throughsmiths

Throughsmiths, also known as through-slitting smiths, were a type of blacksmith who specialized in the production of through-slit nails. These nails were used in the construction of ships, wagons, and other large structures that required strong, durable fasteners. The throughsmith's role was crucial in the pre-industrial era, as nails were one of the primary means of joining wood together.

The process of making through-slit nails involved heating a piece of iron until it was red-hot, then quickly hammering it into a die with a slit running through it. This slit allowed the nail to be pulled through, creating a hole at one end. The nails were then quenched in water to harden them and tempered to improve their strength and flexibility. Throughsmiths were highly skilled craftsmen, requiring years of training and practice to master the technique.

Through-slit nails were preferred for their strength and durability, as the slit allowed the nail to expand and contract with changes in temperature, preventing it from splitting. They were also easier to drive into wood than other types of nails, making them ideal for use in construction. However, the production of through-slit nails was a labor-intensive process, and their use declined with the advent of mass-produced nails and other fasteners in the industrial era. Today, throughsmiths are largely a historical craft, with only a few practitioners remaining.