Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

Ben Hansen reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I was bought the Blacksmithing experience as a Christmas gift. Nigel was very knowledgeable and made it a lot of fun to learn from him. The experience day was filled with a great deal of different techniques that we were able to put into practice and we were able to keep the pieces we had crafted to take home. The site itself was full of things to see and Nigel was happy to show us around the site and show us a huge variety of the things that he had made. Would definitely recommend and hope to go again."

Fransham Forge responded:

" Thanks for your review Ben -we are glad you enjoyed your day at the Forge."

Natasha Day reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"A wonderful whirlwind day into the life and skills of a professional blacksmith. Nigel is hugely knowledgeable and shares this generously as well as helping people successfully go home with a wonderful array of forged items. Thank you Nigel."

Fransham Forge responded:

" You are very welcome! Nigel"

Laurence Burton reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I did a two day course (Fri/Sat) - a really great experience. Nigel was really patient - especially after I got it wrong for the 3rd time! :-) We've covered far more than I thought we would be able to - Nigel loves to share his knowledge and expertise!"

Bob Hunt reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Great hands on experience. Well equipped workshop with heavyweight equipment. Nigel is extremely knowledgeable and has a very wide experience of forging on some impressive projects. We came away with our own forgings which demonstrate our achievements and will have use. It was an icy cold, January morning so needed some warm overalls even with all of the forges running. Great to see demonstrations of the big hammers and press. Great day. Thanks Nigel. "

Lee Van Rensburg reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Fantastic course, great to be taught by a Master craftsman. Perfect facilities, would not change anything."

Ben & Aislinn reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Fantastic experience, did the one-day course which results in a few created pieces to take home yourself! Nigel was incredibly knowledgeable and patient with his teaching, made everything look so easy! He's also great to talk to, full of interesting stories! We also stayed overnight in one of the cabins by the forge, incredibly comfortable and warm even in Autumn! Highly recommend the course and overnight stay to anyone interested in blacksmithing, or just doing something creative."

Richie Allen reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Fantastic course! Nigel was a real character ! I loved it all and my main aim is to return for a more advanced , longer session. Highly recommend to any one interested in Blacksmith forging ."

Russ and Louise. reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"This was the most informative and fun experience. The hosts were thoughtful and the accommodation was excellent - especially given the very fair price. The huts are beautifully made by Master Blacksmith Nigel, and toasty-warm even when it’s cold, with electricity, kettle, lighting and log-burners. The site itself is relaxed and comfortable. Nigel gave so much instruction and guidance whilst at the same time allowing us the independence within his forge to develop our skills and create several lovely pieces to take away. Even as part of a Saturday group he was always attentive and the resources and facilities within the forge are excellent. He is a passionate craftsman and artist, and the gallery and shop that he runs alongside the forge is worth a visit in its own right. Everything exceeded our expectations from start to finish. We very much look forward to returning :) "

Lucy Bird reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My son completed his Silver DofE skills section with Nigel. He had the best time and learnt so much from Nigel. Nigel was really relaxed and supportive, helping my son discover a passion for blacksmithing. I would 100% recommend one of Nigel’s courses to anyone who might be interested in learning more about this amazing art form."

Stuart Boon reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Superb day. Nigel gives you the basics and then lets you explore and learn. He's on hand to help all day and has an easy manner. I came away with several pieces that will all be put to use. Going to book another day for sure. "

Darren reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Had an excellent day and covered quite a lot of ground in terms of skills. There were 6 attendees on the day, 3 of them were on day 2 of their longer course, but seeing what they were being taught gave me great insight into how what I was learning could be applied/adapted. Nigel demonstrated everything with ease, and was open to any type of question. Some of what we did was "now copy what I just demoed", but Nigel also gave some freedom to let the skills meet any artistic ideas we had of our own. I was a little apprehensive about what I would learn in one day. but came away with a lot more knowledge (to be turned in to skill with practice) that I ever expected. Nigel has a passion that shines through, and his straight talking down to earth personality makes it easy to absorb. Brilliant day! "

Dee Jackson reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"What a fantastic day. Nigel and his relaxed teaching style was just tight, no pressure. Thanks for a great course."

Matt GB reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"What a brilliant day! Cannot fault it, Nigel is very skilled, he does make everything look so easy, and very amusing he kept us on point throughout the day. We made four items to take away and got to practice the basic techniques, Nigel was always on hand to help out or to advise. Superb experience and definitely recommend."

Bob keens reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Great day making 4 items covering many different aspects of blacksmithing. Good laugh with Nigel. Very clever man and always with a tale to tell and willing to help where and when needed. Going to book another day soon to take the learning a bit further."

John P. reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"A really interesting and instructive day run by a "guru" of the blacksmithing arts. You learnt practical skills and finished with several of your own handmade items at the end of the day. The numbers on the course are small, 3 in my case, and you get individual instruction and all equipment and materials provided. A great day out, highly recommended, so much so I'm going back for the welding course!"

Evonne reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"The course was interesting and enjoyable. The instructor was very knowledgeable and we made several items during the course of the day. I am particularly proud of my spoon... The axes that the second day attendees were making looked fearsome! I would recommend this course to anyone who's looking for a craft experience that is a little bit different."