Bladesmithing Techniques and Challenges

Bladesmiths are tasked with forging friction folders from 5160 steel. They have a ten-minute design phase followed by a three-hour forging period. The process involves careful planning and execution to meet specific blade parameters. After completion, judges evaluate the blades, focusing on aspects like heat treatment, blade straightness, and design features. One bladesmith is eliminated based on the judges' feedback.

What type of steel are the bladesmiths working with in this task?

• D2

• 5160

• 440C

• 1095

What is the main challenge of creating a friction folder?

• Ensuring the blade is sharp

• Managing the moving parts

• Creating a decorative handle

• Maintaining a lightweight design

How long is the design window for the bladesmiths?

• 15 minutes

• 20 minutes

• 5 minutes

• 10 minutes

What is the required length range for the blade, excluding the tang?

• 12 to 14 inches

• 8 to 10 inches

• 6 to 8 inches

• 10 to 12 inches

What is a critical aspect to focus on during the forging process?

• Blade color

• Ricasso placement

• Blade width

• Handle material

What issue did Kyle face with his blade?

• It was not sharp enough

• It was too heavy

• It had a severe twist

• It was too short

What decorative feature did Jacob add to his blade?

• A polished finish

• A colored handle

• A serrated edge

• A twist

What was the main concern with Greg's blade during judging?

• It was not heat treated

• It was too long

• It had dragon scaling

• It was too thin

What was the judges' feedback on Jacob's blade?

• It was too heavy

• It had a weak spot

• It was too short

• It was not sharp

Why was Kyle eliminated from the competition?

• His blade was too heavy

• His blade was not sharp

• His blade had a severe twist

• His blade was too short