Chalk Pit Forge reviews

22 Oct 22'

Andy Boon reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A really great day in the forge - my wife bought me the experience as a 60th birthday present during the pandemic, so I had to wait a long time to use the voucher, but well worth the wait. We now have a distinctive bird bath for the garden. Alex is an excellent teacher, and made sure I was fully involved in all aspects of the job. Also, the forge is in a beautiful location in the South Downs, within a very interesting museum. Good cafe! "

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Andy, Thanks for your great review, it's very much appreciated. I'm glad you are happy with what you made and that you enjoyed your hands on experience! Thanks again for coming and having a bash! Alex "

21 Oct 22'

Simon Perry reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"What a great gift from my family, I had a two day course where I made an outside hanging sign for my garage/man cave. Alex is a fantastic tutor steering you in the right direction, supplying plenty of tea and biscuits and a great lunch in the café. Chalk Pits Forge in Amberley Museum is a wonderful setting and will be going back to visit in the summer. "

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Simon, thanks for the great review, it's very much appreciated. Glad to hear you thought I was a fantastic tutor... That's very encouraging. All the best with the man cave, every man needs one! Alex "

20 Oct 22'

James Dodd reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A fantastic experience, a great day in a brilliant location, learning about the techniques and skills of moving hot metal into interesting shapes. This was my third time at the Chalk Pit Forge and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in having a go, Alex is a very good teacher with a seemingly inexhaustible supply of patience. I am already planning my next project."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi James, thanks for your great review. Glad you find me a very good and patient teacher. Thanks very much for coming to the forge for a third time. It's really appreciated. I hope everyone back home likes your masterpiece in the garden. It's a great idea! Alex "

17 Oct 22'

Stuart Davies reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"What a wonderful way to spend a couple of days away from the ping of emails and messages! Absorbing yourself in a traditional craft that has to be worked at and to then produce something to be really proud of. I have just returned from a two day course with Alex, and produced a Lily bird bath and feeder, swiftly followed by a log turner and fire rake with twists. This was something I really wanted to have a go at and I am so pleased to have found Alex and the Chalk Pit Forge. Alex is a very patient and welcoming teacher - especially when explaining a technique for the thousandth time to me. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the forge and I am thinking about my next project already!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Stuart, Thanks so much for your review, it's much appreciated. Glad to hear you found me to be a welcoming and patient teacher! I look forward to your next project. All the best Alex "

10 Oct 22'

Mark reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I attended a day course with my grandson. He made a replica kunai (a ninja symbolic knife/trowel) and I a birdbath. Alex was very good at helping us to do things for ourselves and very good at correcting things which didn’t go perfectly so we felt we had made them ourselves. Both of us absolutely delighted to learn about forging and the physics of metals and we went home proud owners of unique constructs. Thankyou Alex"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Mark, thanks for your great review, it's very much appreciated. It's also great to hear you both had a nice day and enjoyed the experience. It was interesting and delightful to meet you both. Many thanks and regards Alex "

10 Oct 22'

Roger reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Spent a great day and had a wonderful time producing my "lilly" Alex is an excellent teacher and was able to combine demonstration with allowing me to try things and feel confident. Would highly recommend Roger"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Roger, Thanks for your great review, it's very much appreciated. Really glad to hear you enjoyed making your Lily and are happy with the results of your hard work. Great meeting you. All the best Alex "

4 Oct 22'

Michael Dixon reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"What an experience the Forge is. I had a great day making a Rams Head Poker and a Shepherds Crook, hard work but very enjoyable. Alex is an excellent teacher, full of knowledge of his craft & very good at it. I was surprised how good they turned out. I would recommend it to anyone. "

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Michael, thanks for your review. Really glad to hear you had a good day and you're happy with what you made and learnt, it's much appreciated. All the best Alex "

22 Aug 22'

Lottie Lewis reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"My sister and I had such a great day with Alex learning how to create bird baths from sheet metal, using the dishing technique. We shared a one-to-one day experience, taking it in turns to work on our projects. It worked really well. Alex was a great teacher and generally excellent company for the day too. The historic Chalk Pit Forge is in such a gorgeous setting, very peaceful and rural. I can't recommend highly enough spending time at Chalk Pit Forge with Alex, I came away with an awesome bird bath, wanting to return to have a go at something else. (Alex also provided some awesome snacks, which are very welcome as it is a very physical day) If you are considering this course - do it, you won't be disappointed! "

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Lottie, Thanks so much for the great review. It's much appreciated. I'm glad you're happy with what you made and learnt and am very happy you found me excellent company. You and Liz were too! All the best Alex Smith "

19 Aug 22'

Henry Brennan reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had a great day and learned a lot, how much I can reuse is a guess, but this is something I always wanted to do and I am glad I did it. Alex was great, the day went quickly and I was shattered at the end. I would definitely do it again."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Henry, Thanks for coming to Chalk Pit Forge to make a Rams head poker. It was great teaching you all the techniques involved, such as, splitting, forging, twisting, bending and fire welding. Thanks very much for your great review, much appreciated. All the best Alex Smith "

11 Aug 22'

Nick Morrish reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"This was an excellent 60th birthday present. I arrived as a complete novice and left with a fully functional bird bath and a bottle opener which has been in constant use since. Alex is a very patient and friendly tutor. A thoroughly enjoyable experience."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Nick, Thanks for your great review. I really appreciate it. I'm glad you had a good time and enjoyed the experience you got for your 60th! All the best Alex Smith "

18 May 22'

Ross Reynolds reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had a one day course with Alex. His craft is second to none, absolutely worth booking onto the course. I felt I learnt a lot and just seeing metal being transformed into a piece of art was so rewarding. A pleasure to have met you Alex."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"A pleasure to have met you too, Ross. Glad you found it rewarding, I do too. Thanks for the review. All the best with the building work. Alex"

18 May 22'

Richard Mills reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I did the one day course with Alex, he is very knowledgeable and patient when taking you through the step by step techniques required to manipulate a section of metal into your very own thing of beauty. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and would recommend it to anyone who fancies a real days work!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks ? for the great review, Richard. Glad you enjoyed it. It was great teaching you a few blacksmith techniques! All the best Alex "

10 May 22'

Marcus Priestley reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A day that i will remember for all the best reasons. Alex was a great teacher, giving me encouragement, advice and guidance in a perfectly blended manner. I had no prior experience of working with metal but found everything about the day so rewarding. I hope to go back one day."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Marcus, thank you for going to the effort of writing a review, it's much appreciated and I'm glad you enjoyed the experience and would come back for more! Many thanks Alex "

26 Apr 22'

Colin Hodgson reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Alex has a seemingly infinite amount of patience, which he definitely needed! An excellent teacher and it was great to leave with something that I was genuinely proud to have made . Learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed the day ."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks, Colin, I really appreciate you going to the effort of writing a review. And I'm glad to hear you're proud of what you made ?. Cracking. Alex"

17 Apr 22'

Steve Welch reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Great teacher, very patient and demonstrated the techniques for the different methods of working the metal excellently. The end results was better than i imagined it would be and I'm extremely pleased to have been Alex's student for the day. Highly recommended ?"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Steve, thanks very much for your review. I'm glad you're happy with the experience as well as what you made. All the best Alex"

11 Apr 22'

Tim Stocker reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I completed a one day course with Alex, it was a full day and really interesting, Alex would demonstrate how to heat and bend the metal and then you repeat the process yourself. I made a Obelisk (Plant Climber) and a bottle opener, I was very pleased with the end result. Alex is very friendly and a good instructor. The Chalk Pits Museum is also an ideal setting. I would thoroughly recommend the course to anyone who wants to have a go at Blacksmithing."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Tim, That's great to know that you're happy with what you made and learnt. I'm glad you'd recommend the experience. Thanks for the great review, much appreciated. Alex"

6 Apr 22'

Tim reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had an amazing day with Alex. He was a brilliant and friendly teacher and I thoroughly enjoyed making my garden flower pot stand and paper knife. Such a memorable day and I would highly recommend the one day course. Thank you Alex."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Tim, thanks ? for the nice review, recommendation and kind words.. it's great to hear and very much appreciated. All the best Alex"

5 Apr 22'

Ian Mepham reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Absolutely fantastic day. Alex is a great teacher and truly skilled, passing on the intricate skills in such a way it really does ignite something almost primitive in your soul. I will be back!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Ian, That's great to hear. Thanks so much for your great review. I'm glad it ignited your soul... it does that to me too! Hope to see you again. Alex"

30 Mar 22'

Ben reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"What a talented guy Alex is and has the patience of a saint! A fantastic course, I learnt so much and can't wait to do more. I highly recommend this course, I had such a great day! Thank you again"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks Ben, very kind words. It's nice to hear and much appreciated. I'm glad you enjoyed it! Alex"

22 Mar 22'

Patrick Warren reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Very enjoyable and informative and most of all a very patient teacher, will come back"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Patrick, Thank you for your kind words and great review. I'm happy you found it enjoyable and informative! All the best Alex"

19 Mar 22'

Jen reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Alex's course was a huge hit with my son and husband. They both thoroughly enjoyed learning a new skill and having a go at it. They were thrilled with the beautiful cooking stand that they made for our woodland camping trips. Highly recommend this to all."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks for the great review, Jen. I'm glad they enjoyed it and are happy with what they made. All the best Alex"

17 Mar 22'

Tim Knight reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I attended yesterday and really enjoyed the experience. Alex is a great teacher who can explain, demonstrate and let you get on with it and then show you how to correct any imperfections! He has a great range of possible items or you can choose to make something that you choose for your own needs. The day passed too quickly, but we seem to have covered a lot of ground and achieved a lot thanks to expert guidance. The museum is worth a separate visit and looks fascinating, and the local area is far more rural than expected, with footpaths through fields full of wild deer (they kept their distance) and all sorts of other fauna and flora. If you have ever wanted to try your hand then I would strongly recommend Alex and I shall be back when I can. Thank you Alex"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Tim, thanks for the great review. Really glad to hear you enjoyed the day and found me a good teacher. Glad you're happy with what you've made. Alex"

13 Nov 21'

Bobby Aspey reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"This one day workshop was a gift from my family. As an experienced teacher myself, I found it refreshing to see that Alex (blacksmith) had a great approach to learning/modelling/teaching. He allowed me, a complete novice the opportunity to try out a vast array of skills throughout the day. His timing on intervention was perfect, never allowing me to flounder but sufficient time to gain necessary momentum at each step along the way. I was astounded by the chestnut pan roaster, designed and finished in the time given. It’s a gorgeous piece of artwork, sturdy and made to last, thanks to his excellent guidance. Superb day!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks for the great review Bobby. I'm really happy you enjoyed the day, learnt lots and are happy with what you made. All the best Alex"

10 Nov 21'

Ed W reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I attended this a couple of weeks ago. The location is very interesting - the Amberly museum - looks worth visit in its own right. The forge is fantastic and great to see blacksmithing skills kept alive. During the day I made (with alot of guidance from Alex) a log fire tong. Alex takes you through every step by demonstration and then you are in action straight away. The course was a birthday present and a most enjoyable day with something productive coming out of it. Would highly recommend."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Ed, Thank you very much for the great review, it's much appreciated. Glad you're happy with your tongs. All the best Alex"

8 Nov 21'

Adam Howes reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had the pleasure of spending a day at the forge with Alex, who is very welcoming and friendly. The training is very well structured with an insight into how metal behaves at different temperatures, and how to work with the material to end up with a finished piece, that I can’t believe I have made. Certainly nobody I’ve shown it to can believe that I’ve made it, all testament to the expert guidance from master craftsman Alex. I will be going back for sure!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Adam, Thank you for the great review. I'm very happy you have achieved more than what you believed possible! Cracking job! Alex"