''For other uses, see Smith

A smith, or metalsmith, is a person involved in the shaping of metal objects. The word smith is cognate with the somewhat archaic English (Germanic) word "smite", meaning 'to hit' or 'strike'. Originally smiths practiced their crafts by forming metal with hammer blows. In this sense, the English word predates the Anglo-Saxon invasion of Britain.

In pre-industrialized times, smiths held high or special social standing, as they supplied the metal tools needed for farming (especially the plough) and warfare. As an English suffix, -smith connotes a meaning of specialized craftsmen —for example wordsmith and tunesmith are adjectives to describe the skill of a writer or songwriter, respectively.

Types of smiths include:

• coppersmith, or brownsmith, works with copper.
• blacksmith works with iron and steel.
• whitesmith works with white metal, iron, and can refer to someone who polishes or finishes the metal rather than forging it.
• goldsmith works with gold.
• gunsmith works with guns.
• locksmith works with locks.
• pewtersmith works with pewter
• silversmith, or brightsmith, works with silver.
• tinsmith, or tinner, works with light metal, such as tinware, and can refer to someone who deals in tinware.
• bladesmith - forges knives, swords and other blades.
• swordsmith - a bladesmith who forges only swords.
• arrowsmith - forges arrow heads.
• "handsmith" - may be used to designate a person practicing crafts not typically associated with metalwork.

Artisans and Craftpersons

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The ancient traditional tool of the smith is a forge or smithy, which is a furnace designed to allow compressed air (through a bellows) to superheat the inside, allowing for efficient melting, soldering and annealing of metals. Today, this tool is still widely used by blacksmiths, as it was traditionally.

The term metalsmith often refers to artisans and craftpersons, who practice their craft in many different metals including gold, copper and silver. Jewelers often refer to their craft as metalsmithing and many universities offer degree programs in metalsmithing, jewelry and blacksmithing under the auspices of their fine arts programs.

Machinists

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machinists are metalsmiths who produce high-precision parts and tools. The most advanced of these tools, CNC machines, are computer controlled and largely automated.

External links

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• Metalsmith magazine
• forging tongs - animation shows some typical smithing techniques

Smiths

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