Kaaijk MetaalbewerkingA smithy since 1676
Kaaijk Metaalbewerking started in 1676 as the smithy De Drie Gekroonde Hamers. 350 years later, forging still takes place in the workshop in Zaandam, the traditional way.
Coal fire, hammer and anvil
Forging is one of the oldest ways of working metal. The steel is heated in a coal fire until it glows and is soft enough to shape. It is then beaten into shape with the hammer on the anvil. By heating and striking again and again, the metal can be shaped down to the finest detail. Every scroll and every end is made by hand this way.
Why forge?
Today there are many other ways of working metal. Even so, forging remains ideal if you want a product with a unique shape. Forged work has flowing transitions and small differences that show it was made by hand. That gives it a character a machine-made product does not have.
What we forge
Over the years, a wide variety of products has been forged in the workshop. A selection of the possibilities:
- Strap hinges and pintles for doors, shutters and gates
- Hinges, handles, straps and bolts
- Forged (ornamental) gates, handrails and balustrades
- Hanging signs for a shop or business
Repairing old forged work
On older and listed buildings, the ironwork was often made by hand. If a strap hinge is missing or a handrail is damaged, a new part fits best when it is made the same way. Kaaijk repairs existing handrails and balustrades. For other old ironwork, we are happy to discuss what is possible.
Having your idea forged
Do you have an idea for forged work, or would you like to know whether an existing piece can be reproduced? Get in touch to discuss the options. We work for private and business customers within a radius of about 50 kilometres around Zaandam, and also with contractors and artists.