Kevin Adams and Aric Fontaine, two bladesmiths, compete in the third round of a competition to create a historical sword, the serrated Tegha sword. The Tegha sword originated in 18th-century India, features a nearly three-foot-long blade, and is known for its intimidating curved shape and serrated edges. The competitors must adhere to specific parameters, including a 24-26 inch blade length, a 3.5-inch curve depth, and a split tip with a puncture hole. They have four days to complete the task in their home forges.
After completing their swords, they return to the competition for a series of tests, including a kill test, strength test, and sharpness test. Kevin's sword performs well, but Aric's sword outperforms his in the end. The judges declare Aric the winner, citing Kevin's heat treat issues as the deciding factor. Aric wins a $10,000 prize, which he plans to use for his upcoming wedding and honeymoon.
Here are the facts extracted from the text:
1. Kevin Adams is a technical instructor for the United States Army and a part-time bladesmith.
2. Aric Fontaine is a bladesmith with almost 10 years of experience.
3. The competition is in round three, where contestants have to create an iconic weapon from history.
4. The iconic weapon from history is the serrated Tegha sword.
5. The Tegha sword originated in India in the 18th century.
6. The Tegha sword was known as a great executioner.
7. The Tegha sword has a unique design featuring a nearly three-foot long blade with a split tip and serrated edges.
8. The Tegha sword's design is inspired by the legendary sword Zulfiqar.
9. The contestants have four days to work on the Tegha sword in their home forges.
10. The competition has three tests: the kill test, the strength test, and the sharpness test.
11. The kill test involves using the sword to behead a dummy.
12. The strength test involves smashing pots with the sword to test its overall construction.
13. The sharpness test involves cutting a rope and slicing through a jackfruit.
14. Aric won the competition and was awarded $10,000.
15. Kevin was eliminated due to the heat treat in his blade not being hard enough.