Once the time expires, the judges evaluate the blades based on the host's criteria and inspect their craft, quality, and design, then deliberate privately before announcing their decision.

The smiths are given 10 minutes to sketch out their designs, followed by three hours to forge the blades they need not adhere to their original designs. The host states one set of criteria concerning blade or blade/ tang length, and often a second set for a feature that must be incorporated, such as serrations or a fuller groove. In some episodes, they all begin with the same starting material in others, they may choose from an assortment of metal objects or must salvage their material from a source such as a junked car or lawnmower. In a typical episode, the four smiths are presented with a quantity of steel that they must use in the first round to forge a blade in a style of their choosing. At the end of each round, the smith whose weapon is judged to be the least satisfactory must surrender it and leave the competition. Medical personnel are present to treat any injuries or other health problems and may, at their discretion, disqualify smiths who are unable to continue safely. The set, referred to as 'The Forge,' is stocked with a wide range of metalworking equipment, including propane forges, coal forges, grinders, power hammers, and hydraulic presses. The eighth season premiered on November 18, 2020. The seventh season premiered on October 9, 2019, and expanded into May 6, 2020. The sixth season premiered on February 6, 2019. The fifth season premiered on March 7, 2018. The fourth season premiered on April 11, 2017, with a 'Judges' Pick' episode in which the four judges (Neilson, Knight, Baker, Marcaida) each selected one smith from past seasons to compete again. The third season premiered with a 'Champion of Champions' match on August 23, 2016, and was announced as having 16 episodes. Season two premiered on February 16, 2016, and increased to 10 episodes. The History channel ordered an initial eight episodes of the series with the first program premiering on Monday, June 22, 2015, at 10pm ET. Neilson (Jason Knight during portions of season 3 and 4 Ben Abbott during portions of season 4th, 5th, 6th and remaining in the 7th season), David Baker, and Doug Marcaida: experts in weapon making, history and use. The series has a host (formerly Wil Willis for the first seven seasons, currently hosted by Grady Powell) and a three-judge panel consisting of J. In each episode, four bladesmiths compete in a three-round elimination contest to forge bladed weapons, with the overall winner receiving $10,000 and the show's championship title 'Forged in Fire Champion'. Forged in Fire is an American competition series that airs on the History channel and is produced by Outpost Entertainment, a Leftfield Entertainment company.

Forged in fire season 6 episode list