Anvil Forge reviews

Jenni reviewed: Parent and child blacksmithing

"My husband and son had an amazing time creating pokers and more on this course. The Forge were really helpful, they tried lots of different techniques and everything was well thought out and enjoyable. They will be back! "

Andy Myers reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Great day, friendly bunch of people. I was mostly taught by Paul who was excellent. When I get some more space I now feel I can start blacksmithing solo."

Caitlin Graham reviewed: Dragon Making: 2 Day Course

"Fantastic course! So much room for creativity, and was fun to learn new skills and not just be stuck in the office! The whole team were enthusiastic and helpful - you can really tell they are passionate about what they do and love to pass that on to others. I love my dragon, and already looking at other courses. Highly recommend! "

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Caitlin thanks for the review , I cant wait to see the dragon with the lovely glass wings. You are right we do love making all the funky unusual things here at Anvil Forge. I will see you in the new year for the wing fitting best wishes John"

David Zazzera reviewed: Dragon Making: 2 Day Course

"A little late on the review. I did this course back in March of this year. One of the most physically rewarding things I have done in my life. I can't help but have a smile when I look at my Metal Dragon standing proud in the back garden."

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. "

Eleanor Connolly reviewed: Parent and child blacksmithing

"My 8 year old son and husband had a Parent & Child course. My son absolutely loved it and was able to get hands on across all the activities to build his sword. My husband enjoyed it too and both learned lots from the close coaching. Thanks for a great experience. "

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!"

Rhys reviewed: Hand forged viking knife one day workshop

"I would like to thank John and his team for an amazing experience, if you are unsure of what to expect, know that the team will really make you feel welcome and do all they can to help and instruct you to create a piece of work you are proud of. As someone who is not always at ease around new people, especially as I was on my own, they were really friendly, warm, funny and full of fascinating information about the work they do daily, igniting a real passion for me and I can’t wait to come back and learn more about this craft. Thank you and I look forward to seeing you again soon! "

Duncan R. reviewed: Hand forged viking knife one day workshop

"I had an amazing day with the team, living up to expectations and more. The day was run by Aiden and Spencer who were both excellent instructors and good fun to work with. I had Spencer helping me most of the day who was 10/10 and made the whole experience better - thank you for sharing your knowledge and some of your own work too. I would strongly recommend this to anyone and will be giving this a go myself in the coming months too. Thank you all! "

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Duncan Thanks for review , these mean a lot to all of us . I look forward to you coming in again and making another 'man blade' John"

Antonia and Baxter reviewed: Hand forged viking knife one day workshop

"Brilliant , thank you to Aidan, Spencer and John for your time, guidance and expertise. My son Baxter and I were completely immersed and were extremely happy with our take home tools, which have already been used successfully in the kitchen. Baxter will be back ! "

John Mitchison reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"My son Jay and I came for a blacksmithing course last Saturday 15th October). I just wanted to let you know we had a really great time. It was the first time in a forge for both of us and we were both looking forward to it. we were not disappointed, we both got the chance to make a knife and a poker, both of which will be used by us in the future. I wanted to say a special thank you to Spencer and Phil, they were fantastic! They were incredibly helpful, patient, knowledgeable and funny. They could explain things really clearly, they were able to judge all the different abilities of the group. Spencer could read my son Jay (13) really well and was able to offer him just the right level of support at the right time - a real skill for someone teaching mixed groups. Thanks again for a great day Best wishes John"

P & J Knights reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Great day at the forge with John and his team. Relaxed, informal and thoroughly enjoyable. We came home with a beautiful garden ornament which we will treasure as we made it together as a couple. Will definitely be back for another go. Thanks John"

David Hepburn reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"5 stars all the way. Thanks to John, Aidan and Spencer. All great teachers who had the right balance of enthusiasm, skill, passion for their work. All of this came across in a very friendly and inclusive manner. I have no problem in recommending this day at Anvil Forge as I thoroughly enjoyed it through out. I came away with having made a poker, viking knife and managed to squeeze in a dragonfly in my day. I was amazed by how much knowledge all the guys had and the science behind knife making particularly was mind blowing. I now have so many projects I want to make and hope to get back to make a chef's knife and possibly a hunting knife in the not too distant future. Again thanks to all of you at Anvil Forge, I left with a great sense of pride in what you guys helped me achieve. 5+++ stars "

John Laws reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Absolutely brilliant. Going into the forge is entering another world and the skill that the people working there exhibit is fantastic. For a day we felt the heat, struck the metal, smelt the furnace and generated memories."

Anthony Hollick reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Had a great day made to feel very welcome & instruction was very good."

Richard S reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Very well organised, experienced group of people. Safety/health a main concern. Considerate and attentive team who are also well informed about materials science and metallurgy."

Sarah reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"A really enjoyable day. I did not have high expectations of what I, as an absolute novice, could achieve in a day and was beyond delighted with the garden sculpture and poker I took home. The tutors were fantastic and really encouraging. They had the balance spot on for letting you have a go at every technique and then rescuing the mistakes to prevent disaster. Cannot recommend this course more highly."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Sarah Thanks for the review , we aim to offer the best possible experience on all our classes and make sure everyone ends up with a handmake piece of metalwork they are proud of. best wishes John"

Julie King reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"What a fantastic day. Spencer and Aidan were brilliant, patient tutors. After making a poker, we set about creating our desired pieces after a brief discussion about what they entailed. My husband created a knife blade and used lots of techniques. I came away delighted with several garden ornaments for glass balls that I had previously made. Aidan was very attentive in checking along the way that the balls fitted the metalwork. Lunch was provided and the atmosphere was really pleasant. I would definitely recommend, and would be very happy to return."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Julie I am pleased the guys looked after you so well , we try hard to make sure the experience is positive and everyone comes away with something they are proud of and hopefully have something to show off to friends and family. We would love to see you back again in the future. best wishes John"

Mike Wilson reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"My Son Jason and I visited Anvil Forge as a gift and had the most fantastic experience creating Viking knives ably guided by Spencer who was very patient and clear on how to make the most of our time. The whole team were very welcoming with the right mix of humour and creative support that made us both want to book back in and attempt something even more spectacular. Thank you Spencer, you have got us hooked...."

Shaun Hadley reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Worth every penny. The guys that do all the work are friendly, very approachable and more than happy to help and chat with you as you work and answer any questions you might have. Will definitely be coming back."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Shaun We look forward to you returning and helping you on your next project best wishes John"

Scott reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"I would like to thank Paul and Aidan for such a fantastic experience. They were excellent tutors giving the right amount of support when needed yet allowing you to find your own way . Brilliant day highly recommended"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Scott thanks for you kind comments , I will pass them on to them best wishes John"

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"