The blacksmith village remains "burning hot" despite the scorching weather.

During hot weather, many professions still struggle to make a living, and one of the most arduous is blacksmithing. Tien Loc blacksmith village (Tien Loc commune, Hau Loc district, Thanh Hoa province) is a traditional craft village with a long history in Thanh Hoa.

Báo Sài Gòn Giải phóng•08/05/2025

The blacksmith village of Tiến Lộc still has its furnaces burning brightly under the scorching sun.

According to the elders, Tien Loc blacksmith village has a tradition spanning hundreds of years. Initially, the crafting of products such as knives, hoes, sickles, and shovels was solely for the daily needs and agricultural purposes of the local people. Later, thanks to the skill and creativity of the artisans, the products became well-known, sought after, and marketable. Through many ups and downs, today, Tien Loc commune has 5 blacksmithing businesses and nearly 1,600 households engaged in the craft, employing approximately 6,000 workers.

Under the sweltering sun, the workers in Tien Loc diligently crawl into the "furnace." Some stand at the furnace "smelting" iron, others saw and cut, some hammer, and others grind and polish... Although the industrial fans whirred, the strong wind seemed unable to alleviate the stifling atmosphere in the workshop; everyone was drenched in sweat, their faces flushed red.

Clip of the red-fired blacksmith village

Ms. Hoang Thi Ca, from Tien Loc blacksmith village, said that blacksmithing is extremely hard work, requiring late nights and early mornings, and is very physically demanding. Especially in the summer, this profession is like "draining your energy for meager wages," but because of her love for the craft, she remains committed. The villagers have a saying that's like a mantra: "When the fire is burning, there's money." Each day, workers earn at least 250,000 to 300,000 VND, while those with higher skills and performing more complex and strenuous tasks earn more.

Nowadays, with modern machinery gradually replacing traditional crafts, Tien Loc craft village is facing numerous challenges. The villagers are adapting and striving to preserve their traditional craft. While older generations utilize their experience and skill to create durable, beautiful, and exquisitely designed products, the younger generation is finding ways to promote their products online, especially through social media. As a result, the village's products have reached many customers nationwide and are even exported to countries like Laos and Cambodia.

Mr. Pham Van Tien, Director of Tan Loc Tai Company, shared that nowadays, many modern items, especially household goods, are gradually replacing traditional products from the craft village, and young people are also gradually moving away from the traditional crafts of their ancestors. However, in Tien Loc craft village, there are still many young people like him who are determined to stick with the craft, applying scientific and technological advancements and online sales to maintain and promote the value of the traditional craft.