Blacksmith - a master of metal processing by forging. The blacksmith’s profession is one of the most ancient. People were amazed that the blacksmith made valuable things from almost “nothing,” from a piece of some kind of brown stone. Therefore, many peoples considered the blacksmith a “prophetic person,” almost a sorcerer. “You’re not supposed to talk to a blacksmith on a first-name basis,” notes a Finnish proverb. “A thousand blows from a tailor is one blow from a blacksmith,” the Uzbeks said respectfully.

Blacksmithing and the profession of a blacksmith have always been held in high esteem. From everywhere in every village or settlement paths led to the village blacksmith. It was always noisy and fun around her - the blacksmith was never bored. Passers-by shouted: “Blacksmith, blacksmith, forge me happiness?” “What God does not give, the blacksmith will not forge for you,” was the answer from the forge. Since ancient times, people have learned to extract iron from swamp ore and process it in special forges. And it was not for nothing that their roofs were decorated with small iron cockerels. After all, blacksmithing was associated with fire, and therefore with mystery, legends and myths, legends and beliefs, rites and rituals.

The history of artistic forging goes back thousands of years. Archaeologists found forged objects self made, which were made about 8 thousand years ago. These were mainly decoration items. And we find the first mentions of blacksmiths and blacksmithing in ancient Greek myths. For the crucifixion of Prometheus on the Caucasian rock, the divine blacksmith Hephaestus forged nails. This mention is considered to be Starting point the origins of artistic forging and blacksmithing. An interesting fact is that the name of Cain, the first son of Adam and Eve, has an etymology of origin directly related to blacksmithing, and means "blacksmith". Among the descendants of Cain was the blacksmith Tubalcain, who devoted his entire life to blacksmithing. In the Bible we find references to forged products made by the inventive Tubalcain, which were used in agriculture and as military tools. Artistic forging is also mentioned in the description of entire neighborhoods in Jerusalem; such neighborhoods, as a rule, were inhabited exclusively by blacksmiths. There is a story about the construction of the Jerusalem Temple under King Shlomo, and this is one of the first mentions of the work of blacksmiths in the construction of walls. Blacksmiths made doors, gates, locks and bolts.

As history goes, blacksmithing began in Rus' in the 6th-4th centuries. BC. Ancient people beat sponge iron in a cold state with mallets to remove all impurities from it. Then they realized that in order to give the metal the required form, it is better to heat it up. The first above-ground ovens appeared in the 10th century; they used air, which was pumped through leather bellows. The bellows were inflated by hand. This work made the cooking process very difficult. At the end of the “cooking” of the iron, the furnace was broken, foreign impurities were removed, and the kritsa was removed from the furnace with a crowbar. In order to thoroughly forge the hot kritsa, it was grabbed with pincers. Forging removed slag particles from the surface of the ring and eliminated the porosity of the metal. After this, the kritsa was heated again and placed under the hammer. This operation was repeated several times. For the new smelting, the upper part of the house was restored or built anew. In later houses, the front part no longer broke, but was disassembled, and the molten metal flowed into clay containers.

Old Russian blacksmiths produced a variety of things needed in everyday life, accessories, utensils, etc. Necklaces, rings, pendants, buckles, mantles, clasps, bracelets or parts of horse harnesses, door locks, hinges on chests and caskets, and fittings for them, battle axes, helmets, swords, chain mail - all this and much more were the result of the work of blacksmiths , true masters of their craft.

Famous blacksmith - Nikita Demidov

The Tula Weapons Museum, located in the 300-year-old Tula Kremlin, houses ancient weapons dating back to the era of Genghis Khan.

Today, like many years ago, the products of Tula gunsmiths are very popular not only in Russia, but throughout the world. The Instrument Design Bureau develops high-precision weapons for various troops, which are used in the armies of many countries. Such state enterprises Like "Splav" it is famous for multiple launch rocket systems "Uragan", "Grad", "Smerch" and various products for peaceful purposes, from medical to printing equipment.

Tula and the Urals became famous for their deposits different types metals thanks to the Demidov dynasty. Siberian hunters to this day use 275-year-old rifles made at the Tula Arms Factory. Nikita Demidovich Antufiev (Antyufeev), who is better known under the name Demidov, was the owner of a blacksmith shop in Tula. Nikita's father, Demid Grigorievich, was a peasant from the village of Fallen, located 20 versts from Tula. At the end of the 1660s, he was a blacksmith in the Tula settlement, and was engaged in the manufacture of gun barrels. His son Nikita began his career as a worker for a master blacksmith.

Peter I met Nikita Demidov during one of his visits to Tula. The blacksmith distinguished himself while fulfilling the royal order (three hundred halberds were forged and delivered a month later to Voronezh). Demidov continued to surprise Peter more than once with his skill, which influenced the Tsar’s disposition towards him.

In 1694-1695, Demidov created his first plant in Tula, and in 1702 Peter I gave him and his family the use of the Nevyansk ironworks for 20 years, which produced and supplied weapons and ammunition for the Russian army during the Northern War.

In 1709, Demidov received the rank of commissar, and in 1720, the rank of nobleman. The coat of arms depicted a hammer, a cone and three mining vines, which reflected the occupation of the Demidov family.

Of course, the role of these artisans in our time is slightly less than in the old days, since many processes are mechanized and people who make metal objects today do not necessarily have to be blacksmiths. But still, decorative elements - such as canopies, fences, fences, railings, gates, forged furniture and interior items - must be made only by hand. And if we look at this in terms of the economic sector, it turns out to be a solid segment National economy.
If in the old days the main place of work was the forge, now, as a result of industrialization, many blacksmiths work in the workshops of enterprises.
Although there are still forges where craftsmen usually do artistic forging and casting.
Often in blacksmith shops and forges they work in teams. Its composition depends on the type of work and equipment used. When forging by hand, the hammersmith can be assisted by trainees.
In production, a team is led by a foreman.
Who can work as a blacksmith? Of course, a physically strong person. He must have good eyesight, an ideal eye, the ability to withstand high temperatures, and visual memory. And, as the blacksmiths themselves say, for successful work you need to be able to feel the material.
Artistic forging is usually done by people who are artistically gifted, who know how to draw, and who are inclined to engage in applied arts.
It is important to take into account the physical stress that the blacksmith has to cope with.
Graduates of art universities often become masters of artistic forging. In particular, in art universities there is a specialty"artistic processing of metals."
Technologies artistic treatment metals (art forging, art casting) are taught in metallurgical universities. For example, at the Moscow State Evening Metallurgical Institute.
At school blacksmith art You can get a specialty at the same university"blacksmith-artist"

Problem

The blacksmith was brought five chains, three links each, and instructed to connect them into one chain. The blacksmith decided to open the four rings and re-lock them. Is it possible to do the same job with fewer rings open?

(Answer: You can open three links of one chain, and then use these links to connect the four remaining pieces.)

Blacksmith

Piedmont master, ore explorer,
He forges armor and swords.
And it never goes out
Living fire in his furnace.

Stands by the forge, black and dirty,
Metal's glorious sorcerer,
But his proud face is beautiful -
The fire of ideas burns in your eyes!

He is the lord of fire and steel.
Always working, always sweating.
Under the ringing roar of the anvil
He forges beauty for people.

Hephaestus is a persistent student,
He was given talent from God.
In his hands the submissive rings,
Born in fire, damask steel!

Nikolay Zaburunny

"HYMN TO THE SMITHS OF RUSSIA"

poems by Nikolai Lisunts

Blacksmiths' Union! from those ancient times
We wish to sing glory and honor to you.
Having tamed the fire and not been burned in it,
They forged native copper.
Their art has been alive for fifty centuries,
And they also forged gold.
And the temple was skillfully crowned with domes,
shining from afar, like lights!

The blacksmith is the father of all crafts.
Hard worker, warrior and creator!
He can forge any metal

The blacksmith stood at the origins of technology,
How to melt iron and cast steel,
Having opened the way to many professions,
It’s like forging victories in a personnel forge.
And if the enemy wants to mock
Over our history and over the country
With weapons of steel we can fight back,
What will the blacksmiths make for you and us?

The blacksmith is the father of all crafts.
Hard worker, warrior and creator!
And he has no shortage of skill.

A steamship goes by and a rocket takes off,
The worker has the reaper's hammer and sickle.
And in every detail of this design
There is a contribution and a piece of the blacksmith’s work.
Let us multiply the holy, most ancient work,
Which requires the strength and skill of two.
Labor strengthens a weakened body,
And ours is strengthened by a sublime spirit.

The blacksmith is the father of all crafts.
Hard worker, warrior and creator!
He can forge any metal,
And he has no shortage of skill.

Mystery

The flame is burning with heat,

Sweat pours from your face,

It hits the steel loudly

Hammer...

(Blacksmith.)

Quiz

This man, due to the duty of his profession, had to have a beard, as well as the habit of working in twilight.

Each of us in relation to our own happiness.

Each person in relation to his own happiness.

Comedy by Italian writer P. Aretino.

Crafty master.

Master of hot metal processing.

The working specialty of the god Hephaestus.

Leskovsky Left-handed by profession.

What was the profession of the gypsy Budulai?

Poem by Yesenin.

Profession of Gogol's Vakula.

American economist, laureate Nobel Prize(1971).

God Hephaestus by profession.

In my interview, I asked questions to a specialist in the field of artistic forging - my dad Likhov Kharabiy Mugadovich. He tried to answer all my questions thoroughly. Of course, we can talk endlessly about the work of “The Blacksmith,” but as part of the competition, I revealed the basic facts about this interesting work.

Tell us about yourself: what is your job and how long have you been working in this profession?

I have been working as a blacksmith for almost 10 years. Previously, it was just my hobby, which gradually grew into my profession, which now suits me very well.

Why did you choose this profession?

WITH early childhood I liked working with different people metal products and I did it best.

Are you satisfied with your choice?

My profession suits me in every way; I am completely satisfied with it, despite some difficulties in the process of making forged products.

Was it difficult to master your profession? What kind of education do you need to get for this?

Personally, my profession was easy for me, because working with pleasure is very interesting. I'm a self-taught blacksmith, but I have two higher education majoring in civil engineering, which helps in my work.

Are any special qualities and skills needed for a person who has decided to become a specialist in this field?

Yes, you need it, namely knowledge in the field of mathematics and geometry, artistic skills and the presence of design imagination. It seems to me that only with these qualities can you be a good blacksmith.

What difficulties have you encountered in your work?

In my work there are various difficulties, for example: the breakdown of tools or the purchase of low-quality material, but there is nothing insurmountable and all problems are eventually solved.

What's the most interesting thing about your job?

The most interesting and, in my opinion, satisfactory part of my work is seeing clients satisfied with my work.

Does your profession allow you to reveal your creative abilities and express yourself?

My work reveals many creative abilities, but the main quality is my ability in the field of artistic forging.

Has your childhood dream about your future profession come true?

Since childhood I was interested in artistic forging, but I didn’t think that this hobby would become mine future profession. Being older, I thought about mastering this profession, but time has passed. And now I have mastered this important activity.

How useful and important is your profession for our country?

My profession is important because... products made by me are widely used in everyday life, industry, construction, agriculture and so listing.

Does your profession bring good income?

My income depends entirely on the number of my clients; at the moment I am quite able to provide for myself and my family. Not to say that the income is huge, but this money is more than enough for me.

What would you like to warn those who are planning to get the same profession as yours?

My profession can be very traumatic, and it also requires attentiveness, patience and caution. You cannot be distracted during the manufacturing process, otherwise you may miss an important point.

What was your first metal piece?

Even when I was little, I had a passion for design; my very first product was a small metal truck that everyone liked. Even the neighbors came to our house to look at it.

Are your products in demand?

Of course, he does, because the products I made are used by people in different industries. At different times, forging was in great demand, and our time is no exception. People still love forged products very much.

Have you ever thought about leaving your profession and learning something new?

Previously, such an idea had never occurred to me. And it’s not surprising, because my profession completely suits me. It is very important to do what interests you, then there will be no desire to quit one thing and do another.

Have you ever made a mistake in the dimensions when making products?

Of course there were mistakes, but all these unpleasant things were corrected. With experience, of course, these mistakes are no longer allowed. The main thing in this matter is attention and accuracy.

Would you like your children to take this profession from you?

I think that every person has the right to choose his own profession, and not to do it because his parents want it. It is important for me that my children find themselves in life and live happily.

My dad's works:

The interview was conducted by Diana Likhova,
7th grade, MBOU secondary school No. 6 named after. I.T. Sidorenko,
Ust-Labinsk, Krasnodar region.

No. 1. When and where did it first appear?
The first blacksmith was the ancient Greek god Hephaestus! But seriously, 4-3 thousand. BC. The civilizations of Mesopotamia and Egypt had already forged from iron not only weapons and armor, but also household items and agricultural tools.
No. 2. Hot is not the right word!
Iron can be processed worse than some other metals, so it is heated to 1000°C and only then the required shape is smelted. The lava, which is just beginning to descend down the slopes of the volcano, has approximately the same temperature.
No. 3. Most common surname
One of the most common surnames in the world comes from blacksmith craft. Every village had its own blacksmith; he was respected and even feared! Compare, for example: Russian - Kuznetsov, Kovalev, Kovalchuk; Ukrainian - Koval, Kovalenko; Polish - Kowalski; German - Schmidt; English – Smith; Spanish - Herrero; French - Ferran.
No. 4. “Cunning” from the word “forge”
Surprisingly, the noun “cunning” comes from the word “forge.” The fact is that the ancient Slavs considered the craft of a blacksmith incomprehensible and mysterious. That is why the phrase “to build feats” was also interpreted as to build intrigues, and “to tie fetters” meant to entangle. Initially, the word “cunning” meant wisdom, skill. Later it began to imply malicious plans and intentions. At the same time, the expressions “forge your happiness” or “forge your destiny” have a positive meaning.
No. 5. What did the 20th century bring?
The development of heavy industry in the 20th century greatly simplified the forging process. Stamping production has almost replaced the inspiration of hand forging, and welded structures have replaced it. But in the 21st century, people are returning to individuality and creativity, so the traditions of hand forging are gradually being revived.

The material was prepared by the editors of the "Turnkey" catalog and the company "Forging Factory"

The art of metal processing by forging is an ancient, if not the oldest, applied art. allowed humanity to create tools and devices that are superior to their analogues from natural materials at hand in terms of strength, performance and service life. The first metals to undergo cold forging were native forms of gold and copper. Bronze was born in experiments with alloys. Subsequently, the processing of meteorite iron made a real revolution in the science and weapons industry of those times. Steels (alloys of iron and carbon) opened up broad prospects in agriculture and many applied crafts. It is practically impossible to overestimate the importance of the appearance of iron among processed materials for the evolution and progress of mankind. In all branches of activity, people have been using certain products or tools made of steel since ancient times. A popular saying says that a blacksmith is the father of all crafts.

Now a few facts about forging and forges that we think may be interesting or useful to you.

- Blacksmiths are gods, demigods, descendants of gods. In all the early pagan cultures of mankind, the pantheon of the main (supreme) gods included a blacksmith god or a god somehow associated with the process of metal processing, the lord of the fire elements and the patron of crafts. Examples: Thor among the Scandinavians, Weland (Woland) among the Europeans, Hephaestus (Vulcan) among the Greeks. The secrets of ore mining and metal refining were strictly preserved within the circle of initiates. And as a result, they became overgrown with rumors and myths. Adding to the mystery was the use in the first forges, in addition to bronze and copper, of meteorite iron, the unearthly origin of which did not raise much doubt even then. Forging was carried out in conditions of secrecy, work was carried out with “heavenly metal”, only a few had the skills, the products were valued incredibly highly - these factors are quite enough to elevate a blacksmith to the highest level of hierarchy in a tribe or early state. Then there is folk art: blacksmiths - shamans, sorcerers, lords of the elements, fire priestesses, and so on. Forging itself became akin to a sacred rite. I think the first blacksmiths themselves were not averse to catching up with the fog. In Rus', the blacksmith god was Svarog - a direct descendant of the Family, sent to create the human world and establish world order. Blacksmiths were considered priests of Svarog. The undeniable benefits brought to the community have invariably made the forge a positive hero of epics, myths, and fairy tales. The process of transforming brown-red clay (swamp ore) into necessary household items and wondrous decorations seemed like witchcraft to the ignorant public. Forges were always built individually, firstly, due to the increased risk of fire during the smelting process, and secondly, for the convenience of supplying ore and coal. Even fellow villagers tried not to show much interest in production due to many signs and superstitious fear. In the territory central Russia During excavations, steel blacksmithing artifacts dating back to the 5th-6th centuries AD were found. The remains of weapons and household items found testify to the highest artistic forging skills of the successors of Svarog's work at that time. The products were not only skillfully forged, but also elegantly decorated. Both low-grade swamp ore and steel made from relatively pure iron were used, which indicates the presence of the science of ore mining and a high level of smelting. There were also alloys made from “heavenly iron”. In place of Svarog, Christian saints - the blacksmiths Kuzma and Demyan - took over the patronage of blacksmithing.

Why is the forge without windows? An ancient forge was a log house, often dug into the ground or with embankments on the walls. There were no windows. This design served to conveniently maintain the temperature regime, and the twilight made it easier for the blacksmith to determine the required temperature for forging by the colors of the metal’s heat and the nature of the spark produced during forging. Correct definition forging temperature directly affected the quality of the product. Errors in technology “by eye” were very expensive, because iron and steel were obtained through hard work and in limited quantities.

Steel forging temperature is 850 – 1200°C. Is this a lot or not? Today, little surprises us, including these numbers. But imagine a rural forge where several apprentices had to spend about an hour working with hand bellows to heat one part on charcoal. For comparison, natural lava flows down the slope of a volcano at a temperature of about 1000°C. To determine optimal forging temperatures, today a thermocouple or pyrometer is used, but previously everything was based on experience.

Iron is a precious metal. That’s right, many people called iron the most precious metal in terms of its usefulness to humanity. famous people, for example: educator V. Pevshin (XVIII century), chemist A. Korenev (XIX century), historian J. Gover (XIX century). It is impossible to argue with this, given the role of “simple” iron in the progress of civilization.

- Stereotypes and myths about blacksmiths and forging. In most pictures on the Internet dedicated to the topic of blacksmiths and forging, we find a touching image of a burly fellow, a kind of epic hero with a huge sledgehammer in his swing. Often: a hammer in one hand and a sword of gigantic size being processed in the other. The set of stereotypes continues with the elastic muscles of a bare torso under a leather apron and sheaves of sparks. So, in these pictures a hammerman is depicted with special pathos. In fact, a blacksmith who devoted his entire adult life to his craft was, as a rule, dry and wiry. This is explained by the conditions of the hot shop. In fact, it was a “product” of hot smoking. The blacksmith supervised the forging process with a small hammer - a handbrake (emphasis on the first syllable), giving instructions to the hammerer where, how and with what force to strike the workpiece. The assistant took the workpiece from the forge and held it on the anvil during forging using blacksmith's tongs. Everything had to happen extremely smoothly and quickly, while the metal maintained its forging temperature. Due to the lack of mechanization, one person could only work with small forgings. The hammerman in the forge represented brute physical force. Essentially he was employee, did not have time to master the heights of blacksmithing. Constant blows on a hard surface “dried out” the hammerer’s hands, destroying and deforming the joints. It was very dangerous and unhealthy work. The blacksmith's apprentices, as a rule, were boys from among those working on the forge bellows and the bellows of the cheese-blowing melting furnace. They had the opportunity to observe the forging process at work, gaining knowledge from childhood. Becoming a blacksmith's apprentice was great luck, and the competition was like in modern universities.

Surnames derived from the word "blacksmith". The importance of blacksmiths in society and the prestige of the profession is indirectly evidenced by the surname “Kuznetsov” - one of the most common in Russia. This situation is observed all over the world: Kovali, Kowalski, Kovacs, Schmidts, Smiths, Ferans, Erreyrs had distant ancestors of representatives of blacksmith dynasties.

– Metamorphoses of semantics Oddly enough, the word “cunning” has at its root basis “forging, forging”. It meant “skill, skill, knowledge” and had a purely positive semantic connotation. Over time, the word and its derivatives changed their linguistic meaning to “two-faced, vile.” Such cases are not isolated, an example of this is the meaning of the words “witch”, “witcher” (witch, sorcerer), which also meant knowledgeable, knowledgeable people, and later turned into “sorcerers”, sat on brooms and began to feed on princes. Modern heirs of the fiery blacksmith's craft, real masters can safely call themselves “cunning sorcerers” in memory of the ancient representatives of the noble profession.

Forging can rightfully be considered the most ancient method of metal processing. The most ancient blacksmiths lived in Asia: this craft originates in ancient Persia and Mesopotamia. The first forged products are considered to be household items associated with the hearth, and tools for cultivating the land, tools and weapons. Then horseshoes, horse harnesses, and military armor began to be made in this way.

1. Hot forging technology is the process of heating metal to the required temperature, at which it becomes plastic and easily machined. For iron, this temperature is 1000 degrees. This is not low at all - the same temperature of hot lava on the slope of an erupting volcano. The metal is subjected to normalization and hardening. Normalization is a heating process followed by slow cooling in air. Hardening is a process in which heated metal is instantly cooled with cold water.
2. Ability to make items artistic forging has always been considered difficult, experience came to the blacksmith only after years of work. In order to determine the properties of the metal, the master paid attention to the type of sparks that were knocked out of it and the types of faults. In the absence of high-tech equipment, the heating of the metal was controlled only by the experience of the blacksmith and his intuition. The master determined the temperature by the color of the hot workpiece.
3. Today production forged products begins with computer 3D modeling. With its help, even before working with metal, you can select the required processing modes and equipment for production.
4. Every year an international festival takes place in Donetsk. The best samples forged products remain after him in the park of forged figures. The first exhibit of the open-air museum was a basket with groves. Now the park has gazebos, an alley of zodiac signs, an alley of fairy tales, a football cup, and fantastic trees.
5. It is curious that the word “forge” and “cunning” have the same root. The craft of a blacksmith was considered not just difficult, but mysterious and almost magical. “Cunning” used to mean a mystical skill, and only later acquired a negative connotation, meaning malicious intent. And expressions such as “forge your destiny” are still interpreted in a positive way.
6. Legends about blacksmiths originate in theogony. The first blacksmith master was the god Hephaestus from the Greek Olympus. He forged lightning bolts for Zeus, which always hit the intended target. The ancient Romans had a god, Vulcan, who subjugated the element of fire and was considered the patron of blacksmiths. According to the legend of the ancient Slavs, he taught art forging the god Svarog, who made the first plow for agriculture in his divine forge. In Christianity, blacksmiths are patronized by Kuzma and Demyan.
7. Mastery artistic forging Throughout the history of its existence, it remained one of the most revered. No wonder one of the most common surnames in the world comes from the word blacksmith. It sounds different in different languages, but it means one thing. These are the Russian Kuznetsovs and Kovalevs, and the Ukrainian Kovalenkos, and the German Schmidts, and the Smiths from England, and the French Ferrands. More than six million people around the world have a surname associated with the art of forging.