Colonial Blacksmith

Colonial blacksmith were men who were revered in society and were treated as one of the most important people to have in a town or city. Performing a variety of tasks, these colonial blacksmiths were not just metal workers, but were even required to perform some other functions such as being a dentist, as strange as that may sound. From working metal to make weapons to creating essential tools and equipment, colonial blacksmiths were the backbone of society in modern times.

A well-respected tradesman of his time, the colonial blacksmith was primarily involved in creating tools, as well as repairing or maintaining them, required by other workers and craftsmen. Raw metal was moulded, effortlessly, into hoes, barrel supports and horseshoes.

If you are looking to emulate the life or work of a colonial blacksmith, you need to know a few things about how they learnt their trade and what they would do to make themselves better at their art.

To become as good as a colonial blacksmith, you should know that on an average, a colonial blacksmith began as an apprentice at his father's workshop by the age of 13. All blacksmiths were men and in most small villages, there were usually just one, maximum two, blacksmiths during colonial times. Along with forging techniques, a young colonial blacksmith apprentice would also study math, reading and writing skills. Depending on the length of the training and the ability of the teenager to pick up the skill, colonial blacksmiths would become professionals by their early adulthood.

Most colonial blacksmiths were quite high up, in terms of their standing in society. Despite being labourers, they were considered a part of the upper-middle class.

If you are looking at emulating a colonial blacksmith, then you will need a forge or a workshop. Forges were barn-like structures that were attached to the house of a blacksmith with, usually, one side open. There was a heat furnace to melt metal, usually a large open flame or a heath. This heat source was usually under the anvil or near it, allowing the blacksmith to transfer the metal quickly to the anvil.

There would also be a slack tub or vat of water where metal would be cooled instantly. The Punch, Hacksaw and Vise were also common tools used by almost every colonial blacksmith.

Colonial blacksmith have been an essential part of society and despite machines coming in to do their job today, there is absolutely no doubt that blacksmith are still considered amongst the most important tradesman today. When working out of your own garage or through a workshop, you can emulate the lives & works of a colonial blacksmith; professionally or just as a hobby.

Colonial blacksmiths played an important part during many wars, including the American War of Independence. Forging weapons and tools for the rebellion, these blacksmiths became indispensible to either side. With the same tools, the same creations and the same techniques, you can relive the life of a colonial blacksmith, right in your own workshop.