Forging a dragon hook using a plasma cut blank

[@jonandersen3347]

I was talking to a "traditional" blacksmith as he turned on his electric blower to heat his steel. He pulled his high carbon damascus steel billet from his band saw he told me "The only way to properly be a blacksmith is to do thangs the old way." looking around his smithy I noticed a welder and plasma cutter, not to mention a propane forge. I asked him why he considers himself a traditional smith? He smiled at me and told me this. "The first blacksmiths used a rock for an anvil. As time went on anvils changed shapes, wrought iron anvils changed to cast iron then to cast steel. The first smiths dug iron ore from the earth and bloomed their own iron. Now they buy it at a store. The fact of the matter is a traditional smith uses the most up to date tech they have available."

[@verndahl3848]

I would have no problem using a pre-cut blank in the way you are using it. I use a porta-band saw or a tin snip to cut things out. The majority of the people I sell to wouldn't appreciate "authenticity" and it saves me time. I can't forge weld yet but I find ways around it (rivets or collars) or consider the style of the project (modern art or historic reproduction). I'm with you, the guy with welded, pre cut blanks painted blacks is a fabricator or "crafter".

[@daverigby2577]

The line is where you can use your skills, even if combined, to make a living.

[@Mikestone1982]

I definitely think that any skilled craftsman should be able to use any available tools with no regrets. No one should be gatekeeping any skills. I think that blacksmiths from hundreds of years ago would not look down on someone using modern technology.

[@y-notforge8913]

..hmm, fabricators assemble. blacksmiths create...

[@grandmajosephine383]

A blacksmith is one who works with black iron. Tinsmith, tin, silversmith silver, etc. Work it with the tools and knowledge you have at the time. If you went back in history with a mig welder and plasma cutter you would be the greatest blacksmith of the era. Others would of used those with the opportunity. Go back further and you'd have to smelt your iron. Should we not buy factory made bars? Milled boards from home depot, plywood? Or do we have to start with a living tree to say we are a furniture maker because that's how it was done in the olden days?

[@stantilton2191]

If the old timers had, had a plasma torch you can bet they'd have used it. Period. Now if someone is insistent on a traditional build, do it for them and charge them for it. My bet is no one will want one. Few blacksmiths who make a business of smithing are true to the notion of traditional only. No worries.

[@glenndarilek520]

That is an illogical statement if used by blacksmiths to say they are traditional

[@CreatingWithJackPines]

Anyone stating you aren't a real blacksmith if…is gatekeeping. On the other hand, if you're representing a period of work, then don't fudge. Work with heat, metal, and hammer, and anvil, then you're a blacksmith. I'm likely to be using blanks in my work soon enough to fill out some of my stock on the craft table.

[@garis5319]

My thought is that if you can perform a piece they way it had to be done 1,000 years ago and you can demonstrate it, go ahead and produce your works however you want. As far as that fabricator under the face of a blacksmith, I wouldn't buy because he is dishonest.

[@timhester6634]

if i wear a cowboy hat that doesn't make me a cowboy or if i stand in my garage that does not make me a truck, nor if i go to church make me a Christian, if i had a cnc or plasma cutter but i used heat and a hammer and anvil like creation to make a product i would be a blacksmith. I agree with others that have posted if you have access to plasma or cnc and don't use them imo you are foolish i know i would

[@vedamaritabullockashley2770]

It's your business. You are forging the blank just like square, flat and round stock. Only bloomey iron is not fabricated. If you sent time to change the shape with a hammer, it's blacksmithing.

[@WanderingLostMC]

I think you are using plasma as a time saver. Not as a full product. If you were CnCing the whole thing then putting a touchmark on you'd be far more into the fabrication area. You forge each piece of the project. Its not a full fabrication. I'd say its forging. You make sure each piece is forged not just straight from the machine.