Student Information
Introduction & Resources
Types of Smiths
Adapted from https://hammermarks.wordpress.com/2012/02/23/types-of-smiths/
The English word smith is cognate with the somewhat archaic word, “smite”, which means “to hit” or “to strike”. Originally, smiths were craftsmen who shaped or formed metal with hammer blows.
A Blacksmith works with iron and steel (this is what is usually meant when referring just to “Smith”)
A Silversmith, works with large scale silver vessels e.g. vases, candlesticks etc.
A Goldsmith works with gold or small scale silver pieces, primarily as a jeweller
So what do you call yourself if you work in multiple kinds of metal? Why, a metalsmith of course!
Adapted from https://hammermarks.wordpress.com/2012/02/23/types-of-smiths/
The English word smith is cognate with the somewhat archaic word, “smite”, which means “to hit” or “to strike”. Originally, smiths were craftsmen who shaped or formed metal with hammer blows.
A Blacksmith works with iron and steel (this is what is usually meant when referring just to “Smith”)
A Silversmith, works with large scale silver vessels e.g. vases, candlesticks etc.
A Goldsmith works with gold or small scale silver pieces, primarily as a jeweller
So what do you call yourself if you work in multiple kinds of metal? Why, a metalsmith of course!