- Doug Butts watches the moment he was named champion and won $10,000 while competing on 'Forged in Fire' with friends and family at a viewing party at Soggy Bottom Lodge's Shack 33 on July 31.
Doug Butts brings home $10,000 grand prize from ‘Forged in Fire'
Forged in Fire S02E05 Viking Sword. Forged in Fire - S07E02 - General Patton's Saber - October 16, 2019 Forged in Fire (. Doug Butts shows off his cane sword, which he recreated from his original version that was forged during the competition. Though he went home with the title of 'Forged in Fire' champion and $10,000, Butts said the competition tested his skills like nothing else and left him exhausted.
Published 10:17 am Friday, August 9, 2019
When Linden bladesmith Doug Butts tested his skills against three others on History Channel's competition show 'Forged in Fire,' he wasn't competing against the other bladesmiths.
'We're competing against ourselves,' he said. The ability to forge a winning blade depended solely on Butts' own skills that he learned from a long line of mentors.
With hammers in full swing and multiple obstacles in their path, the smiths exhaust every ounce of their strength to produce weapons fit to withstand any test imaginable. In the final challenge, the remaining two smiths voyage home to recreate a pair of deadly Viking War Axes in their final fight for the coveted title of Forged In Fire champion. Viking Sword: Four bladesmiths are tasked with creating weapons from old car materials, before the two finalists compete to forge the best Viking sword. Former winners return for the chance to craft a weapon known for its unique mechanics and deadly double-edged blade: the pata. In a Forged in Fire first, fans vote online to bring back.
Doug Butts shows off his cane sword, which he recreated from his original version that was forged during the competition.
Though he went home with the title of 'Forged in Fire' champion and $10,000, Butts said the competition tested his skills like nothing else and left him exhausted.
With a background in the movie industry, applying his skills in carpentry, blacksmithing and pyrotechnics to special effects, Butts was able to get in the right mindset. He understood how slowly things move behind the camera, and how, once he had a task before him, there was no time to wait. 'No one can ever be waiting on us, so we run like the wind,' he said about his days creating special effects for movies.
There are four contestants that are eventually whittled down to one winner across two challenges. The first challenge gave the competitors four hours to create a pair of karambits. Up until the blades were unveiled at the start of the round, Butts didn't even know what a karambit was.
Going in, Butts had a strategy of using an hour at the end of the first round to dedicate just to sanding and then spending the final half hour quenching. During the challenge, he could also be seen running to the two karambits displayed for reference to make sure he was getting the correct form, though he did receive criticism for the handles being one-and-a-half to two inches too long, even after he shortened them when given the chance to refine.
'Had I built a karambit before in my life, I probably would not have struggled with the handles being too long,' he said.
The first round included two parts and saw two bladesmiths eliminated, one after an initial judging and the other after strength and edge tests. Butts advanced to the final two and returned to his home forge in Linden to make a cane sword over four days, a unique challenge as it also required carpentry skills to fashion the cane surrounding the blade.
Butts had forged swords before, but they were broad, especially compared to the thin blade tucked into a cane.
The worst moment of the competition came in the final moments that Butts was working on the sword. He had just glued the pommel with epoxy before being instructed to begin packing it for shipment. During transit, anything could have happened to the pommel that could have cost him the win, such as it rotating or becoming off-center.
'That's the one spot where I was terribly scared that things may not turn out very well for me,' he said.
Butts won 'Forged in Fire' following praise for his cane sword and the blade of his competitor's sword breaking during testing.
However, winning was not enough for Butts. When he came home, he recreated his karambits and cane sword to perfection. 'It was important to me to come home and build those things in a proper manner,' he said.
The moment his win aired on television was shared with about 100 friends and family at a viewing party at Soggy Bottom Lodge's Shack 33 on July 31.
'I've never been so honored in my whole entire life to have that many people come out and share this moment with me,' he said.
Butts has kept contact with the three other bladesmiths that were on the episode, and they were texting each other leading up to the premiere. 'Those are three guys that are going to be friends of mine probably for the rest of my life,' he said.
At the viewing party, Butts stood before the crowd and thanked a long list of people that made his competing and the party to celebrate his achievement possible.
Trent and Lynn Hale – his brother- and sister-in-law – initially introduced Butts to 'Forged in Fire' and contributed to the event's catering. Mitchel and Melanie Hale – his father- and mother-in-law –supported Butts in his career and passions for the past decade and contributed to renting Shack 33. Skibo Holman is the physical therapist whose weeks of shoulder therapy treatments allowed Butts to compete. Daryl Kirkham opened Linden Ace Hardware well past regular operation hours while Butts crafted his cane sword. Ben Mayton had a strong hand in the viewing party being held at Shack 33 and contributed to its rental. Elizabeth Hale also designed the event's invitations. Many others also brought desserts to the event.
Butts took a special moment to thank his wife for her support and enthusiasm for his passions.
'Victoria has supported me no matter what crazy idea I have,' he said. 'She's the fire in my life. I can't imagine life without her.'
The final note that Butts gave during his speech was a warning that he learned the importance of first-hand while competing. 'Beware of anybody with a fat cane,' he said, unsheathing his cane sword. 'It could have a sword it.'
(This article originally appeared in the Wednesday, August 7 issue of the Demopolis Times.)
14U Babe Ruth World Series Opening Ceremony [PHOTO GALLERY]
The opening ceremony for the 14U Babe Ruth World Series was held Thursday, with a demonstration from the Silver Wings.. read more
Episodes
Season: 1
1 - Japanese Katana #1Japanese Katana: Four bladesmiths compete for a $10,000 prize by forging the finest Japanese Katana blade - a weapon designed to cut as it is unsheathed. (S1, ep 1)
2 - Crusader Sword #2Crusader Sword: The bladesmiths are tasked with utilising a Japanese hardening technique, before the two finalists forge the legendary Crusader Sword. (S1, ep 2)
3 - Chakram #3Chakram: Four bladesmiths compete to make the best weapon out of reclaimed metal, with the best two going forward to create a deadly Indian throwing weapon - the chakram. (S1, ep 3)
4 - Viking Battle Axe #4Viking Battle Axe: After forging a weapon out of a 'train spring', the two remaining bladesmiths will have to create a mighty Viking battle axe to prove their skill. (S1, ep 4)
5 - Katar #5Katar: The competitors create their signature blade by using the Hada technique. The pressure mounts as one of the smiths is pushed to his breaking point. (S1, ep 5)
6 - Elizabeth Rapier #6, TheThe Elizabethan Rapier: The forge heats up as the two selected bladesmiths forge the rapier, a sharply pointed sword that can kill with just one thrust. (S1, ep 6)
7 - Roman Gladius #7, TheThe Roman Gladius: After crafting a weapon from just a steel ball bearing, the two finalists must create one of the most important weapons in history - the Roman Gladius. (S1, ep 7)
8 - Moro Kris #8, TheThe Moro Kris: After a signature weapon trial, the two finalists have five days to forge the Moro Kris sword - a legendary weapon that dates back to 300 BC. (S1, ep 8)
Season: 2
1 - War Hammer #1, TheThe War Hammer: After dumpster diving for the best blade materials, the two finalists must forge the mightiest war hammer they can and strike the winning blow. (S2, ep 1)
Forged In Fire Viking Axe
10 - TabarTabar: After using lawnmower blades to forge signature weapons, the bladesmiths will hope to cut their competition down to size with the Tabar, a south Asian battle axe. (S2, ep 9)
2 - Khopesh #2Khopesh: After being tasked with forging a weapon from cable steel, the best smiths must create an Egyptian Khopesh. (S2, ep 2)
3 - Scottish Claymore #3, TheThe Scottish Claymore: Four bladesmiths have to work without any electricity in a gruelling qualifier, before the two finalists must forge the legendary Scottish Claymore. (S2, ep 3)
4 - Spiked Shield #4Spiked Shield: After being tasked with forging a blade from three or more different metals, the two finalists must prepare to craft a spiked shield. (S2, ep 4)
5 - Viking Sword #5Viking Sword: Four bladesmiths are tasked with creating weapons from old car materials, before the two finalists compete to forge the best Viking sword. (S2, ep 5)
6 - Nepalese Kukri #6Nepalese Kukri: After a rigorous first round qualifier, two bladesmiths will compete to make one of the most lethal weapons in military history, the Nepalese Kukri. (S2, ep 6) Megaman battle network 6 shadow rock patch download pc.
7 - Shotel #7, TheThe Shotel: After forging carbon steel and wrought iron into a fully functional weapon, two finalists move on to create the uniquely curved Ethiopian Shotel. Skylanders spyro adventure pc iso torrent. (S2, ep 7)
8 - Cutlass #8, TheThe Cutlass: The contestants transform failed blades from last season into fully functional weapons, before the finalists forge the legendary pirate cutlass sword. (S2, ep 8)
Season: 3
1 - Champions EditionChampions Edition: Season three begins with the return of four champions who are charged with making a high-carbon-steel inlay. (S3, ep 1)
10 - Pandat, TheThe Pandat: Two bladesmiths will have just five days to create a Dayak war sword, the Pandat. Will the blade's unique shape leave victims in its wake? (S3, ep 10)
11 - Naginata, TheThe Naginata: Four bladesmiths must create a signature blade using a randomly chosen mystery technique, before two are chosen to forge the Japanese Naginata. (S3, ep 11)
12 - Zulu IklwaZulu Iklwa: After forging a bayonet blade and attaching it to a rifle, two bladesmiths will be called upon to create the legendary African blade, the Zulu Iklwa. (S3, ep 12)
13 - Haladie, TheThe Haladie: After using high carbon steel to forge a hatchet, the two finalists must create an ancient Indian weapon used to both stab and slice. (S3, ep 13)
14 - Zweihander, TheThe Zweihander: Four competitors must weld blades from tiny cubes of steel before two go on to forge the mighty German Zweihander. (S3, ep 14)
15 - Pata, TheThe Pata: Former winners return for the chance to craft a weapon known for its unique mechanics and deadly double-edged blade: the pata. (S3, ep 15)
16 - RedemptionRedemption: Four previously eliminated bladesmiths return to the forge for a shot at redemption, but they face a challenge more difficult than they could imagine. (S3, ep 16)
2 - Fan FavouritesFan Favourites: Four former contestants return for a second chance, with the two finalists charged with creating a Hook Sword. (S3, ep 2)
3 - Butterfly SwordsButterfly Swords: Four contestants forge a signature blade from a pile of tools with the two survivors charged with crafting two Chinese Butterfly Swords to become the champion. (S3, ep 3)
4 - Falcata, TheThe Falcata: Four bladesmiths must create a blade out of high carbon steel while also forging the hammer they'll use to make it. (S3, ep 4)
5 - Kora SwordKora Sword: This time, the swordsmiths compete for a chance to craft a sacrificial sword from history which could reportedly cut a sheep in half with one swing. (S3, ep 5)
6 - Hunga MungaHunga Munga: Four new bladesmiths compete for a chance to forge a Hunga Munga - a four-edged behemoth of a weapon. (S3, ep 6)
7 - Boar Spear, TheThe Boar Spear: With a variety of metal objects to choose their metal from, four new competitors attempt to forge a knife in their own style before taking on the Boar Spear. (S3, ep 7)
8 - Xiphos SwordXiphos Sword: Four custom knife makers compete to make the best usable knife through a series of challenges. Bladesmiths craft the classic Greek Xiphos Sword. (S3, ep 8)
9Forged In Fire Viking Sword Winner List
- Cavalry SaberCavalry Saber: Four new bladesmiths face the challenge of forging the barrel of a gun into a knife, before two go on to forge the iconic Cavalry Saber. (S3, ep 9)
Season: 4
1 - Judges Pick #1Judge's Pick: For the first time, it's judge against judge when all four pick a past bladesmith to represent them in the ultimate battle for supremacy. (S4, ep 1)
10 - Sword Breaker Redemption #10Sword Breaker Redemption: Four eliminated competitors return, using recycled jackhammer steel in the signature round, before crafting the Sword Breaker blade in the final. (S4, ep 10)
11 - Master & ApprenticeMaster & Apprentice: Masters compete alongside their apprentices as they take turns on the forge floor, crafting a cleaver using the jellyroll technique. (S4, ep 11)
12 - Kachin Dao, TheThe Kachin Dao: After two turbulent nautically themed rounds, two smiths head the final round to forge the Kachin Dao, a deadly headhunting sword. (S4, ep 12)
13 - Gladiators' Scissor, TheThe Gladiators' Scissor: After a first round besieged with setbacks, two bladesmiths go on to the finals to craft an Ancient Roman gladiator's scissor. (S4, ep 13)
14 - Ngombe NguluNgombe Ngulu: The competing smiths must forge a weapon from an elevator cable, before two go on to recreate the African Ngombe Ngulu - an executioner's sword. (S4, ep 14)
15 - Tabar ShishparTabar Shishpar: Four more bladesmiths head into the forge to prove they have the mettle to master metal. (S4, ep 15)
16 - Shamshir, TheThe Shamshir: The contestants get to work on a unique bowie knife in the first round, before two will go on to craft a deadly sabre called The Shamshir. (S4, ep 16)
17 - Kampilan, TheThe Kampilan: Four bladesmiths head to a scrap yard to create their signature blades, then recreate a fearsome battle weapon known as the kampilan. (S4, ep 17)
18 - Kpinga, TheThe Kpinga: After layering a complex Damascus pattern in their signature blades, the remaining competitors recreate a three-bladed African throwing knife called the Kpinga. (S4, ep 18)
19 - Yatagan, TheThe Yatagan: The smiths are tasked with turning a rusted 1971 Mercury Cougar into their signature blades, before creating an elite military weapon known as the Yatagan. (S4, ep 19)
2 - Deer Horn Knives #2Deer Horn Knives: Four bladesmiths harvest the steel from a golf club to forge their signature blade, before the finalists must craft a pair of iconic double bladed weapons. (S4, ep 2)
20 - International ChampionshipInternational Championship: Four of the top smiths from around the world compete in an international championship, with the best two crafting a Spadroon in the final. (S4, ep 20)
21 - Knights TemplarKnights Templar: The smiths must forge together rusty chain mail and high quality steel to produce weapons used by the Knights Templar. (S4, ep 21)
22 - Ultimate Champions EditionUltimate Champions Edition: Five champions return to the anvil, with the final two competing to craft the finest Tai Chi sword. (S4, ep 22)
23Forged In Fire Swords List
- Viking EditionViking Edition: Competitors march into a dry moat where they resurrect old swords and forge them into a Viking Seax. (S4, ep 23)
24 - Horsemans Axe, TheThe Horseman's Axe: Four bladesmiths are pushed to their limits when they must forge a signature blade from springs of steel, before recreating the mighty horseman's axe. (S4, ep 24)
25 - Jumonji YariJumonji Yari: After forging functional friction holders, two finalists go on to craft a Japanese trident called the Jumonji Yari, a weapon of unparalleled strength. (S4, ep 25)
26 - Schiavona, TheThe Schiavona: The bladesmiths must harvest steel from farming tools before crafting the decorated and deadly Schiavona sword.
27 - Rhomphaia, TheThe Rhompaia: The bladesmiths are forced to achieve one of six Damascus patterns for their first round blade, before two go on to forge the fearsome Rhomphaia sword.
28 - Sica SwordSica Sword: The smiths must forge a signature blade out of a flintlock pistol before two go on to craft the lethal gladiator sword, the Sica. (S4, ep 28)
29 - Navaja, TheThe Navaja: Four bladesmiths test their mettle in a rock quarry before two go on to recreate one of the most dangerous folding weapons in history, the Spanish Navaja. (S4, ep 29)
3 - Katzbalger #3, TheThe Katzbalger: Four competitors look to secure a place in the final where they will be tasked with forging the intricate renaissance side-arm, the Katzbalger. (S4, ep 3)
30 - Ultimate Team ChallengeUltimate Team Challenge: Four master smiths compete alongside their apprentices to forge an iconic weapon of warfare, the trench knife. (S4, ep 30)
4 - Makraka #4Makraka: The finalists are tasked with crafting the Makraka - the sickle-shaped blade that was the favoured close-range weapon of the Zande warriors of Central Africa. (S4, ep 4)
5 - Fans' Choice #5Fan's Vote: In a Forged in Fire first, fans vote online to bring back four of their favourite craftsmen for a second shot at victory. (S4, ep 5)
6 - Akrafena #6Akrafena: In the preliminary round, bladesmiths are tasked with forging a Kukri before moving on to the distinctive African Akrafena sword. (S4, ep 6)
7 - Talwar #7Talwar: A new group of competitors are tasked with using odd shapes of mystery steel to forge a blade, before two go on to recreate the sacred and lethal Talwar sword. (S4, ep 7)
8 - Cinquedea #8, TheThe Cinquedea: Four bladesmiths must utilise questionable steel from mining tools, before two go on to forge an intricately designed and deadly Italian sword, the Cinquedea. (S4, ep 8)
9 - Charay #9, TheThe Charay: The competitors are tasked with turning salvaged junkyard steel into a weapon, before two go on to craft the legendary Charay sword. (S4, ep 9)
Season: 5
1 - Rookies EditionRookies Edition: Five novice smiths must earn their way into the competition before the forge is even lit, before recreating a 16th-century weapon known as the War Golok. (S5, ep 1)
10Pioneer Sword: Four smiths must forge a multipurpose weapon from old rescue tools, before two go on to recreate a unique utilitarian tool, the Russian Pioneer Sword. (S5, ep 6)
2 - Kabyle Flyssa, TheThe Kabyle Flyssa: The bladesmiths are challenged to salvage a cannon to make signature blades, and the finalists recreate the North African Kabyle Flyssa. (S5, ep 2)
3 - KarabelaKarabela: Four bladesmiths are tasked with forging blades out of steel from a chain and a sprocket, before moving on to craft the iconic Karabela sabre. (S5, ep 3)
4 - Zande Spear, TheThe Zande Spear: Four bladesmiths must forge J. Nielson's favourite blade, a Damascus European dagger, before moving on to the Zande spear. (S5, ep 4)
5 - German Halberd, TheThe German Halberd: After a testing qualifier, two smiths head home for the final round to recreate the German Halberd, a medieval-era triple threat. (S5, ep 5)
6 - Two-Handed Sword, TheThe Two-Handed Sword: The bladesmiths harvest steel from motorcycles to forge blades in their signature style, before two craft a giant two-handed sword in the final. (S5, ep 6)
7 - Kelewang, TheThe Kelewang: After two challenging rounds of signature crafting two smiths recreate a beautiful but deadly Indonesian sword, the Kelewang. (S5, ep 3) Ahnlab.
8 - Bagh Nakh BladesBagh Nakh Blades: The bladesmiths are forced to make canister damascus using nuts and bolts before two must recreate a pair of deadly Indian Bagh Nakh weapons. (S5, ep 4)
9 - Glaive Guisarme, TheThe Glaive Guisarme: After forging the iconic Ka-Bar military blade using only tiny cubes of W-1 steel, finalists are challenged to craft the battle-tested glaive guisarme. (S5, ep 5)