What is a Blacksmith?
A blacksmith is a person who works with metal, known as a metalsmith, but typically works with iron and other steels. This is slightly different than a coppersmith who works with copper or tinsmith who works with tin, even though a blacksmith may still work with those metals.
The name “Blacksmith” is believed to have derived from the term “Smite”, meaning “to hit”. “Smite” is related to the word “Smith”. Smith is defined as one who works with metal. When iron gets heated in a forge, it turns black. This gives you the name “Blacksmith”.
Just because you can heat up metal in a forge and beat it with a hammer, does not make you a true blacksmith. In order to become a true blacksmith, you first had to become an apprentice to a blacksmith. This is where you would first learn what it takes to become a blacksmith. This role typically involved cleaning floors, cleaning the forge, cleaning up shop, working the bellows, striking the iron with a sledge hammer based on the direction of the master, and so on. It is the beginning of learning the trade.
Of course it didn’t end there. The apprentice would have to make some basic tools and other products under the supervision of his master. Apprenticeship would last between five to six years, depending on which country you were in. Towards the end of your apprenticeship, you would be faced against some kind of testing to show what you have learned and to prove that you can make things. After you finished being an apprentice, you can then move onto being a journeyman.
A journeyman is basically one who wanders from place to place for work, at least that is the way it was in ancient times. A Journeyman is also one who has learned a trade or craft but has yet learned how to run a business. Way back in time, a Journeyman had to have papers (certificate) showing that he was capable of moving around from place to place to perform his duties.
After some time being an apprentice and then later a journeyman, the smith would work on becoming a master blacksmith and doing so would still work under a master. Master blacksmiths were allowed to sell their work. Good thing this isn’t a requirement anymore otherwise I wouldn’t be able to have fun making things and selling them!
Today we still have apprentices, journeymen and blacksmiths, but the titles tend to be used much more loosely when it comes to this trade than they did many years ago. However, you can still train and become a professional blacksmith. The Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America (ABANA) focuses on education within the blacksmith community. They have classes you can join along with a membership. It might be worth checking out if you are serious about this trade. If not, it might at least be fun! Disclaimer: I have not become a member of ABANA, nor have I taken classes through them. I am also not affiliated with them. Therefore, this is not a recommendation, but a possible source.
Brief History
Blacksmithing has been around many years, as far back as the beginning of the iron age. The date the Iron Age took place varies on region, but it seems that it may have began around 1200 BCE, maybe even further back to 1500 BCE.
Blacksmithing was a very essential and a thriving trade prior to the Industrial Revolution since the demand for their expertise was very high. They created tools, household items, weaponry, wagon wheels, and so much more. Even though some blacksmiths were being phased out by the mass-produced items during the Industrial Revolution, some adapted to the change by focusing on the products that were not easily replaced by mass-production at the time such as wrought iron gates and railings that required intricate design and skilled craftsmanship that could not be replicated by machine. Many continued to shoe horses and create or repair wagon wheels. Some even focused on making tools and equipment for industrial machinery.
Quality products were still desired in certain areas where machine production couldn’t meet. Some of these smiths adapted to changing times and learned how to keep their trade moving forward. Today, blacksmithing remains a valued craft, with many artisans and hobbyists continuing to practice the trade and create high-quality, handcrafted goods.
What do Blacksmiths do Today?
Blacksmithing remains a valued craft and there are still many blacksmiths working today, although their work has evolved to meet modern needs and interests. Some blacksmiths still create traditional products, such as horseshoes, tools, and hardware, using the same techniques and tools that have been used for centuries. Others have adapted to modern technologies and materials, creating custom-made products.
Today, blacksmiths are often called upon to create decorative and artistic pieces, such as sculptures, furniture, and architectural elements. They may work with a variety of materials, including iron, steel, bronze, and aluminum, and use techniques such as forging, welding, and casting to create their pieces. I personally enjoy making smaller items such as keyrings and bottle openers. You can check out some of our handforged items on our Etsy shop, 4HappyHearts.Etsy.com. Other blacksmiths find interest solely on making knifes.
In addition to creating functional and decorative objects, blacksmiths also teach their craft to others through workshops, classes, and apprenticeships. Some even provide presentations or reenactments at various events to show what a blacksmith does. Many blacksmiths are passionate about preserving traditional techniques and passing on their skills to future generations.
Blacksmithing has also become a popular hobby, with many setting up their own workshops at home or elsewhere and creating pieces for their own enjoyment or for sale and gifts to others. There are many blacksmithing communities and organizations around the world that offer resources, support, and opportunities for blacksmiths and enthusiasts to connect and share their knowledge and skills, such as those from ABANA and The Crucible or from those on Facebook and YouTube. These are all great sources to check out.
Overall, blacksmiths continue to play an important role in society, creating beautiful and functional objects while preserving an ancient craft that has been passed down through generations. It is great knowing that some kids today get to be introduced to this fascinating craft.
What is Iron and How is it Different Than Today’s Steel?
The beginning of blacksmithing dates back to ancient times as previously mentioned above when iron was the primary metal used by blacksmiths. Iron was commonly extracted from iron ore and then heated in a furnace to create a material known as wrought iron. Wrought iron was the most widely used material by blacksmiths for centuries because of its availability and workability.
Wrought iron is different from modern steel because it has a very low carbon content and is not an alloy. This made it less brittle than steel, but also less strong. Wrought iron could be heated and shaped into various forms by the blacksmith using the typical hammer and anvil.
An alloy is made of two or more metals. Steel is primarily made from iron, but it also contains carbon, which gives it its strength and durability. Other elements, such as chromium and nickel, can also be added to steel to improve its properties, such as corrosion resistance or ductility. There are many types of metal alloys, each with unique properties to make them suitable for different applications.
As time progressed and technology advanced, blacksmiths began to experiment with other metals and alloys, such as steel and bronze, to create new and improved materials with specific properties. However, even today, some blacksmiths still prefer to work with wrought iron due to its unique properties and traditional nature, but it is not necessarily the most desirable by most.
Conclusion
There is much more history out there on blacksmithing, more than I may ever know. But this is a basic introduction to this trade and should give you a good idea what the life of a blacksmith was like, at least what it may have taken to become one.
Blacksmithing is a very fascinating trade. I enjoy it because you really are making things with your hands and making this very strong material transform into something completely different, usually with a purpose and sometimes with little effort. The tools used to achieve the desired results really are pretty basic. Very few, if any, machines are used. Blacksmiths are capable of making their own tools and to do this, they only need a really hot fire, anvil, hammer, maybe tongs, and a bucket of water. Those are the essentials.
Do you want to get started in Blacksmithing? Check out this articles we have to help you get started:
- Types of Fuel for a Coal Forge
- The Best Books for Beginners
- Tools and Equipment you will Need
- Workspace and Safety
Rick Simper has various hobbies, including woodworking, metalworking, composting, and gardening. He is an Architect full time and uses these hobbies to get away from the busy week of Architecture.
Very interesting article!
Thank you 😊