Blacksmithery dates back to the 11th century BC, when the first metals produced and used were bronze, iron, and copper. That time period was a turning point for mankind. A rapid growth in population occurred, and newly developed civilizations were based on crafts and trading rather than farming. At the same time, an extended need for agricultural goods demanded the development of new tools and means of production. During this period, the world was constantly built and reshaped by continuous territorial war. There was a strong dearth of new and effective weapons, which various warlords and their soldiers demanded. In one way or another, blacksmiths were always involved in weaponry production. Their primary efforts, though, always remained in peaceful labor, producing jewelry and everyday objects like dishes, utensils, and tools.
As time progressed, people learned to process various metals, such as silver, steel, and platinum. Modern blacksmiths work with dozens of metals and alloys with differing properties and appearances. Technical progress seemed to reduce the importance of handcrafts because machines were used to produce complex and inexpensive metal goods. Yet, a work can be regarded as art only if it is the result of imagination and many hours of a master’s hard work. These are the features that make an object original and unique.
Even though there is little difference between the toolkit of a modern blacksmith and an ancient one, some instruments have changed in appearance greatly. Forges, bellows, chisels, punches, arbors, hammers, and sledgehammers – all of these tools have been known to craftsmen for ages, but modern versions of these tools are much more efficient, ergonomic, effective and effort-saving. Smithery is a complex and arduous process. A single pair of hands usually is not enough. Even a ready-made item often needs some improvement to perfect the fine details, such as cutting, smoothing, and polishing the rough edges. Apprentices usually help their masters, as was common in the Middle Ages. Blacksmiths often work in pairs with locksmiths or even explore that field of work themselves.