In the opening episode of the new series, Nick Kaikkonen returns the legendary M1 Garand rifle to its former glory. Plus, we also create wooden whiskey barrel using traditional methods and American leather sports balls from the 19th century.

Blacksmith Robb Martin forges a hoplite soldier's breastplate in the same way as ancient Greeks did. We also take a look at wood engraving, a traditional printing press, and see how Baird Scott handcrafts a beaver fur top hat.

Blacksmith Robb Martin manufactures a Viking shield of iron, leather and wood. We also see Randy Asplund hand-craft an illuminated manuscript using ancient techniques. Finally, Jonathan White makes one hundred percent handmade delicious traditional cottage cheese.

Craftspeople Gabriel and Michael Bell make a traditional Japanese samurai's weapon of choice, the katana sword. Next, we see Mike Robinson taking a photograph using the daguerreotype method developed in the 1830s. Finally, Rick Kelly makes a hand-made electric guitar using wood from New York buildings.

In this episode traditional methods are used by craftspeople to recreate historic items, first Doug Morlock handmakes a huge legendary American Bowie knife. We also see how Scott Gooch handcrafts a traditional Windsor chair. Finally, Roger Rodriguez makes early industrial-style small batch chocolate from his own cocoa beans using traditional methods.