Forged in Fire

Came home one night to my son watching this, and found it really interesting, I don't normally like reality shows featuring Joe public, but quickly became a fan and have learnt a lot just from watching.

One thing that bugs me though, the way every judge constantly asks "You ready?" before every single test!!

Seriously good production. Exciting and engaging for anyone that enjoys building something with your hands and seeing it perform. Unlike most other shows on TV these days, this competition has NO manufactured drama and actually shows the smiths bonding even during competition, this displays American values in almost every episode. Those that are eliminated show that not everyone can win, not everyone gets a trophy, even if they work hard, and most of them are very humble and accepting that they were out performed. Not only do you get a well produced and well written show, the set "design" rocks - it's a real, no BS forge! I think the most important thing though is that you ACTUALLY LEARN STUFF like SCIENCE and SKILLS. Highly, highly recommended and I anxiously await every new episode!!

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.

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.

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.