Ask the Pros- Forged in Fire Brandon Franklin

Meet Forged In Fire contestant Brandon Franklin, the talented owner of The Franklin Forge in Jonesborough, Tennessee. Brandon Franklin, a skilled blacksmith, recently competed on the popular reality TV show Forged in Fire, which airs on the History Channel. Brandon’s impressive performance on season eight, episode forty-two, aired in early 2023, earned him a well-deserved second place.

Brandon’s passion for bladesmithing began during his childhood when he had to work with limited resources. Nevertheless, he persevered, and his skills have grown tremendously over time. Today, he is a master of his craft, creating exquisite historical weaponry with precision and expertise.

What sparked your interest in making knives?

My fascination with forging began when I was little, watching local blacksmiths at festivals in Tennessee. The inspiration to make a knife, however, didn’t come until later in life, when in 2018, I came across the show Forged In Fire. I was immediately addicted to the show and began consuming as much of it as possible. Being inspired by the journey of knife makers showcasing their skills on Forged in Fire, I signed up for an intro to blacksmithing class.

A few months later, I signed up for an intro to blacksmithing class at a local maker space. This would be the first time I swung a hammer. After that, I couldn’t get enough of it. Shortly after this class, I sought out a local blacksmith (Robin Lynch) here in East Tennessee and did a short apprenticeship under him. I knew if I pursued knife making, I needed first to learn the foundations of blacksmithing. After about six months of blacksmithing, I started to forge my own knives.

What was your first knife, Brandon?

The first knife I ever made was a small hunter-style knife from a railroad spike. At the time, I had no idea about metallurgy or cutting geometry. I use the term “hunter style” very loosely, as it doesn’t fit any of the ramifications of a certain style of knife. I still have this knife in my office as a reminder of where I started.

Can you explain the process of getting on Forged In Fire?

I have my wife to thank for this. Unknown to me, she had found the Forged In Fire applicant email online and submitted my name at the end of 2019. Three months later, I received an email with the full application. I was ecstatic. After multiple interviews, I was accepted as a competitor on Forged In Fire.

Around this time, COVID hit and put a massive delay on filming. It would be a year and a half before I would actually go on the show. The filming of my episode took place in August 2021 and aired in January the following year.

What separates you from the herd that makes your brand stand out?

The whole reason I started doing this was to create functional art. Making a knife that not only looks beautiful but also outperforms other knives. This requires understanding the flow of lines and how they complement each other, something that my mentor Jason Knight has taught me. I also go above and beyond most makers in my heat-treating process. I use modern industrial equipment to ensure that I create a knife that is perfectly hardened.

What steels and materials do you favor?

The primary steel that I use is 80CrV2. I have found it to be a very versatile steel, from choppers to kitchen knives. I also favor a 1085 round stock as well for my integral pieces.

What is your favorite pattern or type of knife to make?

I draw a lot of inspiration from Indo-Persian style integral recurves when making any carry or hunting knife. My favorite type of knife is a chef’s knife.

How do you test your knives before sending them out?

My testing conforms to the ABS (American Bladesmith Society) testing. I test the type of steel that I am using, and I only use known steels. I heat treat in an industrial heat treat oven, and I use a scientific Rockwell tester to verify my steel hardness, ensuring quality.

Who are your favorite custom knife makers or knife companies out there?

My favorite knife makers will be people who have influenced me or helped me along the way: Jason Knight, Tigerlily Knight, Liam Hoffman, Curtis Haaland, Burt Foster, Will Stelter, and Andrew Wasnac. These are some people whom I respect as serious artists and craftsmen.

As far as favorite companies, I would go with Winkler Knives and Microtech!

What knives of yours or any others do you EDC?

My two primary carry knives are Jason Knight’s Hummingbird and an OTF (Out the Front) Microtech. I use my chef knives daily.

Is there a knife maker that you looked up to and studied alongside?

After being accepted on Forged In Fire, I contacted ABS Mastersmith Jason Knight. I sought out his guidance and was eager to accept any tips he may offer. I was taken in and prepared for a show, making huge progress. He’s still a close friend. Another bladesmith, Liam Hoffman, Forged in Fire winner and axe maker, would provide challenging forging tasks and workouts to keep my heart rate up on my journey.

Thanks, Brandon Franklin. We all look forward to what you do next, and we celebrate your success as an inspiring figure in bladesmithing!

Franklin Forge
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