Reviews for Anvil Forge

Firstly I have to say this was booked originally many months ago and COVID got in the way
Imagine my excitement when I finally got to book the course. It didn't disappoint

I was the only one doing the course on the day, normally its setup for 5-6
Spencer was great providing tuition as I made a poker then knife. Lots of fun and new skills to learn

This is a functional metalworking shop so there are lots of projects on the go which is fascinating
Really tempted by one of their other courses :)

Three of us spent 2 days making a chef's knife at the Anvil Forge. Two of us have never thought about iron work previously, far less experienced anything like it. On day 1 Aiden took us through the forging process. He was really approachable, very informative and made sure we were all comfortable handling the red hot steel safely etc. On day 2 John oversaw the woodwork (to make the knife handles) and completion of the knives. He was very supportive, even allowing one of our party do try something John had never done before (it turned out very well and was fun to do something different). We all went home having thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and with three super knives that we are really very proud of. We highly recommend the experience. Good luck.

Hi John

OMG What a fab day!! Had such a great time. And so very pleased with my knife.

Just being in the forge and finding all sorts of weird and wonderful metal works scattered all around was fascinating and inspiring, but on top of that, you and Spencer did a great job at teaching and helping us to create our masterpieces :-). I will definitely be back.... start thinking about how we are going to create my witch on a broomstick!

Also, thanks to Dan for crafting my skeleton hand for me - I love it.

See you soon... Loretta

I cannot say enough positive about John, Spencer, and Mark, and the wonderful two day experience my friends and i had this past weekend at Anvil Forge...

Four of us did the 2-day Chef's knife course. The one word summary of the class, the gents teaching it, and the shop itself is "Genuine". John and co are all very adept teachers - a fine balance of technical instruction, gentle guidance and hand-holding, and 'letting you play' - all at the right times so that you have a good experience and leave with something to be proud of.

It's not a sterile classroom environment - you are in a working shop. So you get to see the works-in-progress, the piles of 'things that didn't work out' and the glorious loud mess (I mean that in all positivity ). It all adds to the the fun and the education. My big takeaway is that blacksmithing is like cooking: it's really challenging at first, but your attitude and your mood directly infuse into the work. These guys approach their work with real care, passion, and fun - and we did too as a result.

And speaking of fun... Pub lunch included! that was so great, because it is tiring work, and you're happy to have some home cooking halfway through the day. But more than that, the conversation, camaraderie, and instruction continues over lunch.

Call these guys. Do this class. Go make some stuff! It'll dirty your hands and lift your soul.

-BG

My wife bought this course for my sons 18th birthday and I was lucky enough to get to go too! I cannot recommend this highly enough. It’s a real working site with an expectation that those on the experience muck in and just get on with life in the metal works. Don’t expect frills - expect to have a bunch of really lovely people trying their hardest to give you a great day.
Working metal in the forge within minutes with great teachers on hand opened the day. Quickly followed by the team helping bring some artistic or practical ideas to life and ensuring that nobody left the day without something to be proud of. There is just the right amount of help provided.
Can’t wait to return for another trip now I know a little more. Looking forward to the next pub lunch with the guys.

I have wanted to make my own knife for many years, as a scout and scout leader many years ago I started collecting sheath knives, and the forged in fire come on the TV and they make it look so simple... well sometimes... and I always thought I would love to have a go myself.... So to my delight my wife bought me a day course the Anvil Forge in Wokingham....

All I can say is Wow! what a day, a mixed bunch of people from differing backgrounds and a team of instructors who were fantastic, very friendly, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and patient.

We started the day making a fire poker and then went on to crafting a knife of our own, great fun, not as easy as it looks... But the instructors where there every step of the way to help. Every person left with a knife they had made and where pleased with.

Seriously can't recommend highly enough, money very well spent. 10/10

I last used a forge at school over 55 years ago and every time we visited a forge, I said to my wife that I would love to have another go. The sound and feel of forging metal has to be experienced "in the flesh", Just watching someone or TV misses the point.

The actual course was even better than I had hoped. The health and safety briefing was set just right. The instructor ratio was 3 Blacksmiths to 5 students and this meant that we could get help when we needed it, there was always somebody who could answer a question or help when needed. There were plenty of facilities; 3 forges, a dozen anvils and all the tools you could need.

We started off with everyone making a proper forged poker to get started and then we all set out on our individual projects - a knife, fire baskets & my forged house name. Real projects & lots of fun.

The pub lunch was excellent and provided a great opportunity to chat with John's team and the other attendees.

A brilliant day! Thanks very much to John & his team who made a long time wish come true.

Where do I start; what a wonderful day. From beginning to end you are made to feel at home by John, Spencer and Aiden, who are continuously a wealth of knowledge and who are on hand throughout the day. Although a group experience, Spencer and Aiden make sure to go around and provide 1-1 attention to everyone and give as much or as little support as needed. This was bought as a gift and it is probably the most appreciated and enjoyed, memorable gift I have ever given; everyone should experience this at least once, but I assure you that you will soon have a new hobby - especially at the hands of the Anvil Forge. We definitely have and will be returning. Thank you John, Spencer and Aiden.