Plot Synopsis

In each one-hour episode of MASTER OF ARMS, three builders face off in two historical challenges that call upon era-specific weaponry -- from the firearms of the frontier to the blades of the Vikings. In this series, modern weapons smiths 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. But these aren't just quickly fabricated weapons; each tool is a heavily researched and crafted piece of art. At the end of 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." Judges include:

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.

In the series opener, "Flintlock Axe Pistol," flintlock pistol meets battle-axe as expert craftsmen compete to build a hybrid weapon that bloodied 16th-century battlegrounds; tested by a Spec Ops sniper and judged by a panel of experts, only one craftsman will earn $10,000 and the title.
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On Friday, December 21, 2018 at 10pm ET/PT, Discovery Channel premiered "Blades of WWI," the Season 1 finale of MASTER OF ARMS. The craftsmen are asked to build weapons from the modern era; they craft a deadly trench knife and a 1913 cavalry saber.