Weapon Masters

Mike and Chad venture to Japan to meet a master sword smith. Back home, Chad's design relies on modern steel that should give his version the upper hand over the Katana. 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? This is no dry, academic show - these weapons are put through their paces. In the final showdown, in which our modern weapon is pitted against the traditionally built example, we use high speed cameras and time-slice photography to capture the moment of truth - will our new sword cleave a bullet clean in two, can our crossbow shoot farther . . . or will the traditional weapon reign supreme?

Dating back to the beginning of mankind, the blowpipe is still used for every day survival in the depths of the Amazon.

Chad and Mike create a Roman Scorpion, the giant freestanding crossbow that terrorized the ancient battlefield with its flaming arrows. This machine is all about stored energy - when fired, it exploded and lurched like a striking scorpion.

Chad and Mike get volatile attempting to squirt Greek Fire from the world's first flame thrower. Bigger gas tanks, increased pressure, and modern fuel will make his floating flamethrower far more incendiary than the original.

Chad installs an electronic ignition in his dueling pistol, allowing him to draw and fire with lightning speed.

This spear throwing device pre-dates the bow, and was used by Native Americans as their main defense against the Spanish conquistadores.

This centuries old iconic Japanese sword is the ultimate fighting weapon. The heart of the Katana is its folded steel composite construction providing strength, sharpness and flexibility. Mike & Chad venture to Japan to meet a master sword smith.

Chad and Mike go back in time to Beijing 1899 - the time of the boxer rebellion to see the machine gun of the ancient world, the Chinese repeating crossbow in action.

What made this cast iron, 26-pound, Civil war rocket revolutionary was its spin. By diverting some of the rocket's thrust to create spin, the Hale took advantage of the simple idea of gyroscopic force, improving both range and accuracy.

Mike travels deep into India to join warriors wielding the Charkram, a deadly ring-shaped weapon with a razor-sharp edge. Chad re-invents the bladed-ring with advanced materials and a mechanical launch mechanism.

The Chariot Bow was the decisive weapon of the Egyptians, designed to be used from the crammed, unstable chariot. In the strung position, this bow resembled a triangle; when drawn, it transforms into to a perfect arc.

The history of the Atlatl, employed by South American tribes to launch throwing darts across distances of more than 100 metres and reputedly capable of piercing metal armour

Chad Houseknecht and Mike Loades explores the year 1899 and witness a demonstration of the Chinese repeating crossbow