Blacksmith profession: description and history

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

The blacksmith profession originated many centuries ago. Kuznetsov in those days was personified with people endowed with remarkable, magical powers. They often became heroes of legends and fairy tales, they were very respected people in society. How useful is the profession of a blacksmith today? In the sections of this article, we will try to answer this question.

Facts from history

Metal products have been used by people since ancient times. Blacksmiths who lived in primitive times, with the help of fire, could turn shapeless pieces of iron ore into tools for hunting and agricultural work, and forge jewelry from them. Over time, people involved in blacksmithing increasingly honed their skills and forging techniques. They began to have their own professional secrets, traditions and rituals.

Representatives of the blacksmith profession in the old days learned to cast complex, improved weapons and household items: shields, armor, various agricultural equipment and much more. They were forced to keep up with the times in order to meet the growing needs of their clientele. Blacksmiths of past eras "produced" a largethe number of forged products that we today attribute to works of art. Openwork metal bars on the windows, strong forged gates, intricate locks forged by blacksmiths, and to this day serve as decorations for architectural monuments in many countries.

Blacksmith's work these days

In order to have an idea of what kind of work the representatives of the blacksmith profession are currently doing, it is necessary to know their main job responsibilities. These people must perfectly master certain knowledge and skills, which include:

• hammer, press and curler skills;
• forging certain parts using special blanks;
• the ability, following the generally accepted technology, to heat blanks in the furnace;
• mastering the basic blacksmithing operations: drawing, upsetting, bending, chopping, flashing and welding;
• ability to put into practice drawings and sketches;
• knowledge of safety regulations;
• possession of knowledge from the field of drawing, physics and chemistry.

Modern blacksmiths in their work combine the art of forging bygone times and achievements in the field of scientific and technological progress. They use not only the traditional hammer, but also various technical devices.

Necessary qualities

A representative of the blacksmith profession, in order to become a highly qualified specialist, must have certain personal qualities:

• ideal physical shape;
• one hundred percent vision and a good eye;
• endurance;
• excellent visual memory;
• high temperature tolerance.

Pros and cons of the profession

The main advantage of the profession of a blacksmith is considered to be the possibility of revealing creative ideas that can bring aesthetic pleasure to people. An important advantage of this profession is also high wages.

Currently, the work of blacksmiths is gaining more and more demand. It is not uncommon for professionals in this field to open their own workshops to produce high quality metal products.

The disadvantages of this profession primarily include difficult working conditions and increased risk of injury. Blacksmiths work in a hot and noisy environment where basic safety rules invariably result in burns.

The disadvantage of the blacksmith profession (the description of the work duties of the blacksmith masters testifies to this) is also increased physical activity. Its representatives often have to deal with very heavy workpieces and metal products. As a result, mostly men go to work as blacksmiths.

How to become a blacksmith

In the old days, it was possible to master this interesting profession only by getting a job as an apprentice to a blacksmith. Traditionally, fathers taught this craft to their sons. Currently, anyone can get a higher or secondary specialized education in the speci alty "Master of Artistic Forging of Metals".

To fully comprehend the intricacies of the profession of a blacksmith is really only in practice. Training gives good theoretical knowledge, develops creative skills, but the ability to forge can only be acquired in the forge. Making different products with his own hands, the blacksmith begins to feel the nature of the metal and make non-standard decisions, without which it is difficult to imagine his work.

For specialists working at a manufacturing enterprise, it is extremely important to receive a category confirming their qualifications. It can be upgraded with a special certification.

The profession of a blacksmith can be called a mystical and mysterious occupation even in the 21st century. Indeed, under the hands of modern farriers, the metal seems to come to life. From it, as if by magic, flowers bloom, animals and birds become like living animals. Created by masters of artistic forging, piece products filled with grace and beauty can be safely attributed to luxury items.