handforge

A handforge is a type of blacksmith's forge that is manually operated, typically by a bellows to introduce air for combustion. The heat generated by burning coal or charcoal in the forge is used to soften metal, making it malleable for shaping. This traditional method of metalworking has been practiced for centuries and is characterized by the direct involvement of the blacksmith in controlling the temperature and the heating process.

The essential components of a handforge include a hearth, which is the area where the fuel and metal are placed, and a tuyere, a pipe that directs air into the hearth. A bellows, either manual or foot-powered, is used to supply the necessary oxygen to intensify the fire and reach the high temperatures required for forging. Water troughs are also present for cooling the heated metal and for quenching, a process that can alter the metal's properties.

Handforging allows for a high degree of control over the shaping of metal, enabling artisans and blacksmiths to create a wide variety of objects. These can range from tools, weapons, and armor to decorative items and architectural elements. The process involves striking the heated metal with hammers on an anvil, a rhythmic and skilled operation that defines the craft of blacksmithing. While modern industrial forging methods exist, handforging remains a vital part of artisanal metalwork and historical preservation.