Anvil Forge reviews

Simon Baker reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"First time doing anything like this, and it was a blast. The team were great tutors, very supportive with easy to follow advice. Eased into the forge and how to work with the tools making the poker, and then on to a knife. Very pleased with both items. Now I just need to wrack my brain for something else I’d like to try my hand at making, so I can go back again! Thanks so much!"

Mrs K Hayes reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"My husband has attended this course twice now and absolutely loves it. The first time he made a knife, which has been very useful working on a small holding and with local farmers. On the second course he made a garden fire pit, so looking forward to lighting that in the slightly chilly spring evenings when sat outside. The team at the forge have all been wonderful, so supportive and pacing the course well to the individuals. They are a highly talented team, a credit to their industry. Im sure my husband will be attending this course again in the not too distant future. Thank you to the whole team for giving him such an enjoyable experience and for helping him produce some fabulous pieces."

Mike Rea reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"Such a great experience! I turned up full of anxiety - not done anything useful with my hands for years, so thought it unlikely I’d even end up with a knife-shaped object. But from the off, Spencer and Paul made us feel at home - stepwise instruction, personally and passionately delivered. And the knife I ended up with is one I’d have paid a lot of money for ? So pleased my wife found this for me"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Mike I am so pleased that you overcame the nerves and carried on to make such a great chef knife that has pride of place at your home. The enjoyment of working from a basic piece of carbon steel to the end result of a working knife that will last many years is really fullfilling. I will pass on your comments to the guys as well as they enjoy the feedback as well. 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."

Jason Hurndall reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"I attended the Blacksmith Experience Day at Anvil Forge with my son and we had a wonderful day, interesting, enjoyable and very fulfilling. We were both able to make a very impressive knife each to take home; this from scratch with no experience. I can only say it was down to Spencer's tutelage. He was patient, knowledgeable, helpful and very supportive and took genuine pleasure in seeing his students do well. I recommend this day to everyone, even those with no experience or confidence will be swopping stories and comparing your handiwork by the end of the day. Definitely want to go back."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Jason thanks for your feedback , I am pleased both you enjoyed the experience and look forward to meeting you again best wishes John"

Mike Payne reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Great day at the forge. Everyone very friendly. It very quickly felt like a supportive family of novices and tutors. I think we were all surprised at just how much we could do in a day and everyone went home with things they never thought they were capable of creating. Being of a curious nature I wanted to know how everything worked (e.g. the Plasma Cutter and the MIG welder) and the tutors were more than happy to explain. Aidan even took the front off the MIG welder to show me the insides. Loved it !"

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."

Lucy Bonney reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"A awesome day for 6 work colleagues - the day was down to earth and no-nonsense, it suited novices (with some simple items to make) but also allowed those who wanted to be ambitious to be more creative. Everyone was catered for and it was great fun."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Lucy your guys were great and had the right mind-set to produce their projects which I must say were pretty varied and possibly a bit challenging to do in a day but we all worked together to achieve some great work. they are welcome back as a team or individually. John"

John Haffenden reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"A brilliant day , amazing workshop and really helpful staff . 10 out of 10 .I’ll be back!"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi John Pleased you had great time , I am looking forward to seeing the next creation now you have the basic skills you can build on ! best wishes John"

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"

Katharine Evans reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions the course was unable to take place. It has been provisionally re booked for April 2021. Thank you Katharine Evans"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Katherine This is such a pain but as we discussed better safe than sorry. At least it will be a bit warmer ! best wishes and keep safe John"

Chris Shakespeare reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"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 :)"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Chris thanks for review, In a strange way it was a shame you were on your own as the shared experience is often part of the fun , but of course have a tutor on a 1:2 is great as well. dont forget to apply for the discount voucher for your next class merry christmas John"

Angus reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Absolutely fantastic day, no nonsense, hands on approach and some cracking company to boot. Couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to blacksmithing."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Thanks Angus I will pass your comments on to the others , we like positive attitudes . I heard that you made a great blade as well! Lets hope you make it back next year for more fun thanks John"

Aron Riordan reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"A fantastic experience! 3 of my friends and i completed the one day course making a viking knife. You start the day with making a fire poker first to get use to the forge, hammers and anvil. Then get stuck into making the knife. The guys at Anvil forge are fantastic teachers and take you through it step by step and they are great craic! If you want to try a new experience i would 100% recommended"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Aron thanks for the review , I must say you all produced some pretty keen knives . As we said you are welcome back any time and of course the next time you come in maybe do the chefs knife or maybe the tomahawk and axe class. I hope to see you in the new year and dont forget about the discount voucher! cheers John"

Melanie Neill reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"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."

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

"Great experience!! The lads made us feel welcome and explained everything expertly! We came out with a couple of pieces made by us with excellent support. Lunch was delicious!!!"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Craig I am pleased you enjoyed the day , and the lunch! I will pass the message on to the Lads , I know they enjoy being told about the comments. To see photos of the day you will need to visit our website best wishes John"

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

"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"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Loretta I must admit you were great to teach and fun all day long the broomstick idea is wonderful especially for the halloween class ! I will mention you to the lads , they also enjoy the feedback. best wishes John"

David Cooke reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"I joined with 4 others, John, and his team of smiths on his two-day knife making course. Brilliant. Great fun and very rewarding being able to produce a ‘sharp’ thanks Aden. Making a chef's knife was a fantastic way to spend two days sweating away…true craftsmen all of them, great atmosphere, team giving plenty of one to one tuition. I thoroughly recommend this course. John, great idea with the ploughman’s lunch much better than the pub lunch! Thank you to you all. David."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi David thanks for the review , I can assure you we all had great time as well . I dont think I can add much except you are welcome back of course any time and dont forget to email me for the discount voucher for your next class. Ps Pleased about the ploughmans lunch , makes a great change from the pub! best wishes John"