The blacksmith in popular beliefs

In popular beliefs the Blacksmiths were associated with mysticism and magic, in a story from Koping , a Blacksmith had promised his soul to the Evil one in exchange for a couple of good years. When the Devil arrived , the Blacksmith stood by the vice , polishing his nails , and the Devil whom at the time had very long claws took the opprtunity to get them polished and shiny too.

"- A fine gentleman like you should not neglect his nails , the Blacksmith said "

The Devil put his hand in the vice , and the Blacksmith did not hesitate to screw the vice hard on his hand and the Devil started to scream , but the Blacksmith did not set him free until he was promised a couple of more good years

When the time finally came for the Blacksmith , he was actually surprised , because the vice was not in its place when the Devil arrived. But he was permitted to say goodbye to his wife. When he returned , carrying the vice with him , the Devil ran off , never to be seen again.