Medieval Blacksmith research for blog

The term smith istelf refers to someone who works with metal, the 'Black' refers to dark metals such as iron.

Blacksmith forge is a workplace where metal is worked by a blacksmith by heating and hammering via a furnace consisting of a special hearth where metal is heated before shaping. The name of a forge was also referred to as a smithy.

Smithy

 A forge wagon was a wagon fitted for transporting a blacksmiths forge and tools. A portable forge was a light and compact blacksmith forge that may be moved from place to place.

A portable forge (may not be quite medieval)

Medieval styled wagon (would be best to merge these two images for a result)

Medieval Blacksmith tools and equipment

• Anvil
• Tongs
• Hammers varying in size for shaping and finishing
• Swages - Tools variously shaped or grooved on the end or face used by blacksmiths for shaping their work by holding the swage upon the work or the work upon the swage and striking with a slegehammer
• Swage Block - a perforated block of iron, having grooved sides and adapted for use in heading bolts and swaging object of a large size
• Fullers - A half-round set hammer, used by a blacksmith for forming grooves and spreading iron. Also known as a 'creaser'
• SledgeHammer
• Punches - Tools for making (usually circular) holes
• Drifts - Slightly tapered tools of steel for enlarging or shaping a hole in metal by being forced or driven into or throught it. Also called a broach
• Axe
• Chisels
• Bit - A tool for boring of various forms and sizes
• Auger bit - a bit with a cutting edge or blade
• Molds for making popular and everyday items
• Nails
• Table,stools,shelves

Blacksmith belows

A blacksmith below are a device that blows air onto a fire to make it burn more fiercely.

Blacksmiths items crafted

• Medieval weapons
• Siege weapons
• Medieval Armor and shields 
• Tools
• Nails
• Church and Castle Doors - hinges,locks and keys
• Portcullis
• Instruments of torture and chains
• Household objects including knives,light fittings, pokers
• Ornaments
• Jewelry
• Decorative Objects

Life of a Medieval Blacksmith

The life of a Medieval Blacksmith would depend according to their location

• Village Blacksmith - lived in a small rural community making various tools,household objects and weapons
• Castle Blacksmith - Lived in the protection of the castle and required to make and maintain the weapons and armor of lords, knights and men at arms
• City of Town Blacksmith - Lived in the town and belonged to a guild
• Monasteries or Abbeys - Monks were also blacksmiths
• Medieval blacksmiths were also an important part of a fighting army, producing new weapons, keeping up a supply of arrowheads and repairing and the maintenance of old weapons and armor