New Show Airing Tomorrow: Master of Arms

Discovery's newest show, Master of Arms, airs tomorrow night, Friday, November 2nd at 10 pm, after Gold Rush. We were lucky enough to watch the first episode already– and it's good.  It's similar to Forged in Fire, but better because it highlights a higher level of craftsmanship.

Master of Arms features experts who specialize in both blacksmithing and gunsmithing who compete head-to-head to make historically accurate weapons. The winner walks away with $10,000. The first episode features a weapon from the late middle ages that was “a favorite of kings who led their armies from the front,” – Ashley Hlebinsky, firearms historian, Chief Curator of the Cody Firearms Museum, and Master of Arms judge.

Ashley, Zeke, and Trent observing contestants from an overview. Photo courtesy of Discovery Channel.

In a press release about Master of Arms, Discovery said:

Over the course of history, skilled craftsmen helped shape the fate of mankind by constructing the most iconic weaponry known to man. Inspired by age-old traditions, Discovery Channel is gathering the best builders to battle it out in a head-to-head competition to re-create the armaments that have changed the course of history. MASTER OF ARMS premieres Friday, November 2 at 10 PM ET/PT on Discovery.

Centuries ago, the greatest empires leaned on the backs of weapon craftsmen to create the blades, bows and ballistics that would win wars and alter history forever. Now, modern weapons smiths will put their technical knowledge and ingenuity to the test giving insight into age-old building techniques — and the traditions, methods and craftsmanship that define them.

Each episode, three builders will face-off in two historical challenges that call upon era-specific weaponry, from the firearms of the frontier to the blades of the Vikings. But these aren’t just quickly fabricated weapons – each tool will be heavily researched and crafted pieces of art.

Zeke puncturing hanging barrel with a contestant's weapon. Photo courtesy of Discovery Channel.

Weapons will be tested by a decorated military marksman and judged by three experts:

Ashley Hlebinsky, one of the leading firearms historians in the country. Ashley has dedicated her life and career to the study of weaponry. She is currently the Chief Curator of one of the largest firearms collections in the country, the Cody Firearms Museum, in Wyoming.

Nicholas Irving, a former Sergeant within the Special Operations unit, 75th Ranger Regiment 3rd Ranger battalion, served as an assaulter, machine gunner, designated marksman and sniper. He is also The New York Times bestselling author of The Reaper, Way of the Reaper and Reaper: Ghost Target.

Zeke Stout, a certified firearms specialist. He has served as an executive at one of the largest firearms, technology, and gunsmithing schools in the country. In that role, he was certified as a higher education professional in leadership, an Armorer in several platforms, including the 1911 and Penn arms grenade launcher.

Trenton Tye, a professional blacksmith with over 20 years’ experience. His specialties include casting, gunsmithing, knife making, and ancient arms and armor.

Jason, Luke, and Andreas sand down their weapons in the armory.

In each episode, blade, ballistic and bow weapons will be rigorously tested as well as judged on their design, historical accuracy, and abilities. With an elimination after each challenge, only one smith will walk away with the grand prize of $10,000 and be crowned the “Master of Arms.”

Watch the preview of Master of Arms below:

Follow Master of Arms on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MasterofArmsTV/
Learn more about Master of Arms at https://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/master-of-arms/

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