How does a blacksmith forge an axe?

A Blacksmith uses a hammer, chisel and hole punches to reshape a piece of iron. Much of the work is done on an anvil, a large block of hardened steel that is resistant to hammer blows.

He (or she) will usually do the reshaping while the iron is red hot, which makes if softer and easier to reshape. Red hot metal is held with a variety of tongs while it is being reshaped.

Pieces of iron can be joined by riveting and forge welding, and sometimes it is further reshaped after joining.

Blacksmiths are also skilled at hardening iron and steels by heat treatment, so that the cutting edges of knives, shears and chisels stay sharp for as long as possible. They can also anneal metal, to make it less brittle.