Ben Abbott, a self-taught bladesmith and former electrical engineer, rose to fame as a contestant and judge on “Forged in Fire.” With his forge, Ashgrove Forge, he continues to impress with his passion for bladesmithing”
Born in England and later moving to California, Ben Abbott embarked on a remarkable journey that led him to become a renowned bladesmith and TV personality. Starting as a self-taught craftsman, he honed his skills and eventually made a name for himself on the hit show “Forged in Fire.”
Delve into the captivating story of Ben Abbott’s career, filled with passion, dedication, and unwavering love for the art of bladesmithing
| Full Name | Ben Abbott |
| Nickname | Ben |
| Famous for | Competing and Judging In “Forged In Fire” |
Ben Abbott’s Early Life and Family
@Ben Abbott, a name synonymous with craftsmanship and bladesmithing, has left an indelible mark on the world of weaponry.
Born in England, Abbott’s family moved to California, USA, when he was just a child. His passion for ancient weaponry was ignited during visits to his family in the UK, where he marveled at castles and their legendary armaments.
At the tender age of 12, Abbott embarked on his first attempt at sword-making, using nothing more than a leaf spring he stumbled upon.
| Date Of Birth | 18 January 1972 |
| Age (2023) | 51 years |
| Home Town | England |
| Birth Place | England, UK |
| Current Address | Pasadena, California, USA |
| Religion | Christian |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Nationality | British American |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
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Ben Abbott’s Education and Expertise
Ben Abbott’s journey as a bladesmith is largely self-taught. In the pre-internet era, he tirelessly researched and gathered every available piece of information to hone his skills.
| School | Colchester High School |
| University | Virginia Commonwealth University |
| Overall Qualification | Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering |
With the advent of the internet, he tapped into a vast array of resources, connected with masters of the craft, observed fellow artisans at work, and even attended several blacksmithing classes.
Interestingly, he never took a bladesmithing class, which has given him a unique edge in the field. Apart from his expertise in bladesmithing, Ben Abbott is a highly intelligent individual with a background in electrical engineering.
He pursued his studies at Binghamton University from 1989 to 1993, graduating with a degree in anthropology. Subsequently, he attended Virginia Commonwealth University from 1997 to 2000, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering.
Ben Abbott Before “Forged in Fire”
Before his breakthrough on the television show “Forged in Fire,” Abbott channeled his creative energy into various projects. From crafting tools and furniture to ornamental ironwork and jewelry, his talent knew no bounds.
Additionally, he served as an electrical engineer at the prestigious California Institute of Technology (Caltech) since 2000, contributing to groundbreaking research on gravitational effects. As a member of the LIGO team, he played a role in the construction of the apparatus that detects gravity-related waves.
A Journey Within Forged in Fire
“Forged in Fire,” the popular History Channel competition, provided Abbott with a platform to showcase his skills and passion for bladesmithing. His debut appearance on the show was in 2016, where he impressed judges and viewers alike with his recreation of a Khanda sword.
He claimed victory and walked away with $10,000. Recognizing his exceptional talent, Abbott was invited to participate in the “Champion of Champions” episode, where he triumphed once again, this time with a Scottish Claymore.
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Abbott Career From Contestant to Judge
| Participant In “Forged In Fire” | In the year 2016 |
| Judge In “Forged In Fire” | In the year 2022 |
Ben Abbott’s talent and expertise did not go unnoticed. As the show progressed, vacancies opened up among the judging panel, and Abbott was invited to fill one of those prestigious positions.
Since then, he has been a regular presence on “Forged in Fire,” lending his critical eye and technical expertise to evaluate contestants’ creations.
Ashgrove Forge: Explore His Creativity
Today, Abbott operates his forge, known as Ashgrove Forge. Specializing in custom orders, he crafts a wide range of products, including knives, jewelry, and ornamental pieces.
His attention to detail and dedication to his craft has earned him recognition not only in the bladesmithing community but also among chefs who appreciate the efficiency and functionality of his knives in the culinary world.
Ben Abbot’s Personal Life and Beyond
Although Ben Abbott’s personal life has been relatively private, it is known that he was previously married to Mandy. Details about their marriage remain undisclosed. However, in 2019, choreographer Heather Rabu entered his life, and the two developed a loving relationship.
| Marital Status | Married |
| Former Spouse | Mandy Abbott |
| Current Spouse | Heather Rabu |
| Father | Jacob Abbott |
| Mother | Harriet Vaughan Abbott |
| Children | Alden James Abbott |
They recently announced their joyous expectation of a child, sharing their excitement with the world. Ben expressed his delight on Instagram, revealing their anticipation for the arrival of their little one.
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Ben Abbott’s Looks And Features
In terms of appearance, Ben Abbott possesses a friendly countenance with dark hair.
He looks astonishing with neatly combed-over hair and a well-maintained beard. His brown eyes and strong figure, likely attributed to his hours spent over the forge, radiate the passion he brings to his craft.
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches |
| Weight | 61 Kg |
| Hair Color | Dark Hair |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Body Measurements | Yet to be known |
Ben Abbott’s Salary and Net Worth
With his remarkable journey, Ben Abbott has not only showcased his talent but also achieved financial success.
His net worth, estimated to be over $500,000 as of mid-2020, reflects his earnings from “Forged in Fire,” prize money, and the sales of his remarkable creations.
| Estimated Net worth | About $2 million |
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