Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Samuel 13:19

"Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel; for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:" — 1 Samuel 13:19 (ASV)

There was no smith - This was the result of the fierce raids described in the preceding verses, and it was the method the Philistines adopted to make their conquests permanent.