Anvil Forge reviews

Chris reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Unique experience, learnt new skills. Tutor to pupil ratio good. The guys were very helpful, patient and informative. A good day well spent. Thank you Anvil Forge. 1 tiny criticism, signage could be better!"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Chris thanks for feedback , I am pleased you enjoyed the day . I must admit yes signage not great but waiting on some new signs being produced! thanks John"

Blake Glenn reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"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"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Blake thanks for your comments. We all had a a great day , all of you were great pupils and make it really easy to teach, it was more like friends getting together which creates a really positive atmosphere for learning and means that everyone gets a lot out of the experience. Hope to see all of you again soon John"

Adrian Watson reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"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."

Julian Court reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I have just attended the Viking knife 1 day course and I must say it was everything I had hoped it would be (in fact I was there for 2 days and made 2 different Viking knives!). John and his time were all very friendly and always on hand if you wanted advice or help. I'm considering another course in the not too distant future. Thanks guys!"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Julian It was a pleasure having you on the class , in fact the whole class turned out some great knives. I think your second blade turned out great with the scales being a real bonus. I hope to see you again real soon. cheers John"

Peter Hopwood reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"This was a Christmas Present from my son. I attended the course on 23/11/2019. I made a wrought iron log holder which is now sitting proud on my hearth. My wife is delighted with it, which means it has passed style and quality criteria - she is pretty fussy what is allowed in the house ! I had an excellent day which was "hands-on", with help and advise close by, when needed. Well done to everybody at Anvil Forge !"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Peter really pleased that everyone is happy with the end result. I will see you next year as we discussed best wishes John"

Russell Payne reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"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"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Russell thanks for comments , dont forget look at the days pictures on the Anvil Forge website and go to the gallery section. We are also going to start offering a small discount on returning students so the chance to make the axe we discussed could a good excuse to come back! Many thanks John"

Leo reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"A great way to spend a weekend! I like to cook and like to make things, so my girlfriend decided to buy this course for my 30th. John, Alex, Henry and Mark are all nice chaps and have a wealth of knowledge to share. What was really nice is that they always demonstrated on other pieces, so you really do make the entire knife yourself, with minimal interference. A couple of nice pub lunches didn't hurt, either!"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Leo thanks for posting the review, I think that your knife was really great to look at and pleased that you did virtually everything yourself with just a little guidance. the pictures are posted on the Anvil Forge gallery I look forward to seeing you with your friends on the next class best wishes John"

Norman Craig reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Terrific course. And not a contrived classroom but in a real life metal-working shop. We were welcomed, geared up and bashing hot metal within a very short time. John and his team were very accommodating on our individual projects and the end result in each case was beyond what I thought possible on a one day course. It was a privilege to be introduced to blacksmithing by such skilled and experienced guys. Many thanks."

Chris Phillips reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"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."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hello Chris sorry for the delay in responding , really pleased with the way everyone worked and their projects. we try to please and its great when we get reviews like yours nice to know we are getting it right best wishes John"

Mick Devlin reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I had a great day learning about the heating process hot, but not too hot colour to look for. Hammering, grinding, shaping, honing, hardening. Walked away with a very sharp knife and new skills. Very friendly, knowledgeable, and skilled people. Would recommend to anyone."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Mick thanks for review , dont forget to go to our website to see the pictures taken on the day. look at our listing if you cant remember. I think everybody went away with a pretty damn sharp blade , which makes all the hard work worthwhile. I cant remember if your local but we have discount vouchers for the pub we use which will give you 20% off your meal cost as athankyou for attending the course. best wishes John"

Joshua Harris reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"This course is a fantastic start for a newbie looking to get a practical understanding of the tools and a few of the base skills of the craft. I'll be booking in my second experience soon and can't wait! The knife you make will be aesthetic and useful. Thanks John, Spencer and Aidan for some top instructing."

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

"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."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Zoe I am happy that we got you so enthralled in bladesmithing and pleased that you proved once again the ladies can give the guys a run for their money when fire and iron are the tools to work with. Whenever you are both ready to return there will be welcome coffee and biscuits waiting for you. best wishes John"

Lloyd reviewed: "Game of Thrones"...ish! : metalwork / blacksmithing workshop

"Spent two days at the Forge with John and his great team. They were all friendly and very accommodating. John and team were very enthusiastic and knowledgeable and helped me with the design and explained the processes before letting me loose. I had a thoroughly great time and made a fantastic Viking inspired broad sword, couldn't recommend this course enough. They run plenty of courses which all look fantastic too!"

Richard maskall reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Joined these guys for the day I think last year, and can't think of a nicer bunch of blokes to spend the day forging with. Even though I was very keen before I went on this experience day to get into forging, I have since built a small coal forge and have successfully made several knives of my own including a low layer Damascus kitchen knife. Thanks for the support on the day and igniting a new hobby."

John martin reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Just finished a 1 day Viking knife making course with John and had an amazing time. Our group was small and it was the hottest day of the year, and I still had a good time. We were made to feel welcome and I learned a lot. John and his guest tutor Alex had a wealth of knowledge and were keen to impart as much as possible and I hope he takes up his invitation to join Forged in Fire. Hope to join him again some time to do another course (maybe on a cooler day)."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi John thanks for review and nice to get feedback that we can share . I will let young Alex know you appreciated his help as well. I dont think I will take up the offer to do 'forged in fire ' as its entertaining to watch on tv but after the session we had in the heat I dont think I would enjoy it . best wishes John"

cory w reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"I was first invited to the forge by my partner, who said it was a surprise, and it was a pleasant one. Initially greeted by John I was then give instructions to forge a poker which was fun (especially hammering away at the metal). Anvil Forge was a great day out I can recommend to all those interested in a exciting blacksmithing experience."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Cory thanks for the review , pleased you had great time and of course you are welcome back on any of the other courses. best wishes John"

Paul Hanson reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Wonderful day starting with a poker to get used to things and moving onto knife making - A lot packed into the day! I was pleasantly surprised what a novice could produce - but that is down to great instruction and help. If you are thinking about it - just do it!"

Oliver Ward reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"I joined John, Alex and small but mighty Henry for the two-day chef knife making course in May 2019. We were lucky to be a very small class of two but that didn't affect the warm and very enthusiastic welcome from the forge. After a cuppa we set to work forging an attractive iron fire poker to get a feel for the process. Another cuppa in and we were presented with two very rough templates cut from a strip of leaf spring steel salvaged from junkyard. We beat this into shape heating and beating the metal slowly drawing out the edge like you would with pastry. We were shown what colour to heat the metal to and to watch for sparks, suggesting you have burnt the iron because you were too distracted watching the others create bespoke pieces for clients! Once the rough edge is formed we allowed the metal to anneal by bringing it up to temperature then allowing it to cool slowly. Next we sketched out the knife profile we were trying to achieve and grinded down to the rough shape using this stage to create the primary bevel. After a hefty pub lunch we then worked on achieving the secondary bevel before filing and sanding the edges, hardening the edge by quenching it in oil once past the magnetic point. John kindly took the blades to bake in the oven for two hours and slow cool. The next morning we set to work on our handles, choosing our hardwood and forming the shape which proved tricky when trying to align the tang inside. Once finely sanded and oiled we went through the final process of sharpening, finishing the knife and testing the sharpness with the customary slice through paper. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable weekend; John and guys really instil the excitement of forging and have a wealth of knowledge with years of experience. This is a working forge with teaching on the side which in my view is far better than trying to churn out large classes for profit. I also think my knife speaks for itself with multiple friends asking where I did it and how they can sign up! Thank you John, Alex and Henry for a great weekend :)"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Oliver thanks for taking the time to send such a comprehensive review, I am sure this will help others to understand the amount of work you guys put in over the two days you are with us and the great time we all have both tutors and trainees. I am pleased that your friends were impressed as well as all the work produced was of a quality that made our time teaching all the more rewarding for us as well. As promised I will let you know about the ore smelting we have planned once we have it in the diary. best wishes John"

Mark Steven reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"Having now done two course with the team at Anvil Forge, I can highly recommend them. Wonderful guys working in a great environment. The courses are paced well and interesting, this is a working forge and it is the real deal. What John, Spencer and the team produce on a daily basis is outstanding, and under their guidance you will produce a fantastic piece of work. I have managed to produce a herb cutter and a chef's knife and both have become firm favourites in the house. The easiest way to compliment them is to say I will be back to create any great blade. Thanks for a few great days. Mark Steven"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Mark Really pleased that you had such a great time and looking forward to seeing you again in t6he near future on one of the other courses. The course list is growing and will have some new interesting classes coming up soon. thanks John"

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

"An absolutely brilliant day the guys packed so much in to the day and we enjoyed every minute. I'm so pleased with my knife for cutting the wedding cake and I couldn't have made it without the help of John, Mark and Steven. I would highly recommend this course and would be happy to come back and do another course in the future."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Matt really pleased you all had a great time and loved the idea of cutting your wedding cake with the knife you made. Its really rewarding for us to share our knowledge with a group of guys that were to interested in all the techniques and intricacies of 'bladesmithing'. Please send pictures of you and your bride cutting the cake. I hope to see you both in six years time for the 'iron' wedding anniversary. many thanks John and Team"

Annie reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"My husband bought me this experience as i enjoyed watching 'Forged in fire', I was not sure I would enjoy trying blacksmithing myself. I was so wrong. The team mark, spencer, john and co (so sorry memory block on the fantastic welder) were so helpful, enthusiastic and knowledgable it made the day memorable. Lunch at the Farriers was really good and a wealth of information was shared over it. At the end of the day i had been helped to complete a fire poker and two beautiful lilly garden ornaments that i still cannot believe i helped make. They are already adorning my garden. I cannot recommend this experience enough, you end the day tired and dusty, but so exhilarated and with a great sense of achievement."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Annie thanks for your review , Aidan was our young welder/blacksmith . I must say considering your wrist problems and operations you had that you were swinging that hammer like a teenager ! well done. Now to comment on the lily's what a great piece of art , the photos are going on our website but can you send pictures of when they are 'planted' as well. I look forward to another session with you in the forge. John and Team"

Jon Cox reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"I had a fantastic time on the blacksmithing experience day! John and his team (Spencer, Aiden and Alex) were so welcoming, patient and knowledgeable and always happy to help and offer advice so I could finish my project safely and to a good standard. Lunch was great too and a nice chance to get to know the guys and my fellow course goers. I would definitely go back and try another course or even just another experience day and would happily recommend them. Thanks guys!"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Jon thanks for review, you are welcome back anytime and of course now you have the beginners class under your belt we are expecting even bigger and better things next time ! ( might be hard to improve on the sword you made ) . Jon one favor please can you send me a couple of pictures when its in its new home. best wishes John"

Chris Giltnane reviewed: Parent and child blacksmithing

"What an excellent day. Started the morning making a simple poker and by end walked away with a Sword and a Dragon Claw mount to hang it in. All the guys there were attentive, super friendly and helpful. It really didn't matter who you asked, they were happy to help you move along with whatever it was you were making. Need to use an angle grinder, here is how to use it safely. Need to make a curve in that sword, use this tool. Need to drill something, let me help clamp it down properly and get you started. My son (12) was just grinning the whole day and when asked at the end just said "Awesome". We came with some ideas for a sword and within reason you got to make what want to your design within the day. I can strongly recommend this experience day if your son/daughter has any sort of interest in working with metal."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Chris thanks for your review we appreciate the feedback , I am pleased you and your son had such a good time. It make all the effort of running classes for younger aspiring 'blacksmiths' rewarding. As we said photos will be on the web site when its up and running again. best wishes John"

Ursula Krenik reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Bought this as a Christmas present for my son....as he said “Best day ever”. Such a good experience and he learnt so much. Great atmosphere and fun. Produced a poker and knife to be very proud of. Can’t wait to do a more in-depth course next time...."

Neil Parker reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"Just had a weekend at Anvil Forge on the chef's knife making course. I had the best time, John, Steve & Alex were brilliant. It was a really welcoming place with so much knowledge and a keenness to pass that on but with the freedom to make it your own. Throw in a couple of tasty pub lunches and you couldn't ask for any more! Thanks again"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Neil thanks for you comments , I am saying this on behalf of myself and the team that we enjoyed working together with all of you on the class. I must say that you all produced some great knives that you can be proud of. We hope to see you again soon , Alex has been refining his Damascus skills and watch this space for more info on Pattern welded knives and small axes! John"