Sepät

Sepät is a Finnish term that translates to "smiths" or "blacksmiths" in English. Historically, blacksmiths played a crucial role in Finnish society, as they were responsible for crafting and repairing essential tools, implements, and weapons. Their work was vital for agriculture, construction, and defense. The skills of a sepä were highly valued, and the profession was often passed down through families.

The traditional methods employed by a sepä involved heating iron or steel in a forge, shaping it using a hammer and anvil, and then tempering it to achieve the desired hardness and durability. Common items produced by sepät included axes, knives, plows, horseshoes, and various household utensils. The presence of a smithy was often a central point in a village or community.

While the demand for traditional blacksmithing has decreased with industrialization and mass production, the craft of the sepä is still preserved in Finland. There are individuals and organizations dedicated to maintaining and teaching these historical metalworking techniques. Modern blacksmiths may focus on artistic creations, custom metalwork, or historical reenactments, keeping the legacy of the sepä alive. The term can also be used more broadly to refer to anyone working with metal in a skilled capacity.