Four bladesmiths must start at the bottom when they are tasked with creating ladder pattern damascus knives from a real ladder. After they salvage their metal the competitors must go step-by-step to create this intricate design, which proves to be no easy feat. One smith struggles in the intense conditions to even make it out of Round one. When a second competitor falls after a brutal round of testing, the remaining two smiths head home to recreate a battle sword wielded by one of history's military geniuses: Napoleon Bonaparte. Which smith can create a saber worthy of the Emperor himself, earning the title of Forged in Fire Champion and a prize of $10,000?