A blacksmith is a person who creates objects from wrought iron or steel by forging the metal; that is, by using tools to hammer, bend, and cut (compare to whitesmith). Blacksmiths produce objects such as gates, grilles, railings, light fixtures, furniture, sculpture, tools, agricultural implements, decorative and religious items, cooking utensils, and weapons.
Despite common usage, the person who shoes horses is a farrier (though a blacksmith may fabricate the shoes). Many farriers have carried out both trades, but most modern or engineering smiths do not.
Read more about Blacksmith: Origin of The Term, Smithing Process, Blacksmith's Striker, The Blacksmith's Materials, Terminology, World Championship Blacksmiths', Farrier Competitions
Famous quotes containing the word blacksmith:
“The blacksmith dropped his hammer, the carpenter his plane, the mason his trowel, the farmer his sickle, the baker his loaf, and the tapster his bottle. All were off for the mines, some on horses, some on carts, and some on crutches, and one went in a litter.”
—For the State of California, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)