Five Things Forged In Fire Doesn't Show You

The clang of metal, the roar of the forge, and the ticking competition clock are hallmarks of the hit series Forged in Fire. Yet, beyond the sparks and dramatic test cuts lies a reality known only to the bladesmiths who've braved the heat of the forge under the scrutinizing eyes of judges and cameras.

BRUTE de FORGE has had the pleasure of interviewing many Forged in Fire judges and contestants over the past few years. We’ve reviewed all those interviews to bring you the untold stories and unseen pressures of competing in one of television's most intense arenas. Here are five things the Forged in Fire cameras don’t show you.

The Unseen Pressure Cooker

While viewers see snippets of stress and sweat, the full weight of the competition is often left to the imagination. Contestants speak of an almost palpable pressure, not just from the time constraints but from working in an unfamiliar environment with unfamiliar tools. One moment, you're in your workshop, the master of your domain, and the next, you're in a shared space, racing against the clock and adapting to equipment that might feel alien to your practiced hands. More than one contestant can attest to the difficulty in doing even the most basic of tasks once those cameras are rolling. Forged in Fire proves that even the best, most seasoned bladesmiths can struggle under the pressure.

The Camaraderie Behind the Scenes

Despite the competitive nature of Forged in Fire, a surprising element often remains off-camera: the camaraderie between contestants. The shared experience of the challenge creates a bond that's rarely highlighted in the final edit. Smiths often find themselves forming fast friendships, offering silent support, and sharing knowing looks as they navigate the uncharted waters of the competition. The forge becomes not just a battleground but a place of mutual respect and understanding among warriors of the same ancient craft. In fact, the heat of the forge floor has created several partnerships. Probably the most well-known of which is the joining of forces between Ryan Brodbeck and Vince Molina of Brodbeck Ironworks. These two smiths met on the show and grew a relationship that has resulted in one of the leading manufacturers of grinders being used by bladesmiths worldwide.

The Mental Game

The physical aspect of bladesmithing under time constraints is evident, but the mental game is a battle all its own. Contestants recount the mental fatigue that accompanies the constant strategizing and problem-solving required in each round. The need to rapidly adapt when things go awry — a blade warping during the quench, a tool malfunctioning, or a design not coming together as planned — adds layers of psychological stress that viewers only glimpse.

Of course, there is much more involved in putting together an episode of Forged in Fire than just the 40+ minutes of footage we get to see. In reality, contestants are put through a ringer of interviews and other activities in order to create the content needed for an episode. Bladesmith Ryan Rowe shared his experience with us, notably saying “There are a lot of interviews. More than I thought there would be. There were more interviews than actual work time.” Ryan’s experience has been shared with all of the show’s contestants. The mental strain of “hurry up and wait” adds a whole different wrinkle to the bladesmithing process.

The Aftermath of the Anvil

Win or lose, the impact of the competition extends far beyond the forge. Participants speak of a post-show reflection period, where they analyze every decision and moment. For many, the experience becomes a pivotal point in their bladesmithing journey, inspiring new techniques, designs, and a renewed passion for their craft. Others find the exposure a double-edged sword, bringing opportunities and scrutiny in equal measure.

While not universally true, many Forged in Fire contestants use the show as a springboard towards growing their bladesmithing career. In fact, of all the contestant interviews we’ve done over the past two years, all have continued smithing in either a professional, or semi-professional capacity. One great example is bladesmith Colton Arias. Colton has parlayed his success as a two-time Forged in Fire champion into a full-time career making custom-order blades. Of course, many contestants continue to pursue bladesmithing out of love and passion for the craft, maintaining “day jobs” which allow them to continue that pursuit.

The Journey Continues

The journey doesn't end when the cameras stop rolling. Contestants return to their forges with new stories, skills, and sometimes, scars. They bring back not just the memories of the competition but the lessons learned in the fire. The experience reshapes their craft and often, their perspective on the art of bladesmithing. The true test, they find, is not in the televised competition but in how they forge ahead in their personal and professional endeavors.

Forged in Fire contestants share a bond, and that bond has held many of them together for years. Go to any knife show, renaissance fair, or blacksmithing convention and you’ll find at least one contestant. Want to see your favorite contestant in action? Check out the “Grudge Matches” hosted by bladesmith and former contestant Robby Brown. These grudge matches pit fan-favorite show alumni against fans and each other to forge again in a competition format. Whether intended or not, the show has created lifelong opportunities for many of these smiths.

In the end, Forged in Fire is more than a show about making knives; it's a snapshot of a deeper, more complex journey. Behind each blade lies not just a story of creation but of personal challenge, growth, and the unbreakable spirit of the bladesmith. As viewers, we see the sparks and feel the heat, but it's the unseen trials and triumphs of the smiths that truly embody the heart of the forge.

Want more Forged in Fire? Check out the show page for all our hot FIF content!