Metalsmithing

A metalsmith is a person who specialises in the craft of making whole or part items out of metal. Examples include tableware, kitchenware, tools, and jewellery. They generally use a forge to heat the metal, and shape it with a hammer and a smithy. It sometimes involves refining the metal from an ore, which is referred to as smelting. They will also cast it in shapes, called 'founding' though some will specialise in this as and when there is demand. Sometimes they will file it to shape and size. They usually have a high and/or special status in society due to their work, especially since they make anything from farm implements to weapons. Some specialise depending on what they work with on a regular basis. The most common types are as follows:

• Blacksmith. Works with iron & steel.
• Bladesmith. Forges knives, swords and other blades.
• Brownsmith. Works with brass and copper.
• Coinsmith. Works exclusively producing coins and currency. Regularly attached to a Royal Mint.
• Coppersmith. Works with copper exclusively.
• Goldsmith. Works with gold.
• Gunsmith. Builds & repairs guns / cannons.
• Locksmith. Works with locks.
• Silversmith or Brightsmith. Works with silver.
• Swordsmith. A Bladesmith who works exclusively with swords.
• Tinsmith / Tinner / Tinker. Works with light metal (like tinware), and can refer to someone who deals in tinware items.
• Weaponsmith. Works with axes, spears and the like. Not usually with with bladesmith though can fill in if role if need be.
• Whitesmith. Works with white metal (tin & pewter). Can refer to someone who polishes or finishes such items.

Many of these give rise to some surnames because of their profession. Sometimes it is just recorded as Smith.

Type

Artisan

Related Materials

• Adamantine