There are different types of “smiths” (people who make use of varieties of metals to create objects), and familiarizing yourself with them can be tasking for a first timer. Many of these smiths have their uniqueness in their names, and you can easily use that to remind yourself.
The most common metalworkers are blacksmiths who work with iron and steel, turning them into different ornaments and tools. Blacksmiths are addressed as the title “blacksmith” because they work with black metals, which is iron. Many people know the roles of blacksmiths, and many others partner with them compared to other metalsmiths.
Specific smiths make use of different metal types, they specialize in forging copper, steel, gold etc. These craftspeople are referred to as “metalsmiths.” Many metalsmiths generalize their craft name and do not know what they are referred to specifically; so, they call themselves “metalsmiths” as well.
While this is acceptable in the world of blacksmithing, you may prefer to be addressed by your specialty, and you might not even be sure which group you belong to. Now, what are these other metalsmiths called?
Having a specialty will improve your professionalism and help you get better. Likewise, it will help you create a precise niche for yourself.
There are various types of metalsmiths, and they include:
Blacksmith
This group is arguably the most common type of smith. They are versatile and do almost everything you can imagine with metals. This smith use steel and iron to create various objects such as tools, gates, railings, sculptures, cooking utensils, etc.
In other words, blacksmithing is a craft that fabricates materials and several objects from iron. Interestingly, blacksmiths can carry out both hot and cold forging.
It is a craft with a rich history and has a high societal reputation. It is also one of the earliest trades in human history. Most ancient blacksmith skills are born out of the need for survival and civilization.
Blacksmiths still have different specialties. For instance, blacksmiths that specialize in horseshoes are called farriers. The place where blacksmiths work is either called a forge, a smithy, or just a blacksmith’s shop.
Blacksmiths make good money from this trade, and it is considered a professional trade, like every other career.
Arrowsmith
Arrowsmith is another impressive smithing category. This type of smith forges arrowheads. They usually work with iron or steel also but use them to make arrowheads.
Arrowheads are an essential part of weapon forge. The use of arrows and its head is immense, and it requires special skills in smithing crafts.
Arrowsmith is not as popular as most other smithing types, but it is just as essential as every other craft. Most individuals involved in arrowsmithing also have other smithing skills.
Bladesmith
Blades generally describe any material or item with sharp edges, specially designed for cutting. So, bladesmiths are famous for crafting and forging several types of blades. This kind of smith specializes in making knives, daggers, swords and other types of blades.
Bladesmiths utilize various techniques, reminiscent of those used by blacksmiths. They also do some woodwork for the tool handles. This type of smiths may also be involved in leatherwork for casings and sheath for keeping blades like swords and daggers.
They use standard forging tools like anvil, hammers, forge, and other related tools. If you take a thorough blacksmithing class, there is every probability that you will learn bladesmithing as well.
Bladesmithing is very lucrative and professional. Various blades like knives and daggers are useful domestic tools. Swords are also in wide use for ceremonial purposes, and some still use them as a weapon.
Coppersmith
Coppersmiths are common type of smiths and they are also called brazier. These craftsmen specialize in the fabrication of specific forging materials. They work with copper and brass to make artifacts.
They make creative and useful materials from copper and brass. Some of the common materials they make include jewelry, various utensils, and handcrafted pans.
Coppersmiths work with lesser heat compared to other smiths. They do more cold forging because the materials they work with can easily form without much heat.
Their processes need more creativity than power. But they still use common tools like hammer, anvil, and chisel.
Goldsmith
The value of gold is not felt when they are raw. They need to be processed by individuals known as goldsmiths. This type of metalworker focuses mainly on gold and precious metals.
They are usually skilled at forming jewelry through filing, casting, and polishing. Their skills are very similar to that of the silversmith’s. Some people argue that they are the richest category of smiths.
They work with expensive materials like gold and make several high-quality materials from it. They are one of the most rated type of smiths due to the cost of their products.
Goldsmiths can work on repairing and polishing jewelry like rings, neckpieces, and bracelets. They can work on other processes like setting, engraving, and casting of these precious materials. They can also work on the finishing of jewelry.
Gunsmith
Do you think that all guns are from high technological processes? You might be wrong. Some smiths specialize in gun-making processes. This type of smiths make guns as weapons
Gunsmiths are specialist knowledgeable in the building, repairing, designing, modification, and cleaning of guns. They also do renovations and repairs at the factory level. Gunsmiths may also work as decorators and apply decorative designs to guns.
A gunsmith is quite different from an armorer. An armorer only replaces the parts of a standard firearm. Gunsmiths, on the other hand, can build guns from raw materials. They make ceremonial guns, decorating guns, and actual weapons.
Some of them can even customize the gun to meet customer’s demands. They can perform several gun-related tasks like finishing, stock making, checking, gun engraving, and building.
What gunsmiths do with guns requires a top-level skill of a machinist and high-level crafts. They also require some woodworking skills to make complete modifications to guns.
Gunsmiths are considered factory-level workers. They can also renovate deteriorated firearms and restore their functionality. They can even construct any unavailable parts that they need to complete their gun-building, renovation, or repair process.
Locksmith
Do you wonder who those that repair and make locks are? This is where locksmiths come into full operation. This type of smiths are sensitive because they deal with security.
A locksmith is a person who works with locks, keys, and metallic security systems in general. They also fix broken locks, replace locks, and install alarm systems. Locksmiths mostly work with steel or other materials that are suitable for building high-security locks.
It is a traditional trade and requires special training. It is one of the smithing processes you might not get to learn alongside any other craft. It requires full apprenticeship completion.
In fact, some countries will require that you have formal education before you can become a locksmith. Most locks are made from a manual crafting process by these locksmiths. They can also use an automatic crafting process.
No building or construction can exist without locks. These high demands make locksmithing one of the most lucrative smithing processes.
Pewtersmith
Pewtersmith is one of the most creative type of smiths. This set of metalsmiths works with different silver-tin alloys to forge certain kitchen utensils and kitchenware.
This craft is another lucrative metalsmithing specialty with high demand for kitchen utensils and wares. They also don’t need as much heat and power as other smiths.
Silversmith
A silversmith forges objects and ornaments from silver. They are very similar to goldsmiths, and many people consider them to be rich craftsmen. This type of smiths uses techniques that are quite similar to goldsmiths, but their final products vary by few differences.
However, the terms silversmith and goldsmith are not entirely synonyms. The two crafts use different techniques and require different training. The materials they work with also differ as well as their end products.
Silversmiths make silverwares in large varieties. Some of the materials they make include forks, spoons, flatware, hollowware, bowls, pots, trays, tankards, rings, neckpieces, jewelry, and many other accessories.
Tinsmith
The tinsmith works with tinware. They create objects from tins and other light metals; they also repair objects made of tin. This type of smiths are less common than most other types.
This craft also has other names like a tinker, tinman, tinner, whitesmiths, or tinplate worker. This craft is prevalent during pre-industrial times.
Unlike blacksmiths, tinsmiths don’t need extreme temperatures. They often work on cold materials. However, they use hearth heat to help them shape the materials with ease. Some of the materials tinsmiths make include spoons, fork, plates, trays, candleholders, and other containers.
Swordsmith
Swordsmith is a type of bladesmith who specializes in forging swords. It is safe to say they are a category of bladesmith. They make different types of swords for weapons, ceremonial, and decorative purposes.
Most swordsmiths can also make other materials like knives, dagger, and other similar blades.
Whitesmith
Whitesmiths usually work with tin. Unlike the tinsmith who forges, the whitesmith focuses more on polishing and finishing the metal. They are more particular about the finishing of these materials.
Whitesmith is an alternative name for tinsmith. They work with light-colored or white metals.
Unlike blacksmithing, whitesmiths do not use extreme heat. They focus on crafting materials with hearth heat and ensure they give it a fine finish. They carry out basic processes like polishing, lathing, filling, and burnishing.
Frequently Asked Questions On Types of Blacksmiths
How Do I Become a Blacksmith?
Becoming a blacksmith is quite easy if you go through the right way. You can take introductory college courses on metalworking. After taking the course, you can now proceed to take a trainee position with a professional blacksmith.
You can also take a level two diploma course in blacksmithing and metalworking.
What Is Another Name for Blacksmiths?
There are other names you can call a blacksmith. You can call a blacksmith an ironsmith, forger, or metalworker. You can also refer to a blacksmith as a smith, smithy, plover, etc.
The name you call a blacksmith can depend on your location or preference.
What is Whitesmith?
A whitesmith is a type of blacksmith that does the finishing work on metals like iron and steel. It also refers to someone that works with light or white-colored metal and is often used synonymously as a tinsmith. A whitesmith is a finisher and polisher of metal goods.
What Does a Whitesmith Do?
As its name implies, whitesmith deals with the less stressful, tedious, and dirty part of blacksmithing. A whitesmith deals with processes like filing, burnishing, lathing, or polishing. The whitesmith job does not include forging, shaping, and some other blacksmithing processes.
Summary on the Types of Smiths
There are different types of smiths and what they do. Here is a summary on types of smiths and what they deal with;
- Blacksmith- Blacksmith deals with steel and iron.
- Brownsmith- Brownsmith deals with copper and brass.
- Bladesmith- Bladesmith deals with the building of swords, knives, and other blades.
- Coppersmith- Coppersmith deals with copper.
- Coinsmith- Coinsmith deals with currency and coins.
- Gunsmith- Gunsmith deals with the building and repair of firearms.
- Goldsmith- Goldsmith deals with gold.
- Silversmith- Silversmith or bright smith deals with silver.
- Locksmith- Locksmith deals with locks.
- Swordsmith- Swordsmith deals with only swords.
- Weaponsmith: Weapon-smith deals with weapons like spears, axes, etc.
- Tinsmith- Tinsmith, tinker, or tinner deals with light metals like tinwares.
Conclusion
There are different types of smiths. Like every other profession, smiths have areas of specialization. If you are a metalsmith, you must belong to one or more groups in this category.
You can improve your versatility by learning skills in various categories. So, now you know the types of metalsmiths there are. Which one are you?
Regardless, you can always learn more skills to become better.