Weapon Masters

Season

2008

USA

7.5

Technology and history collide head-on in this action packed series, where we witness first hand the power of pivotal world-changing weapons. But did the ancient craftsman get it right? Could we make a better weapon today with modern materials, science and techniques? Or did ancient craftsmen's seemingly simple solutions make the most sense, withstanding the test of time?

Episode List

S1 • E3

Dueling Pistols

Chad discovers that a number of his ideas for improving the dueling pistol won't work out that well. Apparently the builders of flintlock pistols got a lot of things right. Mike describes how pistols and ammunition improved since the flintlock.

S1 • E4

Chariot Bow

Chad can't commit to the years of training spent by an ancient Roman to master the art of firing arrows from a chariot. So he learns a lesson or two from the steadicam and M1 tank to build a high-tech armed chariot. Meanwhile Mike researches how ancient soldiers evolved mobile archery.

S1 • E9

Katana

Chad travels to Japan to observe the ancient art of katana making. Then he returns to America and works with a modern bladesmith to try to produce his own katana that is as good as those made by the Japanese masters. Meanwhile, Mike recruits a martial arts expert to put Chad's katana to the test.

S1 • E10

Blowpipe

Mike visits the Amazon rain forest to learn how the natives produce highly accurate and lethal blowpipes. Meanwhile Chad uses modern technology and builds a laser-sited, man-portable blowpipe air canon powered by compressed air with interchangeable barrels; telescoping, multi-barrel and armor piercing. Yet Mike is confident enough to challenge Chad to a shoot-off.