Ben Abbott is a two-time Forged in Fire champion who began making blades after seeing arms and armour in museums and castles around England when he was 13. Not being able to buy a sword at the time, he decided to make one for himself. After several spectacularly failed attempts, he decided to scale back his aspirations, and start smaller. He began making knives when he was about 17, and has been working on his understanding of their nuances ever since. He spent many years making knives, tools, ornamental ironwork, jewelry, furniture, and anything else that needed making, but still never made himself a sword. The first sword that Ben finally made was the winning khanda sword for Forged in Fire. Ben has firsthand experience with the pressure and challenges Forged in Fire contestants face, and knows the dedication it takes to walk away a champion.
In each episode, the best bladesmiths from all over the...