Blacksmith

A blacksmith is a person who shapes metal into a variety of objects. The blacksmith heats and forges metal to the required form using hammers and an anvil. A variety of other tools are used to punch holes, round edges or cut shapes. The metal is then dipped into water — referred to as "quenching" — to provide the required degree of hardness and remove stress.

The metal most commonly used is iron. Some examples of items made are horseshoes, fences and gates, andirons, plow blades, various farm implements, knives, armor, swords, and kitchen utensils.

Preparedness and the Home Forge

"A home forge is the crucial centerpiece for the shop for anyone who wants to be truly self-sufficient in metal-working. Unlike gas or electric welding, a traditional forge is elegantly low tech. A workable forge can be improvised from a barbecue grill and requires no exotic supplies."

See Also

• Invest in tangibles - Tools: Forge, Anvil, Hammer, Gloves, Blowers, Vise, Tongs

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Bibliography

• Rawles, James Wesley, Tools for Survival: What You Need to Survive When You’re on Your Own. New York: Plume/Penguin Books, 2015. Released December 30, 2014, 368 pages, ISBN-10: 0452298121, ISBN-13: 978-0452298125, Reviews, Audible.com Audio book, Amazon.com Paperback

External Links

• Artist-Blacksmith’s Association of North America (ABANA)
• Anvilfire.com
• TEOTWAWKI Blacksmithing for Beginners, by Jodier on The Survival Blog
• Traditional Skills: What Value are You to Other Preppers?, by Blacksmith Tom on the The Survival Blog
• Colonial Williamsburg; "Blacksmith"
• Shady Grove Blacksmith Shop
• Amazon.com
• Audible.com