medieval blacksmithing

Medieval blacksmithing involved heating iron or steel in a forge until it was malleable, then shaping it with hammers and anvils to create tools, weapons, and household items. Blacksmiths controlled the temperature using bellows and used various techniques like hammering, quenching, and tempering to strengthen and refine their work. They often had to be skilled technicians, understanding how different alloys and processes affected the final product. Their craft was essential for daily life, warfare, and infrastructure, blending artistry with practical engineering in a highly skilled trade passed down through generations.