The ancient forging process of manipulating the cross section of
metal between hammer and anvil allows the blacksmith to shape
the metal into limitless designs. When the iron is heated to 2000
degrees, it becomes soft like putty and can be stretched or
pinched using a variety of tools.
The beauty of forged iron is linked directly to the hand of the
smith; every hammer blow is moving the metal and leaving its
mark. The blacksmith has a responsibility to produce quality
work for the sole reason that the iron will record that work long
after the smith is dead.
Blacksmiths are linked to all the smiths before them through the
tools they use and the knowledge that has been passed down.
It is for these reasons that quality forged iron, whether
contemporary or historic, pays homage to both past and future.