Chris The Smith reviews

8 Oct 25'

Matt reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I recently spent a day at Chris's forge in a one-on-one session. I'd previously done a day long knife-making course at a different venue, but I found I came away with a lot more new information and new skills from the personal instruction provided here. Chris is very patient, knowledgeable, and happy to answer any questions. The day involved making a piece that covered a number of key blacksmithing skills. We followed a structured process to complete the work, where Chris would use template pieces, carefully explain the next stage, show me how to do it, then watch while I followed along. I felt supported throughout the day, and we were able to correct a few minor mistakes in my work, where Chris would give a detailed instruction of where I'd gone wrong, and how I could fix things. The forge was very well-equipped, and felt as safe as possible under the circumstances. I had 100% of Chris's focus for the whole day, and we had enough time to make a number of pieces. Highly recommended."

10 Sep 25'

Dan reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Absolutely fantastic day with Chris! He really knows his craft and imparts his knowledge almost as effortlessly as he shapes metal. It has certainly ignited a spark in me to further develop this skill (pun intended)."

28 Aug 25'

Phill Akehurst reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I had a great day with Chris learning new techniques while having fun . He is very knowledgeable about his trade and I found it very good at explaining the process required to produce an end product "

27 Jul 25'

James Dutka reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for Four

"Most amazing day spent with Chris and my family. Learning some of the craft of Blacksmithing. Great experience. Very knowledgeable host. His dedication to the art is commendable and makes for a great lesson. Highly recommend booking in a full day course and have fun while learning."

27 Jul 25'

Andy reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I did a one-day one-to-one blacksmithing course with Chris and had a fantastic time. He is knowledgeable, patient, and great at explaining things in a way that makes sense. He broke everything down into manageable steps and made sure I had plenty of time to try things out for myself. The two projects I did were well thought out and built up nicely through the day, so I felt like I was learning and then reinforcing real skills without being overwhelmed. Chris has a really easy-going, friendly manner which made the whole day really enjoyable and relaxed. I would definitely recommend this course to anyone interested in blacksmithing – whether you’re a total beginner or just want to try something new. A great experience. "

13 Jun 25'

Maggie Fox reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Absolutely brilliant day. Bought for my husband as a birthday present and he loved it. Chris was superb, thank you! "

29 Mar 25'

Sally fox reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for Two

"Purchased for my partners Christmas present and Brother in laws 80th birthday present. They had a fantastic fun and informative day and thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. Chris is lovely and a great teacher. Would thoroughly recommend this experience 👌 👍 "

4 Mar 25'

Ian Pestridge reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for Two

"My son and I had an amazing and memorable day with Chris attending his blacksmith course. Chris is a fantastic teacher and person, explaining his craft as he took us through the process step by step. By the end of the day we each crafted a Viking style letter opener which now sits proudly on display at home. I highly recommend it."

16 Feb 25'

Ian reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Really enjoyable day, would definitely recommend. "

9 Feb 25'

Paul Olorenshaw reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I spent the day with Chris having never been involved with or even attempted blacksmithing before. From the moment I walked into his workshop he made me feel at ease and ready to go. His teaching technique was exceptional and he soon had me doing things to a metal bar that I thought was impossible to do. A fantastic day was had and I would recommend it. Thanks Chris! "

12 Jan 25'

Victor Hunt reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for Two

"We both enjoyed our day with Chris the smithy he is a great Teacher and we learnt so much in one day with him 5 stars for his Teaching and venue"

23 Dec 24'

Catherine reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for Two

"Fantastic day of learning. Chris is a great teacher, and puts you at ease; he is very interesting and passionate about his craft. And very talented at knowing exactly when to step in and give you subtle pointers and help, and when to step back and let you get on with it! Thoroughly enjoyed the day, despite not feeling well. "

9 Sep 24'

D Church reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I recently attended the ‘Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One’ and had a great day! The course was a wonderful birthday gift and a was a day well spent. I learned a lot and even remembered a few forgotten skills… not that I hadn’t appreciated it before, but there is more to being a blacksmith than just heating metal and belting it with a hammer! Chris’s structuring of the course, with his amiable mentoring and step-by-step guidance, made my experience interesting and rewarding. All-in-all, a great introduction to ‘blacksmith-ing’ - highly recommended."

10 Feb 24'

Mary reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I can thoroughly recommend this course. Chris was a fabulous teacher and was great fun to spend the day with. I came away having learnt a huge amount about being a blacksmith, the history of blacksmithing and also with a sense of fulfillment at having tried my hand at a new skill. "

19 Jan 24'

Simon Benn reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I had not been striking metal on an anvil since 1980 at school. Chris helped me create two pieces during the day by explaining why and how I was going to do the next task, then watching Chris do the task, followed by me doing the same task with guidance all the way. The time flew by as the conversation throughout the day was great. As an experience there is nothing I would change. The leaf key-ring I made now holds the keys to my workshop as a permanent reminder of a wonderful day. It has left me wanting to do more, as the sense of achievement I got from this day is so good. I thoroughly recommend this day as you will leave the forge with a big smile on your face."

12 Jan 24'

Bob Mitchell-King reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Excellent day's experience of blacksmithing. Chris answered all my questions and gave me much to think about."

15 Dec 23'

Andy Liddle reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for Two

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day. Great tuition at a nice steady pace with everything explained clearly. Look forward to the next day with you Chris!"

27 Nov 23'

Lorri reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for Two

"Fantastic day with Chris. Extremely informative and good fun. Chris has an excellent way of teaching and passing on his passion for the craft and was extremely helpful and understanding when we needed to change dates. Would thoroughly recommend this experience with Chris. "

21 Nov 23'

Craig reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I was able to fulfill a long term ambition to return to the forge after a 40+ year absence having last hit an anvil back at school. My day with Chris was so rewarding. The day was well structured and paced appropriately. I so want to go back."

6 Sep 23'

Jo reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Great day with Chris. Excellent tuition and Chris is relaxed and very experienced in his craft. Would highly recommend. "

14 Jul 23'

Karen reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for Two

"We had a great day with Chris learning a variety of techniques and finishing up with a lovely keepsake. He was a patient teacher, happy to let us perform all the steps even when it took us a while! Highly recommended. He was also very helpful when we had to rearrange an earlier date at short notice due to illness."

23 Jun 23'

Florian reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Very skilled teacher, very good experience to do "

21 Jun 23'

Mike Fricker reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for Two

"Great day, Chris is an experienced, calm and good tutor. He explains at a really good pace and demonstrates brilliantly. My son and I had a great day and I would recommend to anyone wanting to try out forge working. "

1 Jun 23'

Ian Joyce reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"It's difficult to add much to what has already been said about Chris and his teaching style. I felt fully engaged all day never being left with a question unanswered. Of course I left with a couple of dubiously crafted items that Chris was very polite about... Thanks Chris, I heartily recommend this day."

19 May 23'

Dave Mitchell reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Had a great day with Chris, he has a calmness about him that gives you the confidence to carry out the various tasks throughout the day. Would definitely recommend and great value for money."