiths to make a fantasy seax inspired by the iconic weapons in fantasy films of the 1980s. For the handle round, Dave's parameters include adding a button guard and an antler crown.

Rounds 1 and 2 are merged into one 5-hour fabricating round, the "Impress Us Challenge", which includes both metal forging and handle crafting. The contestants are able to use any metal composition (e.g. 15N20, 5160, 1095) from any source (e.g. bars, cables, coil springs) they choose to make their signature blade with any technique they desire. Anything found in the handle "pantry" is open to the smith's taking as well. The bladesmith that impresses the judges most at the end of the "Impress Us Challenge" is automatically eligible for the final round while the other three blades undergo testing. After testing, one smith will move on to the final round, with the other two contestants going home in a double elimination. Brandon's chopper-type blade impressed the judges most. Grant wins the testing sequence as both Chris and Evan are eliminated.

In honor and celebration of the show's fans and its 200th competition milestone, four bladesmiths fabricate weapons from fans' votes on various aspects of Forged in Fire—blade type and design, materials, forging techniques, challenges, and tests.

• Round 1: The contestants must craft a kukri, which was decided by the fans' high 41% vote. Non-winning weapon options included a karambit and tomahawk. The kukri unveiled and showcased for the round was handcrafted by the season 1, episode 1 champion, Matthew Parkinson. Fans also voted 69% for a 200-layer Damascus. ("Salvaging steel from a dump truck" and "salvaging steel from heavy machinery & equipment" were the other material options.) Since Jimmy and Chris each forge exactly 200-layer Damascus blades per the fans' vote-winning parameter, both smiths get 30 minutes added to their times for Round 2.
• Round 2: Utilizing the 200th episode theme, fans voted 50% for a 3-pin mosaic with the numbers 2-0-0 within the 3 pins, respectively, and designed into their handles. The non-winning challenges were "Etch '200' into blade" and "Salvage material from strength tests". In the testing portion of the round, fans voted 38% for the "Ice Block Chop" strength test. A "Rope Slice" with flaming rope was requested for the sharpness test.
• Round 3: Bladesmiths are tasked with crafting a Darb Sri Gun Chai (45% fan vote) in 4 days. Other choices included the spadroon and hunga munga. In honor of the "KEAL" test, two of the judges' favorite ballistic gel dummies—Medusa and Dummy of the North—are slashed and beheaded. Next, a strength test incorporated the fan favorite "Skull Chop" with 6 animal skulls. Last, but not least, the blades were evaluated against a "Multiple Target Slice" sharpness test consisting of ballistics tubes, sand-filled tubes, watermelons, and plastic water-filled jugs.

Results:  1. Chris Moss   2. Jimmy Coronado   3. Michael Bizark   4.〈Tim Jane ("TJ")〉 

Three bladesmiths create their signature blades in a single 5-hour round labeled the "Rust Bucket". During the 5 hours, rusted scrap steel (dumped from a rusted bucket) must be gathered and prepared, forged, tempered, quenched, and finished with a functional edge and handle. After testing, two smiths are sent home in a double elimination. The winner of the testing segment gets to pick the weapon style and forging technique. Brandon chooses the Messer sword and layered Damascus, then fabricates head-to-head against undefeated Judge Ben Abbott in an 8-hour round.

As the second competition within the "Beat the Unbeaten" Ben Abbott series, this episode showcases a new set of three bladesmiths tasked with building their signature blades in a 5-hour round. Some of the special parameters for the round include: materials must be sourced from the pile of scrap steel, any forge welding technique can be used, blades cannot be mono steel, 13- to 15-inch length, fully functional, and ready for testing after 5 hours. Zechariah does not meet the forge welded blade parameter as he only forge welds a bolster to his otherwise mono steel blade. Therefore, Zechariah is eliminated before testing begins. Jeremy is eliminated after testing, sending Rob into the final round against Ben Abbott. As the winner, Rob gets to pick the weapon style he and Ben craft, as well as the parameters. He chooses the Irish ring-hilted sword with ladder pattern Damascus.

In another "Beat the Unbeaten" challenge, three contestants (each with broken blades in previous episodes) build their signature blades in a single 5-hour round, using bandsaw blades, chainsaw blades, springs, ball bearings, and roller bearings. The blades are to be made from canister "No Can Can" Damascus in which the canister must be fully removed before the blade is finalized. Dorian does not fully remove the canister and is eliminated before testing; Chris is eliminated after testing; Caleb is the winner of the testing round. For the 8-hour final round against Ben Abbott, Caleb chooses the 2-handed Chinese warsword with an S-shaped guard and a pierced pommel, among other parameters. Caleb also chooses a random pattern Damascus steel forging technique. Since its Caleb's second appearance on the show, Ben gets to add a parameter twist: a minimum of 125 Damascus layer count.

Two bladesmiths from season 2 (both competing alongside Ben Abbott on Abbott's first appearance as a competitor) are invited back to try their luck at winning against Ben Abbott. The smiths are tasked with forging their signature blades in a single 5-hour round. The techniques each must use is randomly spun on the "Wheel of Forging". Brent lands the "Choose your own pattern Damascus" and picks the "twisted crushed W's" technique. Nathan lands "Raindrop pattern Damascus". In the testing portion, both blades break upon their first impacts. Brent's blade breaks at about mid-blade while Nathan's blade breaks at the handle. Since there is more useable blade left on his blade, Brent wins the round and competes against Abbott. As the winner, Brent chooses to recreate the Ida sword for the 8-hour final round. He also chooses the technique for the round—forged from stacks of 1095 and 15N20 steel, along with wrought iron chains, in a Damascus san mai. Abbott increases the difficulty by suggesting nickel be added, which tasks both smiths with Damascus go mai.

In the fifth and final installment of the "Beat the Unbeaten" series, two bladesmiths (both with previous appearances on the show) compete by forging signature blades. The winner of the single 5-hour round gets to decide the final round's blade style and technique. After testing, Zach (Doug's pick) is sent home while Nicholas (Dave's pick) moves on to challenge Ben Abbott in the final round. Nicholas chooses the Spatha sword, using 1095 and 15N20 steel in a twist-and-stack Damascus technique. Since its Nicholas's second chance, Abbott gets to add a parameter—two twists for a total of four stacks of opposing twist-and-stack Damascus.

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

The smiths will be completely in the dark, both figuratively and literally with the "blackout" competition. The Forge will be completely dark with only oil lanterns used for light. They must make blades without the use of any electrical equipment, including no time clock.

Judges: Ben Abbott, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

The smith with the lightest blade after Round 1 gets an extra 20 minutes in Round 2.

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

• Round 1: Bladesmiths come to the Forge floor with their own signature blades and go right into testing in the first ever Forged In Fire "Knife Fight". Four bladesmiths will enter, one will be eliminated. Bill Pyles: "Scrim-oowie" (Scimitar/Bowie) with retired fire hose handle, Thomas Franklin: Chef's Knife with micarta handle, Karri Rahkonen: Georgian Kinjal with bloodwood burl handle, and Rhys: Machete with Bocote handle.
• Round 2: Two hours to make a push dagger (using 1095 and 15N20 high carbon steel forged into a Damascus billet).
• Round 3: Six hours to (a) fix any problems with the push dagger and add a handle to it, and (b) use the san mai technique to recreate the "fighter" knife that was made by Forged In Fire Super Champion Collin Sage (featured in S7 E34).

Results:  1. Bill Pyles   2. Thomas Franklin   3. Karri Rahkonen   4. Rhys 

Judges: J. Neilson, David Baker, Doug Marcaida

Smiths have to make a Continental rifleman's knife to match a given replica sample. Each smith has to choose from eight identical knapsacks of the kind that soldiers typically carried during the Revolutionary war. They do not know what is inside. Each knapsack contains a paper outlining the technique they must use for forging, with a selection of suitable steels. If they think what they have is too hard to do in the allotted time, they can choose a second knapsack, but are not allowed to return to their first choice, if the second also proves too difficult.

In the second round, they have to fit their blades with a scroll guard and a handle with a hidden tang construction.

In the last round, the two finalists have to make a Continental cavalry saber, that was based on an original British Army pattern, with a pierced stirrup guard and flattened pommel.

Four smiths participate in a competition called "flipping the script", where they will dictate everything about the challenge. Each will pick a card that has an attribute to their blade build that they will have complete control over. The smiths decide the weapon to forge and sets their own parameters. Type of blade: General Recurve. Blade parameters: 11 to 13 inches with a 2 inch width, 1½ thicknesses. Handle parameters: full tang with a mosaic pin and lanyard hole. Forging technique: Layered Damascus. Lastly, they determine the material used in the Strength Test, which antler bone was chosen.

In this episode, The Forge moves to the Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut where the competition goes back to blacksmithing of old. Three smiths craft from a coal forge just like they did for the many wooden ships still docked on site. Also on location is the James D. Driggs Shipsmith & Whalecraft Shop where blacksmiths and boatwrights fueled maritime history by crafting metal parts for the many vessels throughout the centuries.

In honor of History's Colosseum series, the forge room is modified to mimic a "Roman gladiator arena". Two bladesmiths go head-to-head in a blade construction competition in ten events over the course of five episodes. The winner of an 8-hour smithing event has the option to continue to the next. As a competitor wins and chooses to advance through events, prize winnings increase up to a total value of $75,000.

Event 1 Results:  1. Kurt Komyati ($5,000)   2. Alex Silverman 

Event 3 Results:  1. Jesse Hu ($5,000)   2. Kurt Komyati (S9 E13) 

Event 5 Results:  1. Jesse Hu ($5,000) (S9 E14)   2. Eric Perrault 

In this particular "Gladiators of the Forge" episode, the forges are turned off after 5.5 hours.

Event 7 Results:  1. Jesse Hu ($15,000) (S9 E14–15)   2. John Lachie 

In the fifth and closing episode of the "Gladiators of the Forge" series, the host and judges retake control of the weapon style choices, forging techniques, and parameters. For event 9, Eric returns and is given another chance to overthrow Jesse, the current reigning "Gladiator of the Forge". Jesse and Eric are tasked with fabricating an acinaces with an anthropomorphic hilt, among other parameters. Event 10 sees Kurt, a 2-time "Gladiator of the Forge" winner from the miniseries' first episode, back in action. Jesse and Kurt make a dolabra battle axe with a leather-wrapped handle.

Event 9 Results:  1. Jesse Hu ($5,000) (S9 E14–16)   2. Eric Perrault (S9 E15) 

"Go Mai or Go Home" Challenge: The Smiths forge their signature blase in their favorite style using a 2-foot bar of mild steel, a 2-foot bar of 80CrV2 steel and a 2-foot bar of 15N20 steel with the Go Mai technique and a five layered pomel handle.

• Note: Joseph "JoJo" Salyers' father, Billy, competed in S7 E9. They became the first father-son team to be "Forged In Fire Champions".

Results:  1. Joseph "JoJo" Salyers   2. Chris Smith   3. Todd Dekoda   4. Sherwin Farhang 

"The Fastest Blade in the West" Challenge: Inspired by the Mexican cowboys or Vaqueros of the old west, the four Smiths will forge a Mexican Bowie knife in 3 hours or less with any steel from the pantry Since this challenge is about speed and accuracy, the goal is to get their blades inside an empty sheath before them. The first Smith to do so, will have an extra 30 minutes to make a handle in the second round of competition. The runner-up will get an extra 15 minutes. And the last Smith will get 15 minutes deducted from their time.

• Note: Times are as follows: McClure (2 hrs, 15 mins), Finch (2 hrs, 45 mins), Jarrett (2 hrs, 47 mins), Payne (2 hrs, 55 mins)

Results:  1. Erich Finch   2. Gregory McClure   3. Nathan Payne   4. L.J. Jarrett 

The bladesmiths must bring their creativity during the "Best in Damascus" competition, where they have to forge a unique Damascus pattern completed weapon in only 5 hours. Whichever bladesmith impresses the judges the most gets to skip the testing round and goes directly into the final round. They also will get to choose the weapon from the Forged In Fire vault to build, again using a high amount of Damascus layers and a stunning pattern.

In this episode, two pairs of blacksmiths are given their introductions, tasks, and parameters, then immediately sent to their home forges to fabricate Scottish broadswords. Over the course of four days, each pair works together to craft their blades. Weapons testing takes place in the Forge, with the losing pair going home. For the final 5-hour round, the winning pair is split. Now, the former team members individually compete for the "Champion of the Forge" title.

• Note: Josh Hardman's father, Ron Hardman, and sister, Jessica Hardman, were both featured in S7 E12's "Family Edition".^[225] Ron won the competition and was crowned "Champion of the Forge", while Jessica finished in third place.

Results:  1. Max Harder   2. Josh Hardman   3. Dan Lewis & Tony Lewis   4. N/A 

In this special "Supersized" installment, four bladesmiths are assigned to make their signature blades (15 to 17 inches) from 7-feet of railroad track made of hardened steel. Those who move on will include a handle made from a 6x6 pine beam for testing. In the final round, the last two smiths are challenged to make a massive nearly 7-foot sword that was once welded by priate Grutte Pier from the Netherlands. His sword can be seen on display in the Fries Museum.

In the second "Supersized" installment, four bladesmiths are assigned to make their signature blades from 2-inch diameter, 250-lb coil springs with a san mai technique. After the 3-hour forging round is complete, the three remaining metalworkers make any necessary blade corrections and fabricate wooden handles from logs. The third and final round sees two smiths building two elephant fighting swords at their respective home forges.

Continuing with the Supersized theme, four smiths must make their signature blades by sourcing steel so massive that it was unable to fit through the bay doors inside The Forge. Outside, a dump truck filled with 5 tons of scrap metal—some steel, some not—dumps random pieces on the ground. In the second round, those who move on need to craft their handles with handle material from the junkyard. For the final, the two remaining have to re-create the largest blade in Forged In Fire history.

Three smiths compete in a two-round contest inspired by the video game Marvel's Midnight Suns. In the first round, they are given five hours to forge Blade's double-ended glaive, and must each draw a special Marvel character card to determine additional restrictions or benefits while they work. After one smith is eliminated, the remaining two proceed to the final round and is presented by Jacob Soloman, Marvel's Midnight Suns Creative Director of Firaxis Games to re-create The Hunter's long and short swords at their home forges.

In the next installment of the Supersized challenge, four smiths make Forged In Fire history when they have to forge the largest opening round blade; the Hog Splitter, weighing 4 pounds. If their blades don't break during a rigorous testing, they have to re-create the massive Japanese great sword in their home forges.