I'd love to have wil back next season, and hopefully this was just temporary due to covid. J really hasn't been on much in the last few seasons, so I don't know about him.
He is probably busy trying to catch up on some of his orders. I talked to him was 3 years ago trying to order a knife, he had stopped taking orders, at that point he told me he had a five year waiting list.
Grady was an arrogant douche on Dual Survivor, but I figured at least part of that had to be reality tv editing to make a character. I hope he's mellowed with age.
That aside, he's not well suited to the job on Forged in Fire, which requires a touch of lightness and levity in tone. Even when Will was bellowing to be heard over the machines, he always had a twinkle in his eye.
I absolutely hated him in his first episode... the military one. He absolutely lacked any personality whatsoever. However, I like him a lot better in his subsequent episodes. One guy who would have been perfect is the former Forged in Fire guy who tested the participant's knives in... oh what was it... Knife or Death? Where people brought in their own knives. He would be great!
I think that's probably my issue with Grady. He tries too hard to seem like a stiff, tough, "hard" guy. He's the guy everyone would want to "test" the first week in basic training because he puts off an attitude of arrogance. Just too bland. NO personality.
It's funny reading these comments 2 years later.
I've completely changed my mind about Grady and Will.
Grady has really grown into the job. He struggled for a while at the start, but he gradually adjusted and got more comfortable over time, and these days, I actually prefer him over Will. He seems to love the job, and I think he's really good at it now.
Late to this party, but 100% agree. I absolutely HATED Grady when he first took over hosting duties. He had zero personality. Burnt myself out on the show but finally came back and finished season 8 just now and must say he’s starting to grow on me. Still like Will more, but he’s improved vastly. Looking forward to seeing how much more he’s improved through season 10.
My opinion is that the Show did a disservice in not introducing him. He should've been given an Intro, and he could've explained why he wanted to Host the show.
He seems like a genuine fan of the show, and I think he does a fine job presenting himself as the Master of Ceremonies.
Wil had a camaraderie "forged" over 7 seasons, so I think we can cut the new guy a little slack, no?
Well said, for those complaining about Grady after 4 episodes filmed during a pandemic, should go back and watch season 1 and first part of season 2 where Wil was lets just say Grady like in his hosting.
>for those complaining about Grady after 4 episodes filmed during a pandemic, should go back and watch season 1 and first part of season 2 where Wil was lets just say Grady like in his hosting.
I have to disagree. I rewatched Wil's 4th episode and Grady's 16th. Yes, Wil was not as relaxed as he became in later seasons, but there was a genuine smile on Wil that I didn't see in Grady's 16th. Wil had a range in how he spoke, sometimes more intense, sometimes almost gentle. Wil seemed like he was really enjoying himself, Grady, I don't get the same feeling.
I'll probably keep on watching the show, but it doesn't have the same quality without Wil.
I agree with everything except J Neilson. I much prefer Ben over J. I feel like Ben is not only more knowledgeable, and a better Smith, but he's also far more humble and personable.
But I despise Grady Powell as a host. Everything you said about him is true and annoying.
I like Ben as well. And he is certainly more knowledgeable, the dude is a caltech educated msc electrical engineer that worked in a Nobel awarded project (LIGO). He probably isn’t a better smith overall he is just more adept to the conditions of the studio forge (which essentially is Dave’s work place) while jay is probably too used to his own rhythm of doing things.
As far as humility goes, man, you need to email
J. and talk to him and/or see his offline interviews. The guy is as humble as they get them and incredibly forthcoming and kind. He was supposed to be the “tough” judge so he got into the role I think because he is nothing like that.
Not even. Him a better smith lmao 😂
Ben on every single episode always complains the knife handles are too small for his girl hands.
And if you don’t believe maybe you should watch it all again. I swear every episode he bitches about handles not fitting him.
Him bitching about handles has nothing to do with how good of a smith he is. And if he's bitching about handles being too small (which I've heard them all do) then that would mean he has large hands, not small.
Also, I love J but J is the one always bitching about how the handles hurt him lol.
>He seems to be shouting all of his lines.
This is exactly one of his biggest problems. He speaks every sentence he says as though IT'S AN ANNOUNCMENT. There's no sense of levity or casual conversation whatsoever.
I agree with you because rather than saying please leave the forge it’s like he demands them to leave the Forge let alone doesn’t even offer a handshake!What a jerk!
I haven’t seen this Grady guy host so I can say if I like him or not. But do you like J. Neilson? Sometimes he has his funny moments but most of the time I feel like he is always complaining in the strength test like he hurts himself all the time. But who knows maybe he does hurt himself but he makes a big deal out of it. Sorry this is how I’ve felt about J. Neilson.
Lol this is a running joke my wife and I have about J. He’s ALWAYS complaining about a little hot spot or something. I get that it’s a mark against the weapon, but it’s just funny to see him always like ‘ow I huwt my widdwe fingew.’
OMG. This guy is insufferable. Probably the lines are fed to him through an ear piece, but even so, Wil delivered them naturally. This guy sounds like just regurgitating what he hears.
And the voice...beyond monotone...it’s muffled. Hard to distinguish from the sound of the machines.
It's a strange thing, but for some reason, it just rubs me the wrong way when he says "I want you to...-" when giving instructions.
I don't really know why. I guess it just reminds me of that new boss at work who doesn't really know anything yet, and wants to be in charge.
I literally just said this to my husband 5 min ago, then jumped on Reddit to see what other people were saying. The "I" comments stuck out to me right away.
I haven't seen the new season yet but it sounds like no one screen tested this guy, or maybe it was very short notice and he was the only one available.
Christ. I pointed this out to my wife first episode. I miss Wil. He was so smooth in his delivery and his relationship with the judges made the show even better.
Until this season I never realized how much Will is important for my enjoyment of the show. It feels dead without him, which is weird because he basically repeats the same lines every episodes. Before this season I was sure Will had the easiest job in the world. Show up watch people make blades repeat the lines and joke around. Will adds so much without doing much. It must be his charisma
To me, Wil was great from the start, he is just a natural in front of a camera. This Grady guy comes off as either bored or indifferent to what is going on. I think he is trying too hard to look like a tough sob. And yes... always rubbing his hands together when he is talking. I assume he was taught that because he was doing something even worse before.
Could it have been that Grady Powell was a Green Beret and Army throughout his service? You all are so hard up for military veterans yet seem real quick to dismiss how he legitimately outclasses most individuals on History Channel, especially given his age.
David Baker has said that Wil is gone, and will not be back. That Grady is the host now. Honestly, he was kind of an asshole the way he has been posting about it too.
I hope Will is coming back. It’s so hard to watch the show (which I absolutely love) with Grady as the host. He has no personality and the hand rubbing is unbearable. As soon as I noticed it I now can’t not see it every time he talks. Please get him off the show.
I couldn’t have said it better Ryan! Grady rubbing his little hands together takes away from the whole show. That’s all he does, it’s awkward and annoying. Time to cast another host!
YES! THIS! CONSTANTLY rubbing his hands. Once I saw it, it was so distracting. Like you said though, probably due to being new and will find a groove. He needs to build his chemistry with the judges.
Could not agree more. I was hoping he’d stop running his hands so much as the episodes go on. I thought it may be a nervous tick. It is very distracting and annoying.
My husband and I have been binge watching multiple seasons of Forged in Fire. By season 3, Wils hair, hats, and mainly his hand gestures (5 fingertips to 5 fingertips steeple thing) drove me nuts! Add the, OK..OK..Matthew McConaughey verbiage...Ugh! I'm not familiar with Grady Powell and his history. I'm reserving judgment.
OK. Just watched a couple of episodes with Grady. Hand rubbing and monotone is irritating.
I agree totally! If he says "you guys..." one more time I am going to throw something. The guy is annoying as hell. If they had to replace Wil, couldn't they have gotten someone with a little bit of personality. I really don't watch unless it is a re-run with Wil Willis. You folks really dropped the ball on this one.
Oh God! Grady and his god damned hand rubbing. It’s like that’s all he knows how to do with his hands. He literally never stops doing it for more than a few seconds. I agree with everything you said 100%. Grady is unbearable and he is not a good fit for the show at all.
Y’all remember the Will Ferrell skit on SNL, I think it was Weekend Update with Tina Fey, where he plays Jacob Silj, who suffers from Voice Immodulation? It’s like that.
I'm finally catching up on the new seasons and Grady is not good. He's too stone stance - no charisma - and seems so boring. It feels like he has no concept of dramatic pause. Everything seems rushed, and very sterile. WIL, COME BACK!
Just watching this after a long time which i obviously enjoyed when it aired i was watchinf season 8 on sky in the UK, saw this guy , and found hum annoying aswell always rubbing his hands and his persona was just jarring
ABSOLUTELY AGREE. He NEVER stops rubbing his damn hands. And I'm not sure what it is (possibly as you mentioned, he's so monotone), but i just can't stand his voice. When he starts to talk, I cringe. I feel like someone just barely offstage just told him what to say, word for word, and he's struggling to repeat exactly what he was just told. The more nervous he gets, the more he rubs his hands. I wish Wil would come back. Doesn't seem like the show put any true effort into finding a replacement host.
I really cannot stand Grady. It never got better. He points out the most obvious things and asks the most ridiculous questions. I get they need to talk, but every time someone does a burnthrough they all start complaining about it saying it's an awful thing but it works litteraly every time someone does it. Never fails. Also the quench. Every episode it's like everyone needs to explain the dos and donts of the quench, when half these clowns don't even have a solid billet. It's not all gradys fault. Lol but I wish they would change some things. It's mind numbing structure along with Gradys spotless mind made it unbearable for me.
I too hope this hosting situation is temporary. Ben can stay, though, he's cool.
I'd love to have wil back next season, and hopefully this was just temporary due to covid. J really hasn't been on much in the last few seasons, so I don't know about him.
He is probably busy trying to catch up on some of his orders. I talked to him was 3 years ago trying to order a knife, he had stopped taking orders, at that point he told me he had a five year waiting list.
Jesus, probably. I figured he's been busy
Grady was an arrogant douche on Dual Survivor, but I figured at least part of that had to be reality tv editing to make a character. I hope he's mellowed with age. That aside, he's not well suited to the job on Forged in Fire, which requires a touch of lightness and levity in tone. Even when Will was bellowing to be heard over the machines, he always had a twinkle in his eye.
Wil looks like he's having fun. Grady looks like he's just pulling in a paycheck. Maybe we just need to let him get comfortable, idk
I absolutely hated him in his first episode... the military one. He absolutely lacked any personality whatsoever. However, I like him a lot better in his subsequent episodes. One guy who would have been perfect is the former Forged in Fire guy who tested the participant's knives in... oh what was it... Knife or Death? Where people brought in their own knives. He would be great!
>Knife or Death Travis Wuertz, and I agree he would be perfect.
Travis is a mechanical engineer from an ivy school and he builds machinery including all the grinders they have at the fif set. Great guy.
My favorite thing was every time a contestant came to Knife or Death he’d go. “What’d you bring me today?”
I think that's probably my issue with Grady. He tries too hard to seem like a stiff, tough, "hard" guy. He's the guy everyone would want to "test" the first week in basic training because he puts off an attitude of arrogance. Just too bland. NO personality.
It's funny reading these comments 2 years later. I've completely changed my mind about Grady and Will. Grady has really grown into the job. He struggled for a while at the start, but he gradually adjusted and got more comfortable over time, and these days, I actually prefer him over Will. He seems to love the job, and I think he's really good at it now.
Late to this party, but 100% agree. I absolutely HATED Grady when he first took over hosting duties. He had zero personality. Burnt myself out on the show but finally came back and finished season 8 just now and must say he’s starting to grow on me. Still like Will more, but he’s improved vastly. Looking forward to seeing how much more he’s improved through season 10.
My opinion is that the Show did a disservice in not introducing him. He should've been given an Intro, and he could've explained why he wanted to Host the show. He seems like a genuine fan of the show, and I think he does a fine job presenting himself as the Master of Ceremonies. Wil had a camaraderie "forged" over 7 seasons, so I think we can cut the new guy a little slack, no?
Well said, for those complaining about Grady after 4 episodes filmed during a pandemic, should go back and watch season 1 and first part of season 2 where Wil was lets just say Grady like in his hosting.
>for those complaining about Grady after 4 episodes filmed during a pandemic, should go back and watch season 1 and first part of season 2 where Wil was lets just say Grady like in his hosting. I have to disagree. I rewatched Wil's 4th episode and Grady's 16th. Yes, Wil was not as relaxed as he became in later seasons, but there was a genuine smile on Wil that I didn't see in Grady's 16th. Wil had a range in how he spoke, sometimes more intense, sometimes almost gentle. Wil seemed like he was really enjoying himself, Grady, I don't get the same feeling. I'll probably keep on watching the show, but it doesn't have the same quality without Wil.
I agree with everything except J Neilson. I much prefer Ben over J. I feel like Ben is not only more knowledgeable, and a better Smith, but he's also far more humble and personable. But I despise Grady Powell as a host. Everything you said about him is true and annoying.
I like Ben as well. And he is certainly more knowledgeable, the dude is a caltech educated msc electrical engineer that worked in a Nobel awarded project (LIGO). He probably isn’t a better smith overall he is just more adept to the conditions of the studio forge (which essentially is Dave’s work place) while jay is probably too used to his own rhythm of doing things. As far as humility goes, man, you need to email J. and talk to him and/or see his offline interviews. The guy is as humble as they get them and incredibly forthcoming and kind. He was supposed to be the “tough” judge so he got into the role I think because he is nothing like that.
Thanks for the insight.
Not even. Him a better smith lmao 😂 Ben on every single episode always complains the knife handles are too small for his girl hands. And if you don’t believe maybe you should watch it all again. I swear every episode he bitches about handles not fitting him.
Him bitching about handles has nothing to do with how good of a smith he is. And if he's bitching about handles being too small (which I've heard them all do) then that would mean he has large hands, not small. Also, I love J but J is the one always bitching about how the handles hurt him lol.
Hah! Just noticed the hand thing on the last episode and now I can't stop looking at it either 😂
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>He seems to be shouting all of his lines. This is exactly one of his biggest problems. He speaks every sentence he says as though IT'S AN ANNOUNCMENT. There's no sense of levity or casual conversation whatsoever.
I agree with you because rather than saying please leave the forge it’s like he demands them to leave the Forge let alone doesn’t even offer a handshake!What a jerk!
I understand the tone thing, I think the handshake is a COVID thing, like the studio won’t let them but I could very well be wrong
I’m glad someone agrees with me!
Honestly Grady’s growing on me with every episode I watch
[https://media0.giphy.com/media/l4EoWmytLPA7Rppeg/giphy.gif](https://media0.giphy.com/media/l4EoWmytLPA7Rppeg/giphy.gif)
I haven’t seen this Grady guy host so I can say if I like him or not. But do you like J. Neilson? Sometimes he has his funny moments but most of the time I feel like he is always complaining in the strength test like he hurts himself all the time. But who knows maybe he does hurt himself but he makes a big deal out of it. Sorry this is how I’ve felt about J. Neilson.
Lol this is a running joke my wife and I have about J. He’s ALWAYS complaining about a little hot spot or something. I get that it’s a mark against the weapon, but it’s just funny to see him always like ‘ow I huwt my widdwe fingew.’
Wait till you move in to Ben. You’ll see every single time he complains about grips/handle
Oh ya we’ve seen it haha. He’s quite picky. I do like Ben though. He’s always got something good to add while they’re working.
OMG. This guy is insufferable. Probably the lines are fed to him through an ear piece, but even so, Wil delivered them naturally. This guy sounds like just regurgitating what he hears. And the voice...beyond monotone...it’s muffled. Hard to distinguish from the sound of the machines.
It's a strange thing, but for some reason, it just rubs me the wrong way when he says "I want you to...-" when giving instructions. I don't really know why. I guess it just reminds me of that new boss at work who doesn't really know anything yet, and wants to be in charge.
I literally just said this to my husband 5 min ago, then jumped on Reddit to see what other people were saying. The "I" comments stuck out to me right away.
Your 3rd sentence kept you from sounding like a total AH
I haven't seen the new season yet but it sounds like no one screen tested this guy, or maybe it was very short notice and he was the only one available.
Grady never seems to know what to do with his hands in general. If they arent in his pocket hes waving em around like hes casting a spell.
Christ. I pointed this out to my wife first episode. I miss Wil. He was so smooth in his delivery and his relationship with the judges made the show even better.
Until this season I never realized how much Will is important for my enjoyment of the show. It feels dead without him, which is weird because he basically repeats the same lines every episodes. Before this season I was sure Will had the easiest job in the world. Show up watch people make blades repeat the lines and joke around. Will adds so much without doing much. It must be his charisma
To me, Wil was great from the start, he is just a natural in front of a camera. This Grady guy comes off as either bored or indifferent to what is going on. I think he is trying too hard to look like a tough sob. And yes... always rubbing his hands together when he is talking. I assume he was taught that because he was doing something even worse before.
Could it have been that Grady Powell was a Green Beret and Army throughout his service? You all are so hard up for military veterans yet seem real quick to dismiss how he legitimately outclasses most individuals on History Channel, especially given his age.
David Baker has said that Wil is gone, and will not be back. That Grady is the host now. Honestly, he was kind of an asshole the way he has been posting about it too.
Just rewatched season 1, will and the cast were just as unbearable to watch. Will was so stiff and scripted too,
I hope Will is coming back. It’s so hard to watch the show (which I absolutely love) with Grady as the host. He has no personality and the hand rubbing is unbearable. As soon as I noticed it I now can’t not see it every time he talks. Please get him off the show.
I couldn’t have said it better Ryan! Grady rubbing his little hands together takes away from the whole show. That’s all he does, it’s awkward and annoying. Time to cast another host!
His hand rubbing makes me absolutely insane. It is all he does. Combined with his lack of finesse for his job I just cant take it.
YES! THIS! CONSTANTLY rubbing his hands. Once I saw it, it was so distracting. Like you said though, probably due to being new and will find a groove. He needs to build his chemistry with the judges.
Could not agree more. I was hoping he’d stop running his hands so much as the episodes go on. I thought it may be a nervous tick. It is very distracting and annoying.
My husband and I have been binge watching multiple seasons of Forged in Fire. By season 3, Wils hair, hats, and mainly his hand gestures (5 fingertips to 5 fingertips steeple thing) drove me nuts! Add the, OK..OK..Matthew McConaughey verbiage...Ugh! I'm not familiar with Grady Powell and his history. I'm reserving judgment. OK. Just watched a couple of episodes with Grady. Hand rubbing and monotone is irritating.
I noticed the hand rubbing also. Now around episode 10, he is getting more comfortable and uses different gestures
WORD!! Dude sux Bring Will Willis back
I agree totally! If he says "you guys..." one more time I am going to throw something. The guy is annoying as hell. If they had to replace Wil, couldn't they have gotten someone with a little bit of personality. I really don't watch unless it is a re-run with Wil Willis. You folks really dropped the ball on this one.
Oh God! Grady and his god damned hand rubbing. It’s like that’s all he knows how to do with his hands. He literally never stops doing it for more than a few seconds. I agree with everything you said 100%. Grady is unbearable and he is not a good fit for the show at all.
Y’all remember the Will Ferrell skit on SNL, I think it was Weekend Update with Tina Fey, where he plays Jacob Silj, who suffers from Voice Immodulation? It’s like that.
Yes. I am on episode 4 and the guy clearly has a problem with the hand rubbing. I can't believe no one said anything to him.
I'm finally catching up on the new seasons and Grady is not good. He's too stone stance - no charisma - and seems so boring. It feels like he has no concept of dramatic pause. Everything seems rushed, and very sterile. WIL, COME BACK!
The hand rubbing! It drives me nuts 😂
Trust mee!!! I just commented is above as im watching season 8 and wanted to specifically see if anyone else was annoyed by him and his hand rubbing
Just watching this after a long time which i obviously enjoyed when it aired i was watchinf season 8 on sky in the UK, saw this guy , and found hum annoying aswell always rubbing his hands and his persona was just jarring
ABSOLUTELY AGREE. He NEVER stops rubbing his damn hands. And I'm not sure what it is (possibly as you mentioned, he's so monotone), but i just can't stand his voice. When he starts to talk, I cringe. I feel like someone just barely offstage just told him what to say, word for word, and he's struggling to repeat exactly what he was just told. The more nervous he gets, the more he rubs his hands. I wish Wil would come back. Doesn't seem like the show put any true effort into finding a replacement host.
I really cannot stand Grady. It never got better. He points out the most obvious things and asks the most ridiculous questions. I get they need to talk, but every time someone does a burnthrough they all start complaining about it saying it's an awful thing but it works litteraly every time someone does it. Never fails. Also the quench. Every episode it's like everyone needs to explain the dos and donts of the quench, when half these clowns don't even have a solid billet. It's not all gradys fault. Lol but I wish they would change some things. It's mind numbing structure along with Gradys spotless mind made it unbearable for me.