Smiths
The word “smith” (in Estonian: “sepp”) is used to generally describe someone with special technical skills. In traditional convention, a blacksmith is someone who knows the centuries-old art of processing iron, principles of forging and the art of designing articles from wrought iron. An essential knowledge necessary for every blacksmith was the characteristics and processing temperatures of metals.
The same Estonian word is also the core for the title of several other professionals who manufacture or repair watches, make jewellery, make or mend shoes, horse saddles, pottery, etc. The same word is included even the Estonian word “soss-sepp” that means someone who generally makes a mess of everything that he does.
Centuries ago the smith was a man whose craft and skills were widely respected and who supplied tools to other smiths. Smiths made needles for tailors, hammers and pliers for shoemakers, etc.

The profession
The profession of a smith is one of the oldest crafts and has played an extremely important part in the development of mankind in the last two thousand years. Since more and more people are discovering forgings as a form of expression, no wonder that smithwork is winning popularity also in modern times.
The essence of smithwork has remained unchanged over centuries and in spite of modern progress has retained its primeval power and beauty. Good blacksmiths were more than muscles, they were also artists and creators!

Forging
Thanks to their unique and individual character, items made from wrought iron have become widely respected in recent times as works of art.
In spite of having roots in traditions, forgings can be used for a variety of purposes and not only in old buildings, next to a fireplace or on an old stone wall.
By using traditional smithwork one can come up with forgings that fit well in different interiors and create contrasts. As original items suited to their surroundings, forgings create emotions that run deep.
What’s more, as a form of self-expression, a forging can help us find our true identity.

Smith’s tools
The traditional tools used by a smith such as a forges, coal, bellows, sledge hammers, chisels, round punches and tongs — have not changed over time, with the notable exception that airflow is no longer generated by bellows, but by an air compressor.

Smithy
Thanks to technical progress, true smithys are going out with the times. Because of modern demands on working environment, forgings are no longer wrought manually, but by mechanical and modern tools.
One additional problem is that true blacksmiths guarded their skills so well that they sometimes took them together into their grave instead of passing to a new generation or to an apprentice.

Nature of smithwork
There were (and are) different smiths around. Some design and dimension their own solutions, including the decorations and add-ons. And there are those smiths that work only according to pre-approved drawings and designs and add nothing to the finished product.
An essential skill of a smith was the ability to transfer the “virtual” measurements into reality and realize the client’s dreams in iron. Treatment of iron and other metals requires heating, cooling and a lot of hammering. A good blacksmith also had to be innovative in assembling individual components into a functional product.

Working conditions
In the old days the working conditions of a blacksmith were anything but pleasant: the air in a smithy was usually heavy with heat, dust and soot. Fire played an important role in the smithy since it was one of the most important assistants of a blacksmith. Treatment of iron takes a long time and involves lifting heavy loads which is why practically all smiths were real strongmen.

Character traits
Blacksmiths were strong men in good health. They were also needed to be innovative and have a good measure of the eye to ensure that the end product satisfied customer needs. Needless to say, it took decades to hone these skills.

It takes commitment and dedication to become a smith!
“Strike while the iron is hot!”
And it takes a lot of striking!
... over and over again so that …