Blacksmithing is the craft of forging iron and steel by heating and hammering. The blacksmith heats metal in a forge until it glows red or yellow. Then they shape it on an anvil with a hammer. The metal is soft when hot and hard when cool. The blacksmith works quickly, because the window of workability is short. The craft is old. The craft is demanding. The craft is the same.

Blacksmithing involves several techniques. Drawing out stretches the metal. Upsetting thickens it. Bending curves it. Twisting spirals it. Punching makes holes. Welding joins pieces. Each technique requires practice. Each requires the right tool. The blacksmith uses hammers, tongs, chisels, punches, and fullers. The tools are the extension of the hand. The hand is the extension of the will. The will is the craft.

Blacksmithing produces many items. A blacksmith makes horseshoes, hinges, gates, tools, knives, and art. The blacksmith works in a shop. The forge is the heart. The anvil is the center. The hammer is the voice. The blacksmith is the craftsperson. The blacksmith is the same. The same is the fire. The fire is the forge. The forge is the blacksmith. The blacksmith is the same. The same is the iron. The iron is the steel. The steel is the craft. The craft is the same.