Forged in Fire - panabas

[Lee]

I guess that I must confess that watching Forged in Fire is one of my guilty pleasures. However, I tend toward liking blade smiths in general and this program often seems like merely a sadomasochistic exercise directed towards them. Martial artist Doug Marcaida's insights are entertaining and do seem relevant and worthwhile; the other panelists and the host are, at best, irritating. I have briefly discussed the show with accomplished blade smiths - briefly because they do not watch the show and suggest I follow their lead in that - and the general consensus is that there is very little if any upside and a tremendous amount of potential downside to any blade smith subjecting themselves to this 'competition.' Weird mystery metal worked against the clock and finalist assignments well beyond the scope of contestant's shop tooling do show the blade smith's resilience and perseverance and it is amazing that as many of their works are as good as they are.

As to animal rights activists, I'll admit that I am not a flesh eater, but these groups are largely guilty of promoting the view among our lawmakers that vilifying and prohibiting transfer of a 150 year old kris with an ivory pommel will somehow protect elephants in the wild today.

[Spunjer]

Wow, wasn't aware that this particular episode is already on air. Thanks for the head's up.
The producers actually approached me regarding this particular piece, and i would say i was honored to be of help. I'll watch it when i get home. Hope it wasn't butchered, lol.

Good day Mr. Zambarano,


I hope this finds you well! I was forwarded your information from Mr. Bob Fulton who advised you may be able to assist with my inquiry below.


I am currently conducting research on Panabas swords*for a television program titled*Forged In*Fire*(History Channel).*


I am seeking images/footage of this sword, images of individuals using this sword as well as images of Filipino datu chiefs holding the sword. If you have images of the Moro Tribe, that may also prove to be helpful. These images would be used as part of a*short*segment that outlines a brief history*of the Panabas.


Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.


Thank you for taking the time to read this request; I look forward to your reply! I may be reached via this email, at your earliest convenience.



Warmest Regards,


Danielle

[Battara]

Good for you Ron!

I am aware of the limitations of the show, but I still find it interesting and entertaining.

[Kmaddock]

I really enjoy the show
I can sit down with my eight year old son, (he loves meat) and 6 year old daughter.
We discuss the weapons, appraise what is going wrong, discuss Damascus steel
(We even used a ham and cheese sandwitch to see the process for real)
Overall I feel it brings knowledge of making things by hand to a generation of screen watchers.
Having them in my workshop making plywood swords and trying them out in destructive testing has come from the show.
The delight when they recognise one of my sword types been produced on the show is great, we go up into my storage area and bring it down to discuss if it would win against the competitors.
I would like though to see more of the home shop productions as the 5 days are really condensed.

I have however never made a blade so I might not see all the incorrectness in what is going on.

Regards

Ken

[kronckew]

Originally Posted by Battara

Good for you Ron!

I am aware of the limitations of the show, but I still find it interesting and entertaining.

in spite of my comments i watch it too, better than a lot of the other garbage on at the times it is.

do wish they'd smarten up a bit and look for more historical accuracy rather than glitzy fantasy work (i shuddered at that 'winning' war hammer with the dragon bits that fell off).

the 'iron and fire' series is a LOT better and shows real and useful skills.

[Kmaddock]

Here are my two Forged in Fire fans with their favourite weapons

[Lee]

Well, these katars do not have grips too narrow for the hands of their appreciative wielders! Delightful picture!

[kino]

Originally Posted by Spunjer

Wow, wasn't aware that this particular episode is already on air. Thanks for the head's up.
The producers actually approached me regarding this particular piece, and i would say i was honored to be of help. I'll watch it when i get home. Hope it wasn't butchered, lol.

I'll keep an eye out for your name in the credits.
Hopefully you got compensated for your efforts, don't forget to share the wealth brah!

[Battara]

Originally Posted by kino

Hopefully you got compensated for your efforts, don't forget to share the wealth brah!

Yeah!

[CCUAL]

The strength test.

[kronckew]

panabas abuse! surprised they didn't try to chop thru a springfield rifle barrel or two. after all, everybody knows that knives & swords are designed to cut thru plate armour and stay as sharp as a razor. chopping thru a few steel re-inforced concrete paving slabs would be another good test for them at FIF.

reminds me of the one where they shot a jacketed .45 acp at a katana-like object to 'test' it. failure if it didn't split the projectile without chipping. we all know katanas can cut thru a howitzer, so why not?

i'd like to see the bearded master of historically accurate swords test himself by catching a razor sharp sword stroke between his palms ala mythbusters.

[Rafngard]

Originally Posted by kronckew

panabas abuse! surprised they didn't try to chop thru a springfield rifle barrel or two. after all, everybody knows that knives & swords are designed to cut thru plate armour and stay as sharp as a razor. chopping thru a few steel re-inforced concrete paving slabs would be another good test for them at FIF.

reminds me of the one where they shot a jacketed .45 acp at a katana-like object to 'test' it. failure if it didn't split the projectile without chipping. we all know katanas can cut thru a howitzer, so why not?

i'd like to see the bearded master of historically accurate swords test himself by catching a razor sharp sword stroke between his palms ala mythbusters.

I think I cried a little reading this. Or maybe I threw up. Probably both.

Don't give them ideas.

Have fun,
Leif

[David]

Originally Posted by kronckew

panabas abuse! surprised they didn't try to chop thru a springfield rifle barrel or two. after all, everybody knows that knives & swords are designed to cut thru plate armour and stay as sharp as a razor. chopping thru a few steel re-inforced concrete paving slabs would be another good test for them at FIF.

reminds me of the one where they shot a jacketed .45 acp at a katana-like object to 'test' it. failure if it didn't split the projectile without chipping. we all know katanas can cut thru a howitzer, so why not?

i'd like to see the bearded master of historically accurate swords test himself by catching a razor sharp sword stroke between his palms ala mythbusters.

I'm not sure i see the problem with this. They are not doing these tests on authentic antique weapons. They do them on the blades created by the contestants on the show to test their skills as smiths. These weapons are generally made quickly are are not generally great works of the smithing art. They have been created basically for entertainment purposes.