Bladesmithing is the craft of creating blades, such as knives and swords, from metal. This process involves heating metal to high temperatures, shaping it through hammering, and then cooling it to harden the blade. Bladesmiths often use various types of steel, each offering different properties for strength and sharpness. The art of bladesmithing requires skill and knowledge of metallurgy, as well as tools like anvils and hammers. Many bladesmiths also incorporate techniques like forging and tempering to enhance the performance of their blades. This craft has a rich history, with roots in ancient cultures around the world.