Smithing

Smithing is the craft of shaping metal through heating and hammering, to produce tools, hardware, weapons, and art. A smith works with metals such as iron, steel, copper, bronze, and brass. The term historically distinguishes the process from other metalworking methods such as casting or machining.

Historically, smithing has been central to technology. Blacksmiths were essential in iron- and steel-using societies, forging blades, nails, horseshoes, and tools. Specializations include whitesmiths (polished light metals), goldsmiths, silversmiths, and coppersmiths for jewelry and vessels; gunsmiths for firearms components. In many cultures, smiths also produced decorative or ritual metalwork.

Techniques and equipment: The core method is forging—reforming metal by heating it in a forge and shaping on an anvil with a hammer or power hammer. Common tools include tongs, punches, chisels, and grinders. Heat treatment such as annealing, quenching, and tempering adjusts hardness and toughness. Welding joins metals. Modern smithing can use electric or gas forges, induction furnaces, hydraulic presses, and CNC tools, but traditional hand forging remains widespread.

Contemporary practice: Smithing persists as a craft, industry, and art form. It supports construction hardware, restoration work, and hobbyist smithing in studios and guilds. Safety, craftsmanship, and metallurgy knowledge are central to practice.

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