An armorer is a person who makes, repairs, or maintains weapons and armor. In medieval times, armorers were skilled craftspeople who forged metal suits of armor and weapons like swords and shields for knights and soldiers. They needed to understand both metalworking and the practical needs of combat: armor had to be strong enough to stop arrows and sword strikes, yet flexible enough to let warriors move and fight effectively.

Today, armorers work in different settings. Museums employ armorers to preserve historical weapons and armor. Film and theater productions hire armorers to manage prop weapons safely on set, making sure actors handle guns, swords, and other weapons without anyone getting hurt. Military armorers maintain and repair firearms and other weapons for the armed forces.

While the job has changed dramatically since medieval times, armorers still share the same purpose: ensuring weapons and protective gear work properly and safely. Whether crafting a museum replica of a 15th-century breastplate or maintaining modern firearms, armorers combine technical skill with an important responsibility for safety and precision.