From the few episodes I am able to view off of the History website, I think the show AND the Bladesmiths would both be better served if EACH stage of the first two stages were made as an 8 hour day and not crammed into those very short time confines. It just isn't the right time frame, to break the first two stages down into a day each would seem far more reasonable and the bladesmiths would be able to give the time and thought needed, and even at a day that is a lot to do, but I bet we would see far better offerings from the contestants. They can still film it for an hour time slot, they would just need to be selective in their cuts, but it would provide them ALSO a LOT more opportunity to film what the bladesmiths are doing and some thought process behind their choices, not just a mad dash to throw something onto the table, it is a poor way to represent the many many hours with hammer and steel that they have spent years perfecting their craft, into what they are forced to do.
Just my thoughts, but, I think the Show, Contestants and the Public would all be better served if they allowed just a little more time on the first two stages of the competition.
G2
seems you have to sign in with which ever provider for your cable you have, wish I could have seen that episode there as well as the one with Burt Foster, also an excellent bladesmith!