Blacksmithing is a tradition that goes back thousands of years, to the beginning of the Iron Age when the metal was first smelted. In ancient times it was one of the most honored, and even heroic, trades. Blacksmiths created the tools that were state-of-the-art technology for much of history, forging hammers, tongs, plowshares, swords and axes. Nearly every tool was once made by blacksmiths. Today hand-forging is still an honored profession. The most popular items made now are sculpture, fencing and furniture.
Tools
Of course the iconic tool of the blacksmith is the anvil. Made of selectively hardened tool steel, they vary in size and shape, each having several working surfaces. There are five basic types: forging, farrier's, sheet metal, bench and jeweler's. These are categorized mostly by size and weight, and overlap somewhat in use. For instance, horseshoes can be made on a forging anvil, but a good farrier's anvil will have more weight in the horn and heel than will a forging anvil.
The other side of the smithing process involves the hammer, which the blacksmith uses to strike the red-hot metal and form it into a desired shape. Traditional hammers are large, heavy tools made of steel and wood, and they are still used, though power hammers are available to the modern smith. Farriers, who must go from stable to stable and size each shoe by hand on site, must use a hand-held hammer. Traditional smiths, who practice historical methods, also use an ordinary hammer for their work.
A third essential tool for a blacksmith is the tongs, which are needed to hold steady the piece as it's being forged.
Things to Make
Though nearly any household item can be made from wrought iron, the importance of hand-forged items has dwindled over the past century or so, and only certain things are made this way these days. Metal sculpture is popular, and many blacksmiths today are more artist than artisan. Garden sculpture hand-wrought in iron and other metals give a unique flair to a yard. Windmills, weather vanes, arbors, birdbaths and even decorative plant stakes are very popular items. Many blacksmiths make a living at building decorative fencing and window bars. Furniture, particularly patio furniture, is lovely when hand-wrought. Hand-forged fireplace tools are especially appropriate and beautiful. One specialty for blacksmiths is the forging of fine blades. Replicas of historical swords, axes and daggers are a popular item among historical re-enactors and collectors. Practice weapons as well as real blades with a cutting edge enjoy a popularity at Scottish festivals and Renaissance fairs, and sometimes sell for thousands of dollars.
Tags: forging anvil, popular items, swords axes, tool blacksmith
