America's top bladesmiths and martial artists bring their custom made, historical weapons to slice, stab, and chop their way through a series of grueling challenges designed to test both blades and competitors. Can a Yatagan Sabre hybrid survive the course? Or will a two-handed Bowie be the blade to beat? And will one of the female blade wielders accomplish a Knife or Death first? The fastest two competitors move onto the daunting final course — "Dead Run." Only one will advance to the finale and the chance to win $20,000 and be crowned Knife or Death Champion.

An experienced survivalist, expert bladesmiths, and martial artists will put their custom, historical weapons to the ultimate test on a knife course unlike anything ever built. Each competitor must slice, stab, and chop their way through a series of punishing challenges that could destroy blades. Can the Roman Gladius live up to its name as the "sword that conquered the world"? Or will it be outshone by the Oakeshott Longsword? Or will a modified Bolo called "The Reaper" cut down the rest of the competition? The fastest two competitors go head-to-head on the final course — "Dead Run." One advances to the finale and has the chance to be called Knife or Death Champion, and win the $20,000 grand prize.