I love watching the Blacksmiths forge out different types knives. There are parameters that they have to follow, (blade length, etching, ect ). They use several different types of hammers, machines, and materials. The blacksmiths come to the show with different experience levels and ages. They start out either with a blade to "copy" or design one. They go through two sessions for making the blades, 1) shaping the blade and 2) putting and handle on the blade. There are time frames for each round. At the end of each round the judges look over the knives and determine who goes to level 2. At the end of round 2 , the knives are put through "abuse" to see if the blade was forged correctly. Any flaws that are in the blade or handle will show up during the testing.
The last two remaining blacksmiths are then sent to their home town for rive days to make a replica of a knife or sword. Then the blades are tested once again, and a blacksmith's declare they winner. The prize of $10,000 and the title of "Forged in Fire Champion" is given to the winner.