Four competitors must forge weld blades for friction folders from tiny cubes of steel. After hammering through the testing, two smiths will return home where they will forge a German Zweihander. Due to its long length and use on the battlefield, they take their Zweihanders outside the forge to be tested, where only one will be crowned Forged in Fire champion.

Four bladesmiths must create a signature blade using a randomly chosen mystery technique. After a brutal round of testing, only two will return to their home forges where they will reproduce a Japanese Naginata. Famous for its long length and use in martial arts, the smiths take their Naginatas outside the forge to be tested.