Last Blade Standing Takes A Seat For No Man!

How is it possible that in an era defined by modern technology, one of the most primal artforms has never been more popular? Well, thanks to a surge in fanaticism brought on by shows like History’s Forged In Fire, a whole new generation of craftsmen and craftswomen have discovered the timeless art of bladesmithing. Interestingly, though, the very technology that can so often distract us from the things that matter also offers a vehicle for people to carve their own path amongst the traditional media empires- social media.

Last Blade Standing is a bladesmithing competition created by bladesmiths, for bladesmiths, and it’s happening right now all over social media. If you are at all interested in the art of bladesmithing, then we’ve got just the thing for you.

(Image credit: Last Blade Standing)

For Bladesmiths, by Bladesmiths

Way back in 2021, aspiring bladesmith Matthew “Doc” Martin (@Martinforged) and a group of friends set out to forge a new creative outlet for bladesmiths inspired by the History show Forged In Fire. Understanding the hugely underserved (and rapidly growing) bladesmithing community, the group saw an opportunity to leverage the power of social media to create a new competition. The wanted to create “Forged In Fire for the rest of us”.

Since it’s creation in 2021, Last Blade Standing (LBS) has offered a competitive, yet supportive community for bladesmiths everywhere. LBS is a competition for bladesmiths across North America during which smiths are challenged to create a blade within specific parameters and within an allotted time frame. Once complete, the blades are sent in for judging where they undergo extreme testing in a bracket-style competition. The blades then progress through testing with only the best advancing until only one survives. In the end, only one smith can boast having created the last blade standing, walking away with a generous prize package and a trophy crafted by the previous season’s winner.

“They wanted to create ‘Forged In Fire’ for the rest of us.”

Bigger and better

With two successful seasons in the books, Martin and crew set out to make Last Blade Standing season three the biggest yet. This means more contestants, more blades, and more awesome content. Sixty-four smiths have entered, and only one will be crowned champion. Featuring competitors from across the nation, including Ben Abbott (@abbot_ben), undefeated judge from Forged in Fire, Last Blade Standing season three boasts many of the most skilled and popular smiths today. And, as if that weren’t enough, how about a special guest judge? That’s right. This season LBS is proud to welcome legendary weaponsmaker and Forged in Fire judge David Baker (@bakerblades) to help officiate the competition.

The roster isn’t the only thing that’s bigger. This season, they’re making freaking swords! The smiths have 90 days to forge their best 19” to 22” short sword, a first for the competition.

Season three kicked off on October 15th, 2022, with the smiths learning the parameters of the competition (you can watch their progress all over social media; follow Last Blade Standing for a steady stream of updates). All blades are due to be received by January 14th, 2023, after which the LBS judges will begin the arduous three-round testing phase.

Round one of testing commences on February 11th with the field of sixty-four being narrowed to thirty-two during the second round on February 18th. One week later, the Grand Finale kicks off with a new champion being named on February 25th.

Making a difference

While the competition between smiths is fierce, there’s one thing they never lose sight of- the desire to make an impact. Each season, all of the blades entered are auctioned off following the competition with the proceeds going to a charity of the bladesmiths' choosing. In years’ past, previous charities have included K9s for Warriors and Mission22, a non-profit that supports Veterans suffering from PTSD. For season three, the bladesmiths are supporting the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

Be sure to pick up your very own LBS season three blade after the competition and support this noble cause. Want to help the fight against pediatric cancer right now? LBS is selling a limited edition “Our Swords Fight Cancer” shirt with all proceeds going directly to NPCF. You can buy your limited edition shirt at the LBS store or the link below.

Where to watch?

You can connect with Last Blade Standing at their website and on Instagram. All events are live streamed on Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, where you can also find the videos of previous seasons.

Fans of the competition can experience the ultimate viewing event by attending the live season three finale. Last Blade Standing season three is coming to you from a historic forging school in Salisbury, North Carolina, owned and operated by season two champion, Jeremy Fulton of Norseforged! Your non-refundable ticket grants you admission to the event, and if you're 21 or older, free beer will be provided by New Sarum Brewing Company. You can find more information and purchase your tickets here.

**What’s next for Last Blade Standing?**

There is no end in site for the competition. A steady stream of new fans are created daily as more and more people discover the craft, and along with those fans comes an increased hunger for all things bladesmithing. With ever-increasing support from throughout the industry, future (larger) seasons are all but guaranteed.

“A steady stream of new fans are created daily as more and more people discover the craft.”

Of course, the real beauty of the competition lies in it’s accessibility. With a relatively low barrier to entry, new(ish) bladesmiths with modest experience can be featured on the same playing field as industry legends. Because of this, LBS is truly “Forged In Fire for the rest of us”. As long as they maintain that accessibility, the competition offers legitimate opportunities for everyday, hard working smiths to realize their dreams and receive the recognition and celebration they so deserve.

Need more bladesmithing content in your life? Be sure to follow BRUTE de FORGE to get all the latest news and updates on Last Blade Standing. And hey, sign up for our newsletter too while your at it.