Anvil Forge reviews

Jo Dyson reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"I booked this course for a friend and myself to do something different on my birthday. We both loved it. John and the team looked after us really well and worked hard to help us complete our chosen project and to a standard we could be proud of. The support was pitched really well to encourage us to experiment but also to make sure that we were successful. We never felt patronised despite being total novices and the only females on the day. We really enjoyed the day and will we back. Now we have a little more understanding of what we can do next time we will make a plan in advance so that we can get stuck in straight away. A great experience all round."

Mike Bonnici reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"Just spent two wonderful days @Anvil forge on a knife making course. We were “broken in” to the process by making a poker in order to gain an understanding of basic skills immediately followed by work on our knives. At the end of day one, it suddenly occurred to me that, although freely available, I only had stopped for one tea break because I had become so involved and was really enjoying the work. Thanks to the superb help of John, Spencer and Steve (master blade smith) for their patient teaching, help and support (and good pub lunch) for a memorable two days. Highly recommended."

Nic Trujillo reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"Thanks to John, Spencer and Steve for your incredible knowledge and experience and teaching skills. It was a very enjoyable course and I have a great knife at the end. Top course highly recommended"

John Perriam reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"A great course, educational, constructive and great fun. You first lean the basics of forging metal before starting on your blade.the instructor combines knowledge and patience allowing freedom of design yet great teaching. All wrapped up with two great pub lunches. Overall fantastic course, immense fun and a great knife to take home. Would thoroughly recommend."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi John Thanks for your comments , we try to please. Photos of class coming soon! I am seeing you again soon for more fun on the Blacksmith course where you can explore more creative metalworking! and dont forget , another pub lunch. best regards John"

Tristan Luscombe reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I had my introduction to blacksmithing course yesterday and at the end of the day I was tired, dirty and grinning like an idiot. This was easily the best day I've had in a very long time indeed and I got a poker and kitchen knife out of it too! Being only a small group of students meant that we had the undivided attention of tutors John, David and Spencer and they're a cracking bunch of blokes; friendly, knowledgeable, funny and they really made the day special for everyone. I would unequivocally recommend this course to anyone interested in blacksmithing or bladesmithing and wants an introduction to the practical aspects. I'm saving up for my next visit!"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Tristan I think that your comments say it all! we all feel pretty lucky meeting you guys and helping you all have a great time as well as making some pretty great blades along the way . Dont forget to watch this space as we have few new courses ( axes , bushcraft with another smith etc) coming up during the summer. best wishes John"

Jez reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Loved the whole experience, great direction from John, Mark and Spencer and a great pub lunch too! Recommended for anyone with an interest in blacksmithing."

Xanthe Scott reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"What a great experience - my partner and I thoroughly enjoyed the day and although we started off a little daunted at the thought of bending hot metal we soon got to grips with the techniques under the expert tutelage of John, Mark and Spencer and soon became engrossed in our tasks. It's fairly physically demanding and we ended the day exhausted but very happy with what we produced - we made a pair of candlesticks. Altogether a great atmosphere, lovely group of people - fantastic day!"

Chris Stephens reviewed: Dragon Making: 2 Day Course

"I gave a "Make a Dragon in a weekend" course to my wife as a Birthday Present ---- of naturally I had to join her on the course. It was brilliant we both had a really good time -- the team was great helping us realise our objectives and adding ideas as we went. Excellent for beginners ( we both were .... but can now add it to our cvs ) and =/- level artistic types ( wife +, me a techi so - ). Highly recommended P.S. The pub lunches were pretty good too."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Chris sorry to take so long to respond but we have been pretty busy with courses and commissions. I am glad you enjoyed the course so much and created your own unique dragons ! Please send me picture so I can share with other dragon owners . I hope to see you on one of the other courses making more interesting creatures. Of course there is a great pub lunch waiting for you as well. Happy New Year John"

Hester Wain reviewed: Dragon Making: 2 Day Course

"This was just an absolutely brilliant course! We now have two (potentially fire-breathing) dragons: Esmeralda and Gytha. They are huge, about 2ft tall and just utterly magical. I cannot believe we managed to make these. This was a great Christmas present!"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Hester Thanks for pictures , the dragons look great. best wishes John"

Sue Williams reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Having blacksmith ancestors in the dim and distant past, 1100 yrs ago to be precise, I've always wanted to do a bit of smithying! I found it quite difficult at the start, being female, not very big, and unused to hammering, but John and his Team were very patient and on-hand when I need some help. It was tremendous fun, once I got the hang of things and would thoroughly recommend an Experience day to anyone considering taking up a challenge. It's very important to think carefully about what one wishes to make. On the day I attended the others were a great bunch and I think we were all thrilled with the objects we made to take home. thank you Sue Williams"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Sue you would have made your ancestors proud with your project, it was pretty good. I hope to see you again in the future to make another project. I will pass on your comments to the team. best wishes John"

Aaron Saunders reviewed: Dragon Making: 2 Day Course

"Just done the Dragon making course and can highly recommend this course. John and his crew are fantastic. Their knowledge and expertise is second to none. Started the course by making a fire poker to learn the basic technics which is excellent. Completing the dragons over 2 days gives a really good insight into blacksmithing. The afternoon of day 2 is where all your pieces come together in a a great one off dragon."

Eddie Stewart reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Fantastic day at the forge with John and the guys. There were 6 of us on the course. Having 3 forges and John, Spencer and Charlotte to instruct we had a very good ratio of instructor/kit to student. I came to make a knife but I would have been happy just going away with my fireplace poker. Forging the knife was the cherry on top. The lunchtime pub food was very good. I'm definitely considering which course to do next. Would recommend this course to anyone who fancies a go."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Eddie thanks for review, I am pleased the knife was the cherry on the cake ! as you know we have a selection of metalwork or blacksmith courses and you are welcome back anytime. thanks John ps the pub we use offers a 20% discount on all our students that have attended , if interested email me and I will send a voucher. best wishes John"

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

"Fantastic day at the forge with John and the team. I joined a course with 4 other students, we were instructed by John, Steve, Spencer and Charlotte. Excellent tutelage from all the team. Not only did they explain what to do and how to do it, they also explained why we were doing it, which made learning much easier for me. I didn't want to the day to end, and I'm definitely considering which course to do next. Would recommend this course to any and everyone."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Paul thanks for leaving the review. I think you are not the only one who would stay late and carry on ! I did tell you that it can be addictive . Of course you are welcome back to make another Knife of a different style and now you have done the first class, and have that experience and a degree of skill gained on the day a new world of metalwork and blacksmithing is opened up. Best wishes John and the Team"

Hilary Alder reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"What a fantastic day I had at Anvil Forge, getting a taste of the life and skills of a blacksmith. I am delighted with the garden sculpture which will look terrific by our pond. My friends will be so impressed. I'll take a little credit, but most of it will have to go to John, Mark, Spencer and Charlotte for their kind and sympathetic instruction and encouragement. You may well see me again! Many thanks to you all."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Hilary I am pleased you enjoyed the course and as we mentioned you are welcome to return at any time. The garden sculpture you made ( I think you deserve most of the credit) looked great and would enhance any garden. Best wishes John and the Team"

Ritchie reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Many thanks again to you and the team for a fantastic day."

Nick Stanley reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"We spent a day as a family & complete novices at Anvil Forge. My wife & teenage daughters were nervous when they arrived but Spencer was patient & encouraging. Two to one tuition with Steve as the second instructor - now there is a man who is passionate about his knives. Girls can't wait to go again & make a dragon. Thoroughly worth the drive down from Macclesfield."

Ian Watkins reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I did this course with my son (15yrs) and nephew (16yrs) and we had a wonderful day. Top marks to John, Spencer and Mark for pacing the day just right. The tuition was superb. Help was there when you needed it but we were all allowed to make progress with our projects at a pace to suit our skill levels. The team were very welcoming and there was not a minute of down time from the moment we arrived. In fact the tutors stayed late to let us fine tune our new creations before we left. The atmosphere is very much 'working forge' rather than 'classroom' and this suited us down to the ground. I would DEFINATELY RECOMMEND this course to anyone with an interest in blacksmithing. You wont get a more friendly atmosphere, you wont get more knowledgable tutors, and you wont get a better organised course anywhere else. We are all very proud of our new creations (two swords and a Viking knife) and we returned home to much admiration from the rest of the family! Top marks to Anvil Forge for a great day!!!"

Stefan Cross reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"Having just completed the 2 day Chef's Knife course @AnvilForge, I am still beaming with pride at the result. I have my own personal and custom made Chef's knife which I can’t wait to use! John (owner/blacksmith @Anvilforge), Mark (journeyman blacksmith) and Steve (knife specialist @whitetigerknives) were all brilliant during the course, offering expert tuition/guidance whilst allowing you to shape and craft your own blade out of leaf spring steel with a choice of wood for your own design of handle (I chose a unique piece of cocobolo). I love it so much, I’m already looking at going back to craft something else! Highly recommend the course and the team. Thanks guys…."

Sam Wildridge reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Had an absolutely amazing day with the guys at Anvil Forge!!! Mark, Spencer and Steve were fantastic teachers. Course is taught at really good pace, moving quick enough that its interesting throughout but not so fast that you cant keep up.. would strongly reccomend to anyone thinking of giving this a go to get on z course and do it.... Already planning on going back for more! Thanks"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Sam I am really pleased the guys looked after you today and that you had a great time. I would have loved to stayed for the day but had family commitments so couldn't be there but knew you would be in good hands. You are welcome back anytime. best wishes John"

Alan Monk reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Fantastic day with John and his team at the forge - The day starts with a H&S briefing, then it's onto learning/re-learning some basics by making a simple poker, then it's onto the Viking-style hand-knife, using a combination of forgework to get the blade area thinned down , then shaping and bending of the handle, followed by the grinding and filling of the cutting edge. The class size is small 5-7 and sensibly-paced, so John and his guys can spend quality time with each student and ensure everyone goes away happy with a functioning knife (and poker!). A hearty pub lunch is included (plenty of options) and the tea and coffee are on the go all day. I thoroughly recommend this course!"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Alan thanks for review , I am pleased we get it right for everyone.you are welcome back anytime. best wishes John"

Neil reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"What a great way to spend a day! The experts (John, Steve & Spencer) were enthusiastic, very knowledgeable and the ratio of one expert per two novices meant everyone benefitted from lots of hands-on tuition. The only (minor) negative was the lack of signage inside the farm complex."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Neil thanks for the review, re signage a solution is in hand! hopefully see you again ( and checkout our new sign)"

Amanda Ellison reviewed: Dragon Making: 2 Day Course

"Dragon Making Weekend was an amazing experience with John and his team helping four of us each make unique dragons who can be made to breathe fire. John and his two colleagues made us feel at home and completely safe. The course was professionally run, starting by making a poker to get us used to working with metal. There was just the right balance of supportive tuition and expert guidance enabling all of us to master a range of techniques. As the dragons had captured our imaginations, the weekend was not quite long enough to assemble all the component parts so John and Spencer kindly gave up a couple of hours one afternoon to help me put ‘Matilda’ together. I now have the most amazing fire breathing dragon who is 80cm tall with a wingspan of 70cm. She holds pride of place in my garden. The course was excellent and I highly recommend it to everyone. Thank you so much."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Amanda thanks for kind words , please send picture of matilda when she is home and comfortable! best wishes John"

Mike Smith reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"An amazing course for anyone interested in blacksmithing. John, Spencer and Steve are great teachers, and the course is run at a comfortable pace for any ability. You will learn a great deal about the art of blade making and gain first hand experience of many blacksmithing techniques, from shaping hot metal with a hammer and anvil through to hardening and honing your own blade that you can take home. The day is immensely good fun and I would definitely recommend it to anyone!"

Samuel Littley reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Had a fantastic (if a bit chilly) day with John, Spencer and Mark making a poker and a viking knife. Was excellent to get my hands dirty (beats sitting at a keyboard all day!). Great for total beginners; the team are so helpful."

Suzy Morgan reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"This was a birthday present from my husband and it was a fantastic experience. First of all I made a poker, which is used most days, and then a garden sculpture of long bars which were twisted into various organic shapes. John and his colleague were very supportive and patient. We all gradually improved throughout the day and left with some great pieces of artwork. This is an addictive hobby and I’m booked onto another course!"