BOISE, Idaho — Idaho Today host Mellisa Paul got the scoop from martial arts and weapons expert Doug Marcaida of HISTORY Channel's long-running hit series, Forged In Fire. Find out the latest on the show that pits amateur metalsmiths and blade makers against each other as experts test the viability of their weapons.
HISTORY Channel's Forged In Fire is unlike any other competition series. Experts craft and test real weapons as amateur metalsmiths hope to win the challenges. Doug Marcaida was already an expert on all kinds of blades and was invited to be one of the judges on what has become a hugely successful HISTORY Channel program that tests the mettle of those in the metal arts.
Doug has deep knowledge of the intricacies of metalworking, an ancient art that retains a level of craftsmanship and mystery even in our modern age. He has also developed a greater appreciation for the passion and artistry that go into making knives. This magical transformation of metals and fire creates an alchemy of strength and beauty in each weapon forged in the fire and cured and tested in battle recreations.
On the show, skilled contestants who have achieved blade smithing compete to custom-build a knife or sword under very tight time constraints. To make it more fun and challenging, sometimes they must make them from unlikely materials, repurposed from everyday items like fish hooks or old lawnmowers. Like the metal used in the process, these contestants battle pressure in their mission to hammer out a blade that looks polished and ready to be used, is well-balanced in the hand, and does the job it's designed for in the contest.
Mellisa spoke with Marcaida, a man of many talents and accomplishments. Marcaida is a martial arts and weapons specialist and former U.S. Air Force detail. He is the founder and expert martial arts instructor at Marcaida Kali, an experienced knife designer (known for the DART karambit), and an ongoing judge on Forged in Fire. His catchphrase is "This Blade Will Keal!"
A new season of "Forged in Fire" launched earlier this October.
Tune in: "Forged In Fire" airs Wednesday, at 9/8c on HISTORY Channel.
