‘Forged in Fire’ stars to judge blade-forging contest in Conroe in November

The 6th annual Texas Custom Knife Show Nov. 4-5 will bring two stars of the History Channel’s “Forged in Fire” to Conroe. 

Doug Marcaida and J. Neilson make up two of the four judges on the TV show. They will judge the weekend’s blade-forging contest, meet with visitors to the event and host demonstrations. 

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Here’s what to know about the show:

What is it? 

The event is hosted by co-producers Mike Thomas and Jacob Sewell, from Conroe, a former contestant on “Forged in Fire.” 

The Conroe show is in its 6th year and inspired by Thomas’ late friend Guy Harris from The Woodlands. 

Harris mentioned to Thomas that there were many participants who had been on “Forged in Fire” living in the North Houston area. He suggested an event where they could get together and showcase their passion for blade making to the community. Harris won his episode on the show.

The first Texas Custom Knife Show was in 2018 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. Then the event moved to Southern Star Brewery. Now the event has expanded and is back at the Lone Star Pavilion at the fairgrounds. 

“Since the rise in popularity of ‘Forged in Fire,’ these knife shows have popped up all over the country,” he said. “Ours is very unique and different. We’re the only show in the country that simulates the contest like the TV show and the guys who judge the blades on the tv show are the same ones judging our contest.”

Blade-forging contest 

The live blade-forging contest will feature three knife-makers who have participated in the show including Jonathan Sibley who was on season five, episode 10, Jesse Harrison from season seven, episode 12 and defending Texas Custom Knife Show champion from 2022, Don Halter, from Houston.

He was a winner on “Forged in Fire” in season four.

“For the first time, an underdog will come in and take on the big boys if you will,” he said. Cory Yates, from Yates Unicorn Ranch Ministries, will be the amateur blade maker. He’s based in Atlanta, Texas. 

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The contest starts on Saturday around 10 a.m. with judging around 1 p.m. 

About Marcaida and Neilson 

Marcaida is a martial arts and weapons specialist and former US Air Force detail. 

Neilson is a certified Master Bladesmith and judges with Marcaida on “Forged In Fire.” Neilson makes show appearances around the world including Australia.

“They are friendly and down to earth. They just want to see this blade-smithing community thrive and grow,” Thomas said. 

More activities 

The show starts at 9 a.m. both days. Thomas said this is a family-friendly event for all ages and offers music, vendors, food trucks, a blade-chop competition and demonstrations. 

New this year there will be “gelly” paintball-type activities. The “gelly” orbs are soft water orbs. 

A live auction will benefit the nonprofit Operation Red Wings Foundation, a local-based organization that helps US veterans nationwide with PTSD and chronic pain issues. 

How to go 

Tickets start at $16 to attend one day of the event. A $42 VIP ticket includes an express pass to meet the celebrities. Visit the Texas Custom Knife Show website for tickets and more information.