The Modern Day Blacksmith
Whether it is the crafting of swords, knives, axes or armour, the blacksmiths of past had no power tools too assist them with the work that they carried out. Steel or wrought iron would be heated to soften it, and then cut, bent, shaped or joined to form whatever tool or item was required.
Fire-welding, joining two or more pieces together, was done without the use of acetylene or gas torches but rather at the correct heat and and with the use of his hammer.
Today though, we have a variety of tools that make the task a lot easier but the work still requires concentration, stamina and skill. Modern fabrication techniques have done away with the need for blacksmiths in most cases but there is still a demand for artistic custom-made wrought iron work. The British Artist Blacksmith Association is a great place to see what the blacksmiths of today are up to. If you subscribe to their publication, you will get a very professionally done monthly magazine with excellent colour images of artistic pieces. Have a look at the gallery section for some of the current creations.
