Forged in Fire Contestants Season 6: Behind the Scenes

For those who have ever wondered what it takes to be a contestant on the popular TV show, Forged in Fire, we take a closer look at the experiences of some of the knifemakers who appeared in season 6. From the challenges they faced to the surprises along the way, here's an inside look at what it was like for these talented craftsmen.

The Twists are Surprises to the Knifemakers too

Many of the contestants on Forged in Fire were surprised by the twists and turns that came their way during filming. Mace Vitale, a bladesmith from Connecticut, received an email invitation to interview for selection on the show and decided to take the challenge. Despite not being concerned about promoting his knives or business, he was drawn to the personal challenge of competing with other skilled knifemakers.

Not Every Knifemaker Jumps at the Chance

However, not every knifemaker is eager to appear on TV. JW Randall, a well-known bladesmith, was contacted early on but declined due to concerns about the show's format and how it might portray the craft of blacksmithing. Neilson, another contestant, expressed similar reservations, feeling that the original format was off-putting.

The Show Format Changes Based on Knifemaker Feedback

Despite these initial concerns, Forged in Fire made changes to its format based on feedback from knifemakers like Randall and Neilson. The show now focuses more on the competition between the contestants themselves rather than pitting them against each other in a negative way.

Knifemakers Have to Speak in Present Tense

One of the biggest challenges for the contestants was speaking in present tense during their interviews, which can be difficult when discussing something that has already passed. To make matters more stressful, filming the interviews took place over several days, with each bladesmith finding it a long and challenging process.

It's a Competition With Yourself, Not Others

Despite the competitive nature of the show, many of the knifemakers who appeared on Forged in Fire emphasized that the real competition was with themselves. Each contestant aimed to do their best work and reflect well on the industry as a whole. No backstabbing or negative talk about other smiths was allowed.

Filming Isn't Like a Casual Hammer-In

The filming process itself took place in a studio in Brooklyn, where contestants were flown in from around the country and set up in a hotel. While it wasn't exactly like a casual hammer-in, many of the participants appreciated the opportunity to meet and learn from others in the industry.

Knifemakers Need Reminders to Drink Water

Finally, one thing that might surprise viewers is how easy it was for contestants to forget to drink water during filming. The staff made sure to provide thermoses of water throughout the day, but many of the makers were driven by their passion for blacksmithing and often forgot to take a break.

Overall, appearing on Forged in Fire Season 6 was a unique experience for these talented knifemakers. From the challenges they faced to the surprises along the way, each contestant brought their own story and skills to the table.

Forged in fire contestants season 6