Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

Andrew Ryan reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Excellent day, was well looked after and produced a good result at the end. Was a bit apprehensive doing this by myself but the staff were very accommodating and provided individual support. Only real negative is parking is limited, so can be a tight fit for space. "

Alex Robinson reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I got this as a birthday present for my 14-year old as he plans on studying blacksmithing, and it was a great experience for him. There were only 3 of us, and the instructor took the time to explain what we were doing and why, also the rest of the people in the forge came over and helped out and answered questions. It left an excellent impression on my son and confirmed that blacksmithing is indeed the career path for him."

Mike Newport reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I had an amazing day at the Anvil today. All the guys were so helpful and knowledgeable. Spencer, Aidan, Dan and John are all obviously very skilled and take great pride in their work. It was a great pleasure to see them at their craft. Spencer was a fantastic instructor taken me through the techniques and processes of working with different types of steel. I then made a one piece blacksmith/Viking knife using the skills I was taught. I would recommend giving this a go, to work with fire and steel is truly satisfying and to produce a knife that I am proud to own and use is a joy. "

Christian reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I had such a great time in the course and came away with a Viking knife that I’m genuinely proud of. I particularly enjoyed working between the forge and hammering on the anvil. Spencer was a brilliant instructor, he gave us a lot of independence but was still accessible for opinions and guidance. He was quick to tell me what I was doing right and constructive when explaining an error. I absolutely recommend to anyone interested. "

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Christian thanks for your comments , I will pass on the review to Spencer. I know he enjoys working with you all and he told me at the end of the day that he enjoyed the session as well. What is also really good is the feedback that we are doing it right for you guys ( trainees) and achieving the right mix of giving you the freedom but still keeping a close eye on you when needed . best wishes John"

Dorothea reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"We had a really good time making knifes. Everybody was really friendly, the instructor was very patient and gave good instructions. Highly recommend the experience!"

George reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Me and my dad went up to learn how to make a Viking knife. Had an amazing day, Aidan was a very clear and patient instructor. Would love to come back agin to make a different knife. Would definitely recommend this to anyone who is interested in metal work."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi George thanks for posting the review, I think Aidan enjoyed your enthusiasm and told me the blades you produced were first class, I will look forward to seeing you again best wishes John"

George and Martin reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"My son had expressed an interest in learning about metal working/blacksmithing as part of his life skills. As he has an interest in Viking and Medieval history I was fortunate to find this one day introductory course, to make a Viking style knife. We were met with a friendly greeting by both John and Steve, who made us very welcome. Their instruction and guidance was excellent, with informative detail and a very gentil manner. This was ideal for my son who is on the autistic spectrum, but is functioning. He said it was an amazing day and he appreciated their patience and time to explain each step, and the encouragement he got from them. In the end he was proud of his achievement and the resulting final product. We would like to thank all the guys at the forge for a great day, and recommend them."

Petrus Myburgh reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I had an amazing day at Anvil Forge. It's not every day you get the opportunity to make your own knife. Big thanks to Spencer our instructor for the day, his clear instructions on making the knife, help to create the sharpest knife in our home now. The fire poker we made to start the day was a great touch as I needed one for my new fireplace. There are so many stages in making a knife so the course is a must for anyone who want to forge a knife or do any metal work in future. Again thank to Spencer and John that made the day fantastic!!"

Neil Hendriksen reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"What a thoroughly enjoyable day. It’s a delight to learn new skills - and that whole process is enhanced when you’re lucky enough to have a great guide and instructor such as Spencer. He steered us through the techniques with just the right balance of demonstration, encouragement and letting us learn by doing. I’m so pleased my family gifted me the day. I wholeheartedly recommend the Anvil Forge."

KEN DOLAN reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"We had a brilliant day at Anvil Forge. A massive thank you to Spencer for his guidance, support and enthusiasm. The day was so enjoyable from the minute we got there until we had to leave in the afternoon. This was something completely outside my normal life and I relished it. Just prompted to write this review having used my Viking Knife to finely shred some herbs for tonight’s meal. It will most certainly cut! Thank you to all of the team, but particularly to Spencer - his passion for the work and his joy of sharing his knowledge absolutely shone through. A great day."

Sean Sullivan reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"A Viking knife day was given to me as a 60th birthday present by my wife and two sons one of whom was able to join me for the day. Paul introduced us to the basics for the day ahead. We were then taken under Spencer's guidance in the production of our knife. Spencer encourages, advises and occasionally corrects (thank you). The end result is not to Spencer's exacting standard, his work is brilliant, but we were patiently guided through the stages to produce a crafted and sharp knife to be proud of. These guys are expert craftsmen who wish for you to succeed and leave with a smile on your face. We both did that. Spencer and Paul, you have our thanks. Our knives will be in the oven soon."

Richard Sullivan reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I had a fantastic day at Anvil Forge with Paul and Spencer. Paul would accept nothing less than perfection making a fire poker, but this was exactly what we needed to be able to learn the skills we needed to make a knife. Spencer’s enthusiasm was evident from the start, and he clearly wanted nothing more than for us to go home with a high-quality knife that not only we were pleased with, but that he was also pleased with. Spencer’s patience and advice made for a hugely enjoyable day and ensured we succeeded in making a knife."

Sandie Dolan reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I had the most amazing day at Anvil Forge. From start to finish. Spencer, our instructor for the day had endless patience and nothing was too much trouble. He was full of praise and encouragement. His experience and total love for what he was doing came through in the way he explained and guided us through the various stages. We made a fire poker to start with, which teaches you the angle at which you need to hit the metal, a vital skill that will be required when making the knife. Most of the time was spent making the knife and it was surprising how many stages are involved in its construction. You never know when you go on an experience day what you are going to get for your money. It’s always a risk. Well, there is no risk in this folks - go for it. I had no experience at all in working with metal. I can say I came home with a fire poker and knife that I am very proud of."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Sandie thanks for your great review, Spencer is one of our senior tutors and as you mentioned he loves sharing his knowledge of bladesmithing with the students which obviously comes through. I pass on your comments to him , I know getting good feedback is important to all of us and makes the job even more rewarding. many thanks John"

Liam reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Had such a good day! Really professional and down-to-earth instructor who knows their craft intimately. You never know how these things will go when you book a workshop day but any doubts quickly melted away as soon as I got there. You get into the crafting straight away with all the help you need and it’s never too much trouble for them to answer any questions you may have. The items you leave with are quality; this is because they’re not only lovingly made by you, but are tutored to you by a person who can show exactly what they mean due to years of honing their craft. They walk-the-walk so to speak. Anyone who is even thinking about giving it a go should book on, highly recommend!"

Michael Archer reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"A truly engaging and thoroughly interesting day. Anvil Forge worked hard to make sure that every one of us who attended their course got the maximum enjoyment from the day and a truly rewarding experience. Patient, clear, friendly and helpful instructors were with us each step of the way, showing us exactly how to work with the metal ourselves while allowing us the opportunity to practise and DO, instead of simply watching. The end result of the day is a knife that I have crafted with my own hands that I am immensely proud of and very grateful for all of their help and advice."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Michael thanks for review it was a pretty full on day! everyone worked hard , instructors and students but as the photos showed some stunning results so very worthwhile. I must admit it is tempting to get carried away with showing how its done as it is an absorbing thing to do but letting you all do your own thing turned out to pay off. Well done Michael you turned in a great bit of workmanship."

Helen Gill reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I purchased this course as a 50th birthday present for my husband and also as an early birthday gift for our 14 year old son. They both returned today absoutely buzzing! They had an absolutely fantastic day and learned a huge amount in such a short space of time. They were both full of praise for the instructors who were always there when they were needed, but also allowed them both sufficient independence. It is so rare to find something that makes a 50 year old and a 14 year old smile from ear to ear! The pokers and knives they both made are brilliant. THANK YOU!"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Helen thanks for the review , I could tell that the Boys had fun , they really were engrossed and only needed telling once and seemed to take everything in quickly which meant they were a joy to teach. I am looking forward to them coming back for another session. best wishes John"