According to a History Channel press release out of New York on April 27, 2015, a new blade forging competition series will air on the popular network this summer. As the press release states, “The most talented bladesmiths in the world will test their mettle in FORGED IN FIRE, a cutting-edge competition series coming to HISTORY this summer. Hosted by weapons expert Wil Willis, a former Army Ranger and decorated Air Force para-rescue specialist, the series will feature world-class bladesmiths recreating many of history’s most iconic edged weapons, from the Japanese katana to the medieval broadsword to ancient throwing blades like the Chakram. Production has started in Brooklyn, New York.

At left is J. Neilson’s “J-Well” bowie/fighter in English walnut and damascus. (Chuck Ward image)

“In each episode, four master bladesmiths will put their skills and reputations on the line, trying to avoid elimination while using traditional and state-of-the-art tools and machinery to turn raw metal into authentic working versions of classic bladed weapons of yesteryear.” Click here to read the rest.

Joining Willis will be a judging panel of renowned experts: knifemaker J. Neilson, a Pennsylvania-based ABS master smith who first shared this story with me, and who has been making knives and edged weapons for more than 20 years; Doug Marcaida, a New York-based hand-to-hand combat specialist who has studied and mastered fighting styles and techniques around the world; and David Baker, a California-based authority known for replicating period-accurate weapons, from submachine guns to samurai swords, for both museums and films. Again, for the rest of the story, click here.

Click here for more on forging.