You might’ve been flipping channels or scrolling through streaming options and caught a glimpse of a teenager wearing MLG-style glasses while hammering away at glowing steel. That was Jesse Hu. He wasn't just some kid who stumbled onto a TV set. He was, and honestly still is, one of the most statistically dominant forces to ever step foot on the Forged in Fire floor.
It’s rare to see a reality competition show get "broken" by a single contestant. But during Season 9, specifically the "Gladiator of the Forge" tournament, Jesse Hu basically did just that. He didn't just win a title; he went on a tear that left fans and judges wondering if anyone could actually stop him.
He ended his run with an official 9-0 record. That’s nine wins and zero losses.
The Gladiator Streak That Changed the Show
Let’s talk about the format because it’s important for context. Most winners on Forged in Fire get their $10,000, take their trophy, and head home. The "Gladiator of the Forge" series was different. It was a "winner stays on" gauntlet. Jesse Hu entered during the third event of the series, beat Kurt Komyati, and then he just... didn't leave.
He kept choosing to stay.
He fought through eight back-to-back gladiator titles in just four episodes. Think about the physical toll of that. Forging isn't just "hit the metal." It's an exhausting, high-heat, high-pressure marathon. While most smiths are gasping for air after one five-hour round, Jesse was coolly moving on to the next one.
His final win involved a Roman Dolabra, a combination pick-axe and weapon. It was the culmination of his journey. He’d made seven different weapons in seven different styles leading up to it. By the time he held that final check for $50,000, he wasn't just a contestant anymore. Dave Baker even joked that he was basically part of the crew.
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Who Exactly is Jesse Hu?
People were shocked to find out he was only 19 years old during his initial run.
Most of the guys he was beating had been forging since before he was born. Jesse’s origin story is pure Gen Z—he got bored, started watching YouTube, and decided to try it himself. He didn't have a master-apprentice setup in a fancy shop. He started with bricks and a hairdryer in his backyard.
While he was filming the show and winning tens of thousands of dollars, he was also a student at the University of Michigan. He was double-majoring in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. Imagine winning a world-class bladesmithing competition during the day and then going back to your hotel to watch two-hour engineering lectures.
That’s the kind of discipline we’re talking about.
Technical Prowess vs. Artistic Flair
One of the big debates in the Forged in Fire community is whether Jesse is "better" than legends like Ben Abbott.
- Ben Abbott: Known for near-perfect execution and aesthetics.
- Jesse Hu: Known for incredible speed, technical adaptability, and "overbuilding" for performance.
Jesse’s style is very "engineer-heavy." His grinds are precise. His heat treats are scientific. He famously used a San Mai technique under intense time pressure and made it look like a hobby.
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Some critics argue his designs aren't as "artistic" as someone like David Baker, but when the judges are slamming your blade into a block of ice or a pig carcass, artistry takes a backseat to structural integrity. Jesse’s blades simply didn't break.
The "Beat the Unbeaten" Era
After his Season 9 dominance, Jesse Hu returned for the "Beat the Unbeaten" specials. This was History Channel’s way of bringing back their "Final Bosses."
Even after his long break from the show's specific pressures, he maintained that undefeated status. He eventually pushed his record to a staggering 9-0. It’s a level of consistency that is almost unheard of in a show where a single "cold shut" or a slightly warped edge can send you home instantly.
He has since become a fixture in the community, often cited alongside Ben Abbott as the standard-bearer for what a modern smith can achieve.
What Is Jesse Hu Doing Now?
He didn't just take the money and run. Jesse rebranded his business as JhuBlades.
He shifted his focus heavily toward high-end kitchen cutlery and traditional Japanese bladesmithing. If you look at his current work, the "beginner" vibes from his early YouTube days are long gone. He’s producing Damascus chef’s knives that sell for thousands of dollars.
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He also runs a massive YouTube channel with over 370,000 subscribers. He’s remarkably transparent about his process. He doesn't just show the wins; he shows the "bone-headed mistakes" too. It’s that honesty that has kept his fan base growing long after his episodes stopped airing.
Why His Success Matters
Jesse represents a shift in the craft. For a long time, blacksmithing was seen as a "lost art" practiced by older men in rural areas. Jesse proved that a college kid with a laptop and a desire to learn can out-forge the "old masters" if they understand the science of the steel.
He used his $50,000 winnings to fully kit out his shop, moving from a "janky" backyard setup to a professional-grade studio. He even became an instructor for the blacksmithing club at the University of Michigan.
Actionable Insights for Aspiring Smiths
If you're looking to follow in the footsteps of Jesse Hu Forged in Fire success, here is the blueprint he actually used:
- Don't wait for "perfect" tools. Jesse started with a Walmart anvil and a wood sander. Your first 50 knives will probably be bad. That’s okay.
- Study the metallurgy, not just the "look." Understanding things like the "critical temperature" of steel is what wins competitions.
- Vary your builds. Jesse won because he could jump from a Greek Xiphos to a Roman Dolabra without flinching.
- Document everything. Part of Jesse's longevity is his ability to market himself. Start an Instagram or YouTube for your work today.
- Focus on performance first. A pretty handle won't save a blade that snaps during a strength test.
You can find Jesse’s current work and full build videos on his website or his YouTube channel, where he continues to push the boundaries of what a "self-taught" smith can do. Whether he ever returns to the forge for a 10th win remains to be seen, but his legacy as the most winning "Gladiator" is firmly set in stone.
To see Jesse's current portfolio or inquire about custom commissions, visiting the official JhuBlades website is the best place to start. If you're looking to learn the craft yourself, his "Build Process" playlist on YouTube provides a more detailed look at the techniques that won him $50,000.