Ben Abbott is a world-renowned bladesmith, television personality, and former physicist who gained popularity through the hit History Channel series Forged in Fire. Known for his unmatched craftsmanship and deep understanding of metallurgy, he began making blades at the young age of 13 after being inspired by ancient weapons in British museums. His passion turned into a lifelong journey, leading him to win multiple Forged in Fire challenges and later become a respected judge on the show.
Beyond television, Ben Abbott operates Ashgrove Forge, where he creates one-of-a-kind knives, swords, and Damascus steel masterpieces. He also offers online bladesmithing courses for enthusiasts across the world. Interestingly, Ben holds a scientific background and worked with the LIGO team that helped detect gravitational waves,a discovery that led to a Nobel Prize. His unique blend of artistry and science makes him a truly fascinating figure in both the forging and academic communities.
Ben Abbott Profile Summary
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Ben Abbott |
| Date of Birth | January 18, 1972 |
| Age (2025) | 53 years old |
| Nationality | British-American |
| Profession | Bladesmith, Television Judge, Physicist |
| Famous For | Winner & Judge on Forged in Fire, Ashgrove Forge, LIGO Gravitational Waves |
| Current Residence | Richmond, Virginia, USA |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Heather Rabun (Choreographer and Dancer) |
| Children | One son – Alden James Abbott |
| Previous Spouse | Mandy Abbott |
| Accent | Mixed British and American |
| Known For | Damascus knives, historical sword recreations, physics contribution |
| Business | Ashgrove Forge |
| Online Classes | Billet to Blade, Create Your Own Chef’s Knife, Damascus Santoku |
| Estimated Net Worth | $10 million |
| Social Media Handle | @abbott_ben on Instagram |
| Notable Project | Recreation of the Sutton Hoo Sword |
| TV Debut | Forged in Fire Season 2, Episode 9 |
| Academic Background | Former physicist at Caltech, LIGO collaborator |
Ben Abbott Biography
What does Ben Abbott do?
Ben Abbott is more than just a talented blacksmith. He’s a bladesmith, a TV judge, and even a former physicist. He started making blades when he was just a teenager. He couldn’t afford a real sword so he decided to forge one himself. That bold move kicked off a lifelong journey. Ben didn’t stop at swords. Over time, he also learned how to create ornamental ironwork, jewelry, and even furniture. You might know him best from the History Channel’s Forged in Fire. There, he began as a contestant but later became a judge, admired for his skill and calm demeanor. He now runs Ashgrove Forge, where he crafts beautiful blades using both modern tools and ancient techniques. His story isn’t just about metal , it’s about passion, precision, and perseverance.
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Ben Abbott Age
Born on January 18, 1972, Ben Abbott is 53 years old as of 2025. His youthful energy might surprise you, especially when you see how physically demanding his work is. But age hasn’t slowed him down. Instead, it’s added depth to his craft. Years of experience have sharpened his skills like one of his finest knives. Ben’s journey from a curious teen fascinated by medieval swords to a TV-famous bladesmith and physics contributor shows just how much can change in a lifetime , if you’re brave enough to pursue what you love. And he did exactly that.
Ben Abbott Wife
Is Ben Abbott married?
Yes, Ben Abbott is married to Heather Rabun, a professional choreographer and dancer. Their relationship feels like a graceful dance of its own. He often praises Heather’s creativity and support, especially after they welcomed their son in 2020. Before Heather, Ben was married to Mandy Abbott, though that chapter of his life has since closed. Today, he lives with Heather in Richmond, Virginia, where both art and family play a major role in his day-to-day life. Their connection proves that strong craftsmanship isn’t limited to metal , it shows up in love too.
Ben Abbott’s Family
Family plays a big part in Ben’s life. He and Heather have a son, Alden James Abbott, born on October 22, 2020. You’ll often find Ben posting heartfelt messages on social media, celebrating special moments like Mother’s Day or just everyday joys with his little boy. His captions show a softer side, one that contrasts the fire and steel of his forge. Despite his tough profession, he clearly values being a father and husband above all. That balance between personal and professional life helps explain why so many fans feel connected to him.
Ben Abbott’s Accent
Ben Abbott was born in the United Kingdom, and that origin still lingers in his voice. After years of living in the United States, particularly in Virginia, his speech now carries a unique blend. Some viewers describe it as a light British accent, while others note a mix of American inflection. It’s subtle, but it’s there. His accent adds a layer of charm to his appearances on Forged in Fire. That voice reflects both his heritage and his journey , a mix of where he’s been and where he is now.
Ben Abbott Knives
Does Ben Abbott sell knives?
Yes, and they’re not your average knives. Ben Abbott sells handcrafted blades through his workshop, Ashgrove Forge. His work includes chef’s knives, Damascus knives, and custom swords. Each one is a product of deep expertise and a love for tradition. He doesn’t mass-produce. Every blade he makes is a one-of-a-kind piece, forged with care. And if you’re eager to learn the craft, you’re in luck. Ben offers online knife-making classes, sharing secrets of the forge with beginners and pros alike. It’s not just about selling. It’s about sharing the art.
Ben Abbott Knives Price
Knife prices vary depending on materials and complexity. For example, the Abbott RVA EDU knife costs around $385, while larger and more artistic pieces like the Large Gomai Fighter can reach up to $2,450. These aren’t tools you find in your average kitchen store. They’re collector-grade, often ordered months in advance. Here’s a quick breakdown in the table below to help you understand the value:
| Knife Name | Type | Estimated Price |
| Abbott RVA EDU Knife | Chef’s Knife | $385 |
| Large Gomai Fighter | Combat Blade | $2,450 |
| Custom Damascus Knife | Collector’s Item | $1,200+ |
Prices also reflect Ben’s reputation and the quality of Damascus steel , known for its strength, edge retention, and beauty. These blades are meant to last a lifetime.
Ben Abbott Gravity
Ben’s skills don’t end at forging steel. He also has a background in gravitational physics. Years ago, Ben worked at Caltech and contributed to the LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) project. In 2015, he was part of the team that helped detect the first-ever gravitational wave , a discovery that led to the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics. That’s not just history. That’s cosmic history. The fact that a man who can forge a sword also helped decode the universe’s secrets shows how wildly talented he is. He’s not just muscle and fire , he’s mind too.
Ben Abbott Sutton Hoo Sword
In May 2020, Ben recreated the historic Sutton Hoo sword, an Anglo-Saxon artifact discovered in 1939. The original sword was famous for its pattern-welded blade and intricate hilt design. Ben’s recreation wasn’t just a copy. It was a labor of love. He spent hours researching the original and used both modern technology and ancient forging techniques to capture its spirit. The final result was breathtaking. You can find photos of the process on his social media, where every twist in the blade and every shine of metal tells its own story.
Ben Abbott Commercial Actress
Ben once appeared in a fun commercial alongside actress LisyLee, known for her roles in ads, voice-overs, and music. In the “Hello Ben” ad, she greets him with a charmingly quirky intro, leading to a light and humorous exchange. It’s not just about promoting something. It shows Ben’s charisma on camera, even outside the forge. LisyLee later posted behind-the-scenes content on her YouTube channel, sharing laughs and bloopers. That commercial gave fans a different look at Ben , a blend of serious craftsman and casual TV personality.
Ben Abbott’s Damascus Sword
Ben’s Damascus blades are legendary. Forged using layers of steel folded again and again, these swords show off swirling patterns that are both functional and artistic. His “Create Your Own Damascus Santoku” class lets fans get hands-on. They learn how to form blades that are not only strong but stunning. Damascus steel is famous for its sharpness, durability, and decorative grain. Ben’s work showcases this perfectly. You don’t just buy one of his Damascus swords. You inherit it. It’s a piece of functional art, full of fire, hammer blows, and heritage.
Ben Abbott Episodes
Ben made his Forged in Fire debut in Season 2, Episode 9, where he won the Khanda Sword challenge and took home $10,000. He came back for the Champions Edition in Season 3, Episode 1 and won again. That rare double win made him a fan favorite. Later, he appeared as a judge in Season 4, Episode 21, helping guide new smiths under pressure. In Season 8’s Beat the Unbeaten series, Ben competed in five intense episodes and stayed undefeated. Every time he appears, whether competing or judging, viewers see why he’s one of the best.
Ben Abbott’s Blades
Ben’s blades have a soul. At Ashgrove Forge, he crafts custom swords, kitchen knives, and metalworks that blend ancient traditions with modern flair. His online classes, like “Create Your Own Chef’s Knife,” teach others how to start their journey. These aren’t just tools. They’re legacies. His blades often feature Damascus steel, gomai layering, and artisan finishes. Each knife is made by hand. No shortcuts. No compromises. That’s why collectors, chefs, and fans line up months in advance just to get one.
Ben Abbott Net Worth
Ben Abbott’s estimated net worth stands at $10 million. That wealth isn’t just from TV appearances. It comes from multiple streams , custom blades, online workshops, brand collaborations, and his Ashgrove Forge business. His physics background and past work with LIGO also added to his unique credentials. Here’s what drives his income:
| Source | Income Type |
| Ashgrove Forge | Knife Sales |
| Forged in Fire | TV Salary |
| Online Blade Courses | Class Fees |
| LIGO Project | Scientific Research |
| Product Collaborations | Brand Endorsements |
FAQ’s
Who is Ben Abbott and why is he famous?
Ben Abbott is a skilled bladesmith and judge on Forged in Fire. He gained fame after winning the show twice and creating historical swords.
What is Ben Abbott’s background in science?
Before becoming a full-time bladesmith, Ben worked at Caltech and contributed to the LIGO project that helped detect gravitational waves.
Where can you buy Ben Abbott’s knives?
You can buy Ben’s handcrafted knives through his Ashgrove Forge shop. He also shares updates and limited releases on his Instagram account.
How much do Ben Abbott’s knives cost?
His knife prices start around $385 and can go up to $2,500 or more, depending on the size, materials, and craftsmanship involved.
Is Ben Abbott still part of Forged in Fire?
Yes, Ben Abbott continues to appear on Forged in Fire as a judge, offering expert feedback based on his real-world forging experience.
Conclusion
Ben Abbott is more than a master bladesmith , he’s a symbol of dedication, creativity, and lifelong learning. From forging swords in his youth to contributing to groundbreaking discoveries in physics, his path has been anything but ordinary. His work on Forged in Fire and at Ashgrove Forge proves that craftsmanship and passion can turn into something truly powerful.
Whether he’s shaping steel or inspiring viewers with his calm expertise, Ben Abbott continues to leave a lasting impression. His unique blend of history, science, and skill makes him one of the most respected figures in both the bladesmithing and academic communities. Through his blades, classes, and quiet charisma, he reminds us that true mastery comes from patience, curiosity, and heart.
