Forged In Fire New show, Beat the Judges

Mark Knapp

Dealer - Purveyor
Remember a little while ago we were talking about how the judges on Forged In Fire should be subjected to their own testing and wondering how good they might do?

Here you go

 
This should really be interesting. If I remember correctly Abbot works out of his garage.
 
This should really be interesting. If I remember correctly Abbot works out of his garage.
He might be one of the toughest judges to beat, having been a two time winner already, plus he's a part of the show and has some insight.
 
Cool, I actually emailed them and suggested that the judges compete! I know some are quite accomplished makers but I think the pressure adds to the process.
 
David Baker makes all the "FINALS WEAPONS" I would guess he makes a fare amount of the initial designs too, but that I dont know?
 
David Baker makes all the "FINALS WEAPONS" I would guess he makes a fare amount of the initial designs too, but that I dont know?
Yes, he is the "weapons expert" that makes the example weapons for the final round of each episode. I'm not sure what you mean by "initial designs" but he has a hand in deciding what the knives in the first two rounds will be made of. They also do some testing to see if, in fact, a knife can be made with say, a golf club for instance.
 
Yes, he is the "weapons expert" that makes the example weapons for the final round of each episode. I'm not sure what you mean by "initial designs" but he has a hand in deciding what the knives in the first two rounds will be made of. They also do some testing to see if, in fact, a knife can be made with say, a golf club for instance.

As far as the "Initial" design i ment the first knife the 4 contestants have to make prior to moving on. You pretty much addressed that with "They also do some testing..." comment. I know that this show is not a GREAT representation of most of the knife makers skills but I like to watch it when I can!
 
I just saw the 2nd episode of FiF Beat the Judges. Mark, you were your usual good looking self and boy was I surprised at the results of first round. I've always had a bit of an issue with how they judged handles. Handle too big for judge (might fit maker's hand just fine), it's put down. Better luck next time Mark.

I'll be surprised if there are very many of "beat the judge" episodes, those judges are just plain good at making knives.
 
The last two shows have been worth watching. The contestants are top notch makers. Watching the judges work amazing. I wonder who the contestants will be for J Neilson when it’s his turn
 
True. Watching Dave work was amazing, I had no idea he was that skilled.
Ben is a top of the line as they come - and he is a very likable fellow. .
 
Well I of course liked the show(s) BUT I was a bit disappointed that the Judges weren't subjected to the typical stress of the contestants. 8 hours to make a knife is a heckuva lot more time that a couple of 2-3 hour blocks.
 
I like J. Neilson he seems like a guy I could hang out with and do some forging. Baker is far too whiny for my tastes. He complains about every handle he touches. If J. Neilson complains about a handle, his hand is bleeding...
 
Well I of course liked the show(s) BUT I was a bit disappointed that the Judges weren't subjected to the typical stress of the contestants. 8 hours to make a knife is a heckuva lot more time that a couple of 2-3 hour blocks.

Just remember, it is made for television. They are trying to keep their numbers up. Maybe even add a few more. I watched the first couple of new shows and thought the format had changed a bit to ease the building process. But, 8 hours is about the same time as the previous 6-7 hours under the old format. With the new format, the builders have to do their own tempering. How boring is that to watch...
 
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