Season 9 of History’s ‘Forged in Fire’ brought a new group of talented bladesmiths to compete in a series of intense challenges. The episodes tested their ability to forge a variety of historical and iconic weapons under tight deadlines. The competition was fierce, with new twists and tougher tasks pushing the participants to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship. In the third episode of the season, Texas blacksmith Jason Floyd forged a sleek ninja sword that passed the judges’ tests and cleared his way to victory and a $10,000 cash prize. Jason was a full-time groundskeeper from Amarillo at the time and sparks curiosity about the efforts he undertook after claiming the title of Forged in Fire Champion.

Jason Floyd celebrated this with a display at his workplace

After his win on the show, Jason returned to his new job as a groundskeeper for the Amarillo Sod Poodles Baseball Stadium, Hodge Town. Since he would receive the prize winnings when his episode of the show aired, the groundskeeper had to keep his win a secret and began working in the yard of his house at the behest of his wife. When Episode 3 aired, Jason hosted a viewing party for it at the Hodge Town Club. Of course, he was declared Forged in Fire Champion on television, and the club erupted in cheers and celebration. The title holder revealed that he forged the prize-winning sword in his father’s forge, who had watched over him while he worked, making for a priceless memory.

“Knife making started and is still something I love to do, but I honestly never thought it would reach as many people as it has now,” Jason wrote online. “I appreciate everyone who came to the viewing party, reached out with a comment, phone call or message. You are all wonderful people, I am privileged to call friends and family.” He further appreciated the motivation that his inspiring father, supportive mother, loving wife and his three curious children gave him.

While continuing his dedicated work as head groundskeeper, Jason was thrilled to meet Hall of Famer Goose Gossage, and his eldest daughter received an autographed ball from him. When he had time, the ‘Forged in Fire’ winner picked up the hammer and worked on mesmerizingly shaped Damascus blades and commissions under his Top Notch Blades brand. The season 9 win helped his publicity and led to more exciting events.

Jason Floyd is making waves in his community and is driven by family

On September 9, 2024, the Knife Guys store in Bushland, Texas invited the part-time blacksmith to a live blacksmithing demo, along with fellow “Forged in Fire” winners Jason Fry, Deke Parker and Elijah Williams. The champions held live forging sessions, interacting with attendees and showing what goes on behind the scenes in their craft. Organizers also gave away a Gunny Knife, designed by veteran drill sergeant and ‘Full Metal Jacket’ actor R. Lee Ermey before he passed away in 2018, with his signature engraved on the back. As seems to be the law of nature for blacksmithing professionals, the blacksmiths got along great and had a great time hammering steel side by side.

In December, Jason took his two younger children to the Amarillo Civic Center for a gun and knife show, enjoying the variety of metalwork and even 3D printed weapons on display. In early 2023, the loving family man appreciated how far his eldest daughter, Landyn, had come when she competed in a pig show and placed 4th in her first showing. In April 2023, he met more “Forged in Fire” participants at the Texas Select custom cutlery event.

Another reunion of the History Show champions took place in September at the aforementioned Knife Guys store, with Jason Fry and Erik Greiner joining Jason Floyd in a live blacksmithing show. Just two months later, he had another opportunity to forge alongside even more top craftsmen at the JDCK and TFS Hammer event in Kennedale, Texas, where he performed a live Damascus demo. The great gathering of talent covered everything from sheath making, engraving and sharpening to personal journeys and thinking in their workshops.

The Canadian Texas native was welcomed into the Luck of The Draw family and was featured on their Hunting podcast in early 2024. When Jason celebrated his nine-year wedding anniversary to Samantha J Floyd in June, he thanked her for putting up with his pranks for all their time together. Jason continues to work diligently at his job as a gardener while maintaining his hustle and passion for blacksmithing with a made-to-order system. His love for his friends and community is evident through his participation in local events and promotion of local businesses. He seems to strive to be a model father to his children, inspired by his father before him, and exposing them to various activities and events that promote growth and faith.

Read more: Kurt Komyati: Where is the winner of Forged in Fire now?