About Blacksmithing   (Still working on this page!)

The term “Blacksmith” comes from the black color of the iron as it is worked, and from the word “smite,” meaning “to hit.”

The “Forge” is the hearth where the metal is worked. Forge fires can reach temperatures of 2500 - 3000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt steel and iron.

The oldest forges have been found in Europe and Africa as depressions in large flat rocks where a clay or reed pipe could push air up to the middle of the fire. Blacksmiths use coal now, but until about 300-400 years ago, most metal forges used charcoal. To work the steel, a smith heats the metal in a forge (fueled by coal, charcoal or propane) until it is bright red or yellow. At this point, it can be hammered, bent, cut or twisted easily. A smith smites (hits) heated iron or steel to change its shape from a block or rod into useful and beautiful items.  The iron or steel is between 1600 ° and 2200° Fahrenheit while it's being worked. For reference, a normal wood fire is about 1500° Fahrenheit.