I'm not entirely buying it. You might be a blacksmith, but eventually you'll become the master of the shop, take on some apprentices under you, and take on mor

I'm not entirely buying it. You might be a blacksmith, but eventually you'll become the master of the shop, take on some apprentices under you, and take on more high-level responsibilities. You might still get to work iron periodically (especially if it's a complex, artisan piece) but more of your day will be consumed with balancing books, managing contracts of supplies, client liason, etc. I don't think that's really evolved a great deal compared to the OP's sitaution.