What is the difference between a blacksmith and a metal fabricator or welder?
One primary difference is that metal fabricators and welders build their products without forging the metal. In other words, they are not hammering or shaping the iron under a hammer or other means when it is hot. Though many nice things can be fabricated, the forging and bending skills of an experienced blacksmith add extra dimension and life to the metal. And because working with hot metal is almost like working a piece of clay with your hands there are many more possibilities for creating shapes and textures that can’t be achieved through typical fabrication practices.
