Basic blacksmithing course

Ruth reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"I booked this for my husband and his Dad as a birthday celebration. They had a brilliant day and came back with a beautiful garden ornament and knife. They’re both keen to get back and do more courses in the forge!"

Al. reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"Had a great time at the forge - I’m a complete beginner and didn’t know exactly what I wanted to make at the start of the day (thought it would be either an axe or a crafting knife) but Gary and Jos helped massively in working out what could be done in the time and helped make it possible!! They’re super skilled and I only had to show them a couple of ideas that I googled in the morning and by the end of the day its there in your hand! Gary’s clearly really passionate about this work and making sure you have a great experience as well. If you’re a novice it’s definitely a great place to take your first steps with working with metal - I learnt loads, from the processes to different metals you can work with to all the different things you can make. I’m definitely going to be going again!! If you are brand new to this, here’s a couple of things I’d suggest: Do have a think about what you want to make in advance (maybe draw some sketches?) - I’m delighted with what I made, but if you’ve got a plan to work to it’s always that little bit easier right? Do wear boots if you’ve got them - I wore converse and whilst I didn’t have any issues, it is a workshop and so you wanna be wearing something workshop-y you know? Overall I thought it was great! Can’t wait to get back and get making the next thing."

Peter and John reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"What a great day! I booked this as a Christmas present for my Dad and I as a father / son day out. Gary was helpful with all booking details and great with advice on ideas for items to forge. We really enjoyed what came across as an authentic experience with Gary and Jos. These are 2 guys who have an obvious passion for sharing their expertise whilst letting you get really hands on in learning new skills. Dad and I both have amazing blacksmiths knives and the satisfaction of the work that went into making them. Whether you are a fan of the tv 'forged' shows or just fancy learning new skills, we would highly recommend Friargate Forge for a great experience."

Friargate Forge responded:

" Thank you, so happy you both enjoyed your time at the forge Thanks Gary"

Doreen reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"Can't praise Gary enough, the day was fantastic, felt at ease straight away and he's a great teacher. Got finished the two projects i wanted to make, cooking tripod and fire steel, still had time left over to make a toasting fork. I will certainly be back to do the knife making course in the future and hopefully more."

Ben reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"Gary was incredibly understanding with autism in the forge. After I told him, he told me that he also had Asperger's syndrome, so he's able to relate to people who struggle with loud noises/sensory issues, both of which are large things in a forgery. Before we started, he explained a ton of stuff on what to/not to do, which kept me from getting burned multiple times. He even let us take a small block of metal of the same material as the axe we built home, so we could show what the axe came from. On top of that, we finished with a couple hours to spare, so he let us make a marshmallow-toasting fork, free of charge. The person I went with burnt her hand, because she grabbed the wrong end of a bar, and he immediately got the burns kit and made sure it was fine. Overall, a great experience, and highly recommended."

Rhianne Boag reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"If you could score more than 'Excellent' Gary would definitely get it..... Fantabulous, outstanding, wonderful and so much more. After contacting Gary to see if I could use a craft course voucher I also asked if I could extend the day to include my partner Scott. Gary was quick to reply, helpful and very much a pleasure to talk to. We turned up on the day a little bit nervous with a couple of ideas. Gary helped say what would be achievable and we set off, working together under Gary's expert guidance. Over the course of the day we made a hanging basket holder and thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Gary was brilliant, never flustered when we made a few mistakes, even joining in a few times when more hands were required. All around the workshop are little projects he is working away on. You can see how passionate he is about the work from every detail. We had an absolute blast, and within an hour of being home with our project have told all our family and colleagues about our day. Its incredible to have come away with a beautiful piece of old school engineering and are already discussing what we could make next at the forge!!"

Dan & Ben reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"What can we say? Absolutely exceeded our expectations in every single way! Gary is one of the most awesome guys I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Passionate about his work, loads of stories to tell, a genuinely great guy, and obviously very talented. Ben came away with a gorgeous axe, even with zero forge experience (watching forged in fire definitely doesn't count!) we were gutted when the course came to an end, as we loved every minute. So cheers Gary, keep up the good work fella!! Hopefully we'll be back again soon now we've had a taste of it ?"

Yin reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"Fantastic fun days with Gary in the forge. Learnt so much and bought home 2 wonderful pieces. Already booked next course. Cannot recommend highly enough."

Anthony reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"My fiancé and I turned up for our extended course with a great deal of trepidation, as my fiancé is scared of fire and has never lifted a hammer in her life. After 2 days with Gary, she’s immune to fire and has joined the hammer club, ready for her next project! We had an amazing time with Gary who is one of the most honest, nicest and happiest people you could ever meet, as soon as you enter the forge he makes you feel at home. I made 2 stunning knives, so beautiful they’re on display. My fiancé contacted Gary beforehand with project ideas, Gary was so helpful and ingenious, he helped her make a bell stand and a gorgeous patterned tortoise. He is very talented and his work is just magical, and forging with him is so much fun. I would and have recommended this course to many people."