Forged In Fire joke

I don't have cable, so i have only seen episodes when I've been at other folks homes. It is what it is. If it wasn't exciting for the average viewer (and as we all know, knife makers are WAY above average) it wouldn't be on television at all. Think about it like this: When someone finds out you make knives, and they are a knife person, they are usually really excited about it. You tell them about your big grinder, and how your heat treat oven can reach over 2k degrees and they are engaged. An hour later, you're all "retained austenite". and "structured abrasives", "blah, blah, blah..." But the honeymoon's over, and their eyes are glazed over. If it's not fire and loud noises, it won't hold most folk's attention for too long. But take heart, that's why we are on this forum. Because most folks just don't care about all the details that make this a craft. And that's just fine with me.
 
Bill DeShivs said:
Oh, I understand the "reality TV" thing, competition, time allotment, etc.
I also understand that the show is purely entertainment and follows a formula.
But, to never even mention tempering is a disservice.
And I think the "make something stupid in 3 hours" thing is a little far-fetched, along with the whole "weapon" aspect of the show.
It's much like Hollywood's use of guns-portrayed very unrealistically.
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There was a time before we had all these super-duper steels and fancy temperature controlled ovens that the blade was tempered in the same forge that was used to soften it. Nothing special, they just heated it until they got whatever color they wanted. It worked fine with plain carbon steel. I agree though that there should be some mention of tempering. They don't even show it being done when the two finalists are working at home. BUT, the producers have to condense 6 hours plus 5 days into about 45 minutes.
 
What they should keep doing is referring to everything as weapons and things that kill or keel as the venacular may be. That certainly does the knife industry a great service.

Typical
 
Kevin McGovern said:
You made the right choice. It sounds like you are too busy being awesome to mess around with those people...
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Your correct. While I'm here would you like some help refining your grinding abilities. I have some great tutorials showing how to keep your plunge grinds straight . Now that is awesomeness
 
typicalpest said:
Your correct. While I'm here would you like some help refining your grinding abilities. I have some great tutorials showing how to keep your plunge grinds straight . Now that is awesomeness
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I'm fully satisfied with my grinding abilities. Let's see your work. I could always improve.
 
Kevin McGovern said:
I'm fully satisfied with my grinding abilities. Let's see your work.
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Well as long as your satisfied that's all that matters. Myself I don't think I ever settled for satisfied in my work..I always strive and keep striving for exceptional, alas to each his own.

Typical
 
Of course, I only want to see those tutorials so i can "easily win Forged in Fire". I am so going to dominate.
 
Don't feed the trolls, fellas... I mean, unless it's still fun, but we know how that often ends up!

I can say that I don't think the show is a joke, and I enjoyed being on it both times.
I think many of the opinions stated in this thread are spot on- tempering should be talked about if not shown, and the emphasis on violence is somewhat unfortunate, but also it draws attention to bladesmithing, brings me customers, and is quite entertaining, and those are good things!
 
Kevin McGovern said:
You are correct Salem, I should stop. Alas, we won't be seeing any of the troll's work I fear.
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He emailed me this.

bad-handmade-deer-antler-knife-100-mount-angel-americanlisted_29698495.jpg


Did much better work than I expected.
 
I always wonder if these shows are really giving us what viewers want see, or if they're giving us what they tell the viewers they want to see. I love the craftsmanship on display, the time limit and the "forced" ingenuity do make things interesting but I'm definitely more interested in the home forge and the little tidbits of wisdom from the judges and even the smiths.

On a side note, there is also a short series of videos from History channel with short interviews about knifemaking and tools, etc. They're only a few minutes but still interesting. One also had J. Neilson walking Doug Marcaida and Wil Willis through making their own knives.
 
There are also some shop tour videos, which can be found at History.com or on youtube. Here's mine:

[youtube]ZlDqrGljPOs[/youtube]

Burt Foster, Ben Abbot, and Matthew Parkinson have them too.
 
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