What is the etymology (or origin) of the word blacksmith? Why do we call blacksmiths that, and where does the name come from? That’s what I’m going to explain here.
Where did blacksmithing get its name? The word blacksmith refers to iron, which turns black when heated and exposed to oxygen, and the word smith which means “to strike.” A blacksmith is a type of metalworker who specializes in working with iron or steel by heating it up and striking it with a hammer to shape it.
In this article I’ll discuss where the term “blacksmith” comes from, what a blacksmith is, and some other basic facts about the profession.
Origin of The Term Blacksmith
Obviously we can break the word blacksmith down into two separate words. Black and smith. But that doesn’t necessarily help us to understand the meaning behind it.
What’s A Smith?
The origins of the word smith is still debated among linguists, but there are two main theories.
Some think that it either comes from the proto-Germanic word “smithaz” which means “skilled worker.” This would make sense when you think of other jobs with “smith” in the name like locksmith or gunsmith.
Others think that “smith” comes from the old English word “smythe” which means “to strike.”
Why Black?
The “black” in “blacksmith” probably refers to iron oxide, the black colored scale that forms on the surface of iron when it’s being heated in a forge.
We don’t normally think of iron as being black in color. In fact, some people refer to blacksmiths as ironsmiths instead. But iron has long been considered a “black metal” because of the chemical reaction that happens when heated iron is exposed to air.
Putting It All Together
So for centuries, the term blacksmith has been used to signify “A smith who works with iron.”
The term blacksmith has been used since at least the 15th century along with related jobs such as spurriers (someone who makes spurs), farriers (someone who makes horseshoes), goldbeaters, and bladesmiths.
A blacksmith specifically deals with heavy metals such as iron and steel. A metal worker who deals with lighter materials like pewter or tin is called a whitesmith instead.
What Is A Blacksmith?
A blacksmith is a type of metalworker who makes objects out of steel or wrought iron. They forge the metal to get it hot enough to work with, and then use tools like hammers to bend and shape it over an anvil.
Blacksmiths make things like railings, iron gates, furniture, sculptures, tools, religious items, cooking items, light fixtures, and weapons.
A blacksmith has generalized knowledge with working with iron and steel. They can make a wide variety of items, but maybe not to the same specialized level of skill as professions such as armorers, wheelwrights, or farriers. But most blacksmiths can make and repair a wide variety of things. Everything from simple nails or chains to complicated armor or weapons.
Common Items That Blacksmiths Would Have Historically Crafted:
- Nails
- Bolts
- Screws
- Other types of fasteners
- Hammers
- Candlesticks
- Other household objects
- Shields
- Armor
- Swords
- Wheel rims
- Carriage and wagon parts
- Fireplace fittings and tools
- Chains
- Cables
- Spikes
- Furniture
- Decorative works
- Farm tools like sickles and plows
- Axes
Today blacksmiths mainly do artistic or specialty work like sculptures, iron gates, and railings. It’s simply not cost-effective to make things like nails and screws by hand any more. Although some may still make tools and other items either to use themselves, or to buyers who appreciate high-quality hand-made goods.
Related Questions
How Long Has Blacksmithing Been A Profession?
Blacksmiths have been around ever since around 1,000 BC when people started to use iron instead of bronze for their weapons and tools.
Right up until the Industrial Revolution, blacksmiths made most of the iron and steel objects used in the world by hand.
What Tools Do Blacksmiths Use?
The essentials that every blacksmith needs are:
- Some kind of furnace or forge to heat up their iron or steel so that it can be worked
- An anvil or other steel-surfaced object to work the metal on
- Hammers, chisels, and other tools to flatten, weld, and shape metal as needed
- Tongs to hold the red hot pieces of metal as they’re being worked
- Some kind of purified iron or steel that can be shaped into objects
What Is A Blacksmith’s Shop Called?
A blacksmith’s shop is most commonly called a forge or smithy.
The word smithy is more common in the UK and Europe, while the word forge is more commonly used in North America.
Do you have any other questions about blacksmiths that you want answered? Feel free to ask them in the comments section below!
