

After a fiery round of tests, the two finalists head home to recreate one of the most epic swords in the history of this competition: the O-Katana. Some of the smiths are doomed to repeat the past, making mistakes made by former competitors. For the special th episode of Forged in Fire, four bladesmiths are tasked with forging a chopper and must choose from a mammoth pile of metals and materials from all previous 99 episodes.

With precise parameters in place, the challenge proves to be tougher than a bull moose, and several smiths struggle to meet the mark. First, competitors pay homage to famed adventurer, President Theodore Roosevelt, by forging a replica of his Rough Rider Bowie. Four bladesmiths honor some of the greatest Americans of all times-the Presidents. For the first time ever, the two finalists must choose their weapon which they will create at their home forges.

The intricacies of the dagger prove too much for one smith, and an intense round of testing eliminates a second. Which four will produce blades that perform and keep their quest of becoming a Forged in Fire Champion alive? In the second half of the Road to Redemption competition four former smiths remain, each competing for a second chance to become a Forged in Fire Champion. After a round of testing, five smiths return to their home forges to create a perfect competition chopper. Many battle burnt metal, and one competitor will never even make it into the Forge. The bladesmiths begin outside using the dreaded coal forge. In this first half of a two-part Road to Redemption competition, seven past competitors who fell short return to the forge for a second chance at glory and redemption.
