Blacksmiths: Do They Still Exist?
By Alice Henry
@IreneVincent (15960)
United States
July 21, 2017 1:01pm CST
I have several friends who own horses and we were having a discussion about shoes for horses.
Some of you know that I have published a novel, that is based around the raising and training of race horses. So, I was especially interested in what my friends had to say.
In the 18th and 19th centuries the craft of blacksmithing came to America with the colonists from Europe. The blacksmith was a very important person in Colonial times here in the USA.
Not only did blacksmiths make horseshoes by pulling a red-hot piece of iron from a forge and placing it on an anvil, striking it with a hammer and shaping it into a horseshoe, blacksmiths also made metal wagon parts to repair wagons, carriages and sleighs.
They also made hardware, such as latches and hinges, and all kinds of tools. They also made ice skates and toys for children. Some made iron tools and fittings for ships. Most large sailing ships had their own blacksmith on board to make repairs when needed at sea.
Are there still blacksmiths today? YES! They are called farriers and they still shoe horses and make specialized tools. Some even make hand-forged hardware and valuable decorative pieces that are highly prized for their craftsmanship and beauty.
4 people like this
4 responses
@IreneVincent (15960)
• United States
22 Jul 17
Yes, blacksmiths are still around, but not the way it used to be when there was a GREAT need for them.
@RasmaSandra (96480)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
21 Jul 17
That was interesting. I know they exist in Latvia. You might be interested in checking out this FB page of blacksmiths in Latvia.
Blacksmith Workshop Latvia. 58 likes. Luxury handmade vintage industrial design furniture for home and commercial use/ home decors
2 people like this
@IreneVincent (15960)
• United States
22 Jul 17
Very interesting. Thanks for the link. I will check it out further.
1 person likes this
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
22 Jul 17
@IreneVincent Absolutely , many these cottage industries like handloom and pottery is becoming extinct because of lack of support.
1 person likes this
@IreneVincent (15960)
• United States
22 Jul 17
@kiran8 It's the same here in the USA. Most of the colonial trades have been abandoned as factories have taken over the manufacture of anything and everything that a person might need. Very few hand made items are available now.
1 person likes this
@IreneVincent (15960)
• United States
22 Jul 17
That's good that there is still a need for them in India. It takes a lot of skill to do what they do.
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
21 Jul 17
I knew they still existed but as a specialty and not in every town as they once were.
1 person likes this
