Blacksmith

When you think of blacksmithing, you probably picture a setting out of the 1800s. A man covered in black soot, holding a glowing piece of iron with one hand and hammering it with the other, molding it into his desired shape. Well, actually, it’s not so different today, except that many of the products previously made exclusively by the Blacksmith have been modernized into a production line.

But no worries, there’s still plenty of work to go around. One job that a factory can’t replace is that of a Farrier, or a Blacksmith who makes and fits horseshoes. This specialized job requires an understanding of horses as well as blacksmithing skills.

Outside of horseshoes, blacksmithing is now mostly done in the field of arts and crafts. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t require great skill. Like any Painter, Writer, or Ceramics Artist, you must learn how to use the equipment and perfect the art.

Your tools consists of a hot fire, a hammer, heavy-duty tongs, and an anvil (a large piece of solid metal on which to place hot objects). Your art is, well, your art. You heat the metal to just the right temperature, and use the hammer to shape it into whatever design you like. Examples would be wrought iron furniture, wall decorations, tools, ornaments, and wall art.

The job requires you to work in a noisy, hot, dirty environment. But on the positive side, you soak in plenty of solitude, creating one-of-a-kind items.