America's top bladesmiths and martial artists bring their custom made, historical weapons to slice, stab, and chop their way through a series of grueling challenges designed to test both blades and competitors. Can a Yatagan Sabre hybrid survive the course? Or will a two-handed Bowie be the blade to beat? And will one of the female blade wielders accomplish a Knife or Death first? The fastest two competitors move onto the daunting final course -- "Dead Run." Only one will advance to the finale and the chance to win $20,000 and be crowned Knife or Death Champion.