Forged in Fire

So I'm not artistic and love seeing art created. This is like seeing equivalent of blown glass created, but for knives, swords, and weapons u don't know existed. I find myself drifting during a lot of the creation process after first dozen episodes (repeat of water vs oil quenching makes my ears cringe, as well as forced "as shown in *promoter*") but watching tests is truly enthralling. Outside my fear of damaging myself this show makes me wanna take up forging.

As a knife aficionado, seeing these guys create knives, axes, swords, etc. is an awesome treat. I have always wanted to be a bladesmith, but so far never got the time. Watching this show really puts the fire back in my belly!

I like the design of the show, and I love seeing the different techniques used to achieve some of the same results. I also love learning about the different metals. It's great seeing the different equipment and knowing you can do a lot of the techniques with new machines like power hammers and grinders, yet you can achieve the same results, albeit with a lot more muscle and sweat, but it can be done the "old fashioned way".

Please keep this show going!

Am I the only one who watches this show mainly to hear Doug say his lines? I love the way he smiles as he says them. Fun to watch when you have some time to kill (no pun intended). I looked up some of the champion's work online. Some of them create beautiful works of art that happen to be incredibly functional.

This is NOT one of those craft competition shows that wastes time on manufactured drama and tiresome sob stories. They make the craft itself the focus, and the competitors' skills and choices keep it interesting.

There is a different challenge each episode, with, four contestants and three elimination rounds. The first round: forge raw metal into a blade meeting specific size requirements. The second round: add a handle and finish the blade. The results are tested head-to-head. In the final leg, the two remaining contestants are presented with a specific type of blade and asked to make their best version of it over three days at their home forges.

Seeing the different forges and processes is interesting, but they don't waste time on back stories, family tragedies, false alliances, or snarky comments. The judges show respect for the good decisions, acknowledge costly choices, and don't get too personal. They focus entirely on the blademaking. Making the craft the focus is a refreshing change, and other shows should follow their format. Anyone who enjoys skilled crafting might enjoy this show.

This show is unique. It's not the subject matter that makes it unique. It's the contestants. I actually would like to know most of them and call them friends. They seem like nice, real people. I'm actually sorry when most of them get eliminated, even when somebody botches their work so you KNOW they're going home. They are humble, nice people who want to perfect their craft. They often help each other and work cooperatively even though they are competing for a prize.

Yes, I am interested in metal work. But unlike the egomaniacs in Ink Master, I found this pleasant to watch. I hope it goes on for many years.