Understandably, the second round starts with the remaining three contestants. Once the evaluation is done, the maker of the worst blade gets eliminated from the competition. Once the blades have been made, they are evaluated by the judges based on their quality and their adherence to the criteria set by Willis. Regardless of the source material, show host Wil Willis states one or more sets of criteria that have to be adhered to in the making of the blade. In the first round, the bladesmiths are required to forge a blade from a given material, or they are given the option to choose their own materials or salvage materials from unused metal parts such as junked cars or other metal objects. In each episode, four bladesmiths are chosen to fight it out for glory, and the competition takes place in three rounds.
Set in Brooklyn, New York, the show has a set-up called “The Forge” which is stocked with all the equipment required to make a fine blade. What Can Forged in Fire Season 8 be About? Season 8 is expected to see at least three of the aforementioned judges making a return. Weapons history expert David Baker and edged-weapons specialist and US military contractor Doug Marcaida serve as the other two members of the three-member judge panel. However, while Neilson has been present for most of the show, ABS Master Smith Jason Knight and two-time ‘Forged in Fire’ champion Ben Abbott served as his replacements in portions of Season 3 and Season 4. Neilson, who is a Master Smith with the American Bladesmith Society (ABS) and is responsible for examining weapons’ technical aspects and durability in the show. One long-standing judge has been knife and sword expert J. In season 8, Willis will make a comeback.Īs far as judges are concerned, the constitution of the three-member panel has remained mostly constant too. Wil Willis, the show’s host, is a former US Army Ranger and a decorated US Air Force para-rescue specialist, who has had former television experience and has appeared in television shows like ‘Special Ops Mission’ and ‘Triggers’. ‘Forged in Fire’ season 8 will release on July 15, 2020, at 9/8c. Almost immediately after, the show was renewed for its eighth edition. But his reason for leaving may very well involve a new addition to his growing family.‘Forged in Fire’ 7 premiered on October 9, 2019, on History, and ended with its 31st episode on May 6, 2020. Unfortunately, Willis hasn't spoken out about what led to his departure from the series. Then, in 2015, he landed his "Forged in Fire" hosting gig, where he quickly became the most consistent part of the show - at least until Season 8 premiered with "Ultimate Survival Alaska" alum Grady Powell as the new host. After he retired from the military, Willis began using his expert weaponry knowledge as a commentator on shows like "Special Ops Mission" and "Triggers: Weapons That Changed the World."
There's certainly no doubt Willis' credentials made him the perfect person to host "Forged in Fire." Prior to entering the realm of reality television, he spent 10 years as an Air Force Pararescueman, and four years as an Army Ranger. It's safe to say, the former military man was a fan favorite, and his sudden departure from the show was baffling, to say the least.
#Host of forged in fire series
Willis had been with the series since it began, and as the host, he helped guide each season's bladesmiths through the grueling competition.
When Season 8 of "Forged in Fire" began airing on the History Channel, some fans were dismayed to see the show's longtime host Wil Willis had been replaced.