Chris The Smith reviews

4 Jul 17'

Bob Lowe reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"A truly great experience from start to finish, Chris is very patient and knowledgeable and has a passion for his art. It is crazy how you can manipulate a pice of steel from a straight bar into a finished piece. I would highly recommend a day in Chris's forge."

1 Jul 17'

Hazel Barnard reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I bought the two person experience for myself and my husband for his birthday as it was something he'd always wanted to try. The forge was in an idyllic location and easy to find and thankfully the weather wasn't too hot. I was initially worried that I wouldn't have the strength needed for it as I suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, but Chris was so helpful, he let us go at our own pace as well as suggesting different tools and techniques I could use to make the task easier. If you want to start to learn what is a very skilled craft I can't recommend Chris enough. He is friendly, knowledgeable and even though your arm might ache the next day (mine did!) it is worth it, just to see what you can produce under the supervision of a professional."

5 Jun 17'

gretel emerton reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"My husband and I were given this experience as a present by our youngest daughter. I must admit we didn't have it on our wish list, but we consider ourselves to be very hands on, having spent the last 5 years enjoying updating our property, so were intrigued. The location of Chris' workshop, although just a few minutes off the motorway, was beautiful. Lovely countryside and based on an idyllic little farm (now used as a cattery). Kind of just what you would expect a Blacksmiths Forge to look like. Chris was so welcoming and within minutes it was obvious that he knew his craft inside out and had a real passion, not only for his art, but for teaching novices like us. After a thorough health and safety brief and an introduction to the workshop we were off. I had no idea just how involved turning a piece of metal into a leaf key-ring could be, but between the fire and hammer blows we managed it, although it took most of the day! Chris was so obliging and helped us create some additional hooks for my husbands' workshop, plus some lamp holders for the garden, which we are both thrilled with. It was a full and enjoyable day, which flew by. Chris is a really personable and patient instructor and we came away with a real insight and respect for this wonderful traditional craft and the skills required. Forget the mass produced - stick with the real thing!! I'm looking forward to seeing Chris at the 3 counties showground and would highly recommend this experience - give it a go, or treat someone - you/they won't regret it!! Thanks again Chris."

2 May 17'

Andrew Hazlewood reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I went on this course with my son and had a really enjoyable day. We both got a lot out of the course and Chris was a great teacher, explaining and demonstrating as we went. Would recommend."

9 Apr 17'

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

"Chris is an excellent tutor who goes at your pace. He demonstrates and immediately lets you copy the process. I had an excellent day at the forge and was thrilled to be able to strike hot metal and learn many processes. Highly recommended"

28 Mar 17'

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

"The day with Chris was even better than I had hoped for. I had no prior smithing experience, but within minutes of arriving Chris got me started on making the first item and we hardly stopped all day. Chris is a top teacher, very friendly and patient, and his style of demonstrating the technique and then getting you to put it into practice on your own piece suited me perfectly. By the end of the day I had made three very different pieces using a variety of techniques. I highly recommend Chris and his course."

26 Mar 17'

Mick wright reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I spent the day with my Dad at Chris 's forge last week and had an absolutely brilliant day. We learnt so much and were able to make handles for a project we were doing at home so a double whammy for us. We would recommend anyone to try their hand with Chris. You won't be disappointed"

19 Mar 17'

Sandra Grey reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"My husband and I spent a day with Chris in his forge and what a super time we had. This is a hands on, full day with patient expert instruction from a really friendly guy who is passionate about his craft. The course is good value for money and you come away with your hand crafted items. You are instructed through a number of elements safely and learn all about different techniques. This is a course I highly recomend, you will definitely enjoy it and go home satisfied."

22 Feb 17'

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

"My husband and son have spent a pleasant day with Chris and are very happy with their creations"

20 Feb 17'

Angus Hammersley reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"An absolutely fantastic day. My fiancé bought me a day session with Chris for my birthday - turned up at 9 and was swinging a hammer about 10 minutes later. Chris supported and kept me challenged throughout the day. All in all we managed to finish 3 items - a key ring, knife and dragon head. Chris was patient, thoughtful and great company - he even gave me plenty of tips about how to set up my own forge. Thoroughly recommended!"

11 Feb 17'

simon corden reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Never bashed hot metal before and Chris took me from a cold (it was chilly) standing start from 'toolbox talk' to making three forge welded chain links in no time. Had enough time after to make the leaf key ring too - all in a morning session. Excellent tutor, hugely knowledgeable and experienced blacksmith. No hesitation recommending him. I had a thoroughly brilliant time!"

3 Feb 17'

Ben Roberts reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Had a brilliant day learning how manipulate metal. Chris is a great teacher and me and my dad both managed to make a leaf key ring and a fire poker. I would recommend this course to anyone!!! i cant stress how enjoyable it was. *****"

25 Jan 17'

ian taylor reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"After a previous day with Chris, i asked for another day as a christmas pressie.......well worth it, pushed my limited skills to the limit. Chris has the ability to bring the best out in his students.....an excellent tutor. Can't recommend this course enough."

15 Jan 17'

Oliver Sharpe reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I was bought a beginners day with Chris by my girlfriend and had an amazing day. Chris is an excellent teacher with the right balance of instruction/showing you how and letting you loose on your own (with a helpful eye and tips). His passion for smithing is very apparent and adds to the experience through his stories about smithing and generous enthusiasm. He is a very friendly and knowledgeable tutor. I can't recommend this course enough. I came away with some handmade items, a whole new love of metal and a burning (no pun intended) desire to do some more. Blacksmithing is such a rewarding and interesting art and Chris gives a perfect introduction to it. I shall be going back for a more advanced day soon I am sure. Hold it, Heat it, Hit it!"

20 Dec 16'

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

"What a terrific day! We enjoyed ourselves and learnt so much. Chris is a great teacher - patient, practical and inspirational and very much recommended for anyone who has even thought of trying blacksmithing. Chris takes you through step-by-step with no pressure and we are delighted with our beginners' efforts. We are definitely booking again.5"

18 Dec 16'

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

"What a fantastic experience. I finally plucked up the courage to book myself on to a half day experience with Chris and wasn't disappointed. Patient and extremely knowledgable Chris made sure that this was a thoroughly enjoyable half day. I'd highly recommend this and am hoping to return for s full day next time - although knowing how busy and popular he is this might not be for some time!"

9 Dec 16'

Garry Harris reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Had a fantastic day learning basic blacksmithing from Chris and would recommend anyone to book a lesson. Chris is happy to answer any questions about smithing and gives a choice of things to make in the afternoon. Time permitting. Couldnt ask for a better teacher. Will book again in the future."

16 Nov 16'

Mary Halbert & Ian Taylor reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I booked this course as a gift for my boyfriend Ian. Chris is an extremely gifted blacksmith combined with excellent teaching skills - this rare combination makes working with him not only instructive but also a pleasure. His love for his craft is obvious and he worked with us really well so that we got even more than we expected out of the day. Thank you so much - Ian is going back in January for another dose!"

8 Nov 16'

Christina Montague reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I bought a course as a gift for my partner. As two 'retirees' we wondered how we would get on with the physicality. We need not have been concerned as we had a really great day each making a leaf key ring and jointly making a poker with ornamentation. Chris is a first class teacher demonstrating and describing each stage of the project clearly. While we were making our items he was helpful and supportive giving us real hands on experience. We would thoroughly recommend this course."

24 Oct 16'

Mark Saunders reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Chris's day course for two people is superb. My wife and I, both complete beginners, were taken through a range of techniques to each forge two items at a pace which was spot on for both of us. Chris was attentive and explained exactly what we had to do in easy stages, giving detailed explanations of both how and why. Throughout the day Chris was both patient and encouraging -a fantastic teacher/instructor. We started the day making leaf key rings and under Chris's tutorship both produced ones we were please with from a bar of iron by early afternoon. We were then asked what we wish to make next and at our suggestion made two mushroom ornaments. These now look fantastic on our mantlepiece at home. Chris is also fountain of knowledge -we now know the origin of phrases such as "too many irons in the fire". We recommend the day without reservation. Thank you Chris"

27 Aug 16'

Ty Hayes reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I booked a one day course for two with Chris for my partner's birthday, and Chris was very helpful and accommodating throughout the process, finding a day that suited all of us as well as providing information on how to get to his forge by public transport. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. The forge is in an outbuilding on a farm - it looks and feels exactly like you expect a forge should. Chris is really easy to get along with and has an excellent teaching style, adapting to the needs of each student individually as they work. The starter projects are pitched at just the right level to teach you the basic skills of the smith, and by the afternoon we were both a lot more confident working the hot steel. We were a bit slow getting started and so broke for lunch fairly late. But Chris allowed the day to run well past the time we supposed to finish in order for us to finish the letter opener we had started on, rather than leaving us with a half finished project at the end of the course. All round it was an excellent day and I would have no hesitation recommending this to anyone interested in learning how to be a blacksmith."

21 Aug 16'

James Dawes reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"My dad and I had a great day being introduced to the basics of the craft. Chris is very welcoming and an excellent teacher, allowed us to go at our own pace. The leaf key-rings are a good example to begin with as you learn a variety of techniques in one piece. Also very happy with how our coat hooks turned out and I can confirm that the 'rustic' bottle-opener works perfectly. Cannot recommend this course enough, thank you!"

19 Aug 16'

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

"My son and I had a great time and I now receive the daily question of "when can we go again Dad?" Chris is a great teacher, very patient but didn't take over, even when I thought things were going south. In the end we were really amazed we managed to make the items and proud of what we did. Certainly learnt plenty and went home pretty tired. Thanks Chris"

3 Aug 16'

Edward Johnson reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"This is the best one-day course that I have ever been on! Chris is a proper, methodical trainer who is flexible and leads you through every step using demonstrations and examples. This is an extremely hands-on course. Chris is quick to adapt to you and the day flew by for me. I experienced a comfortable learning environment with lots of two-way communication to make things clear for me and Chris made me feel right at home. I had some great conversations with him and Chris has many good stories about blacksmithing down the ages that I really enjoyed. Chris' passionate knowledge of history and metallurgy shines through and he has a good way of explaining what we do to the metal with clear intuitive phrases and sketches. I genuinely had a lot of fun and a lot of exercise hammering, but it never felt like hard work thanks to Chris! I had never done metalwork before this course and Chris filled me with confidence and inspiration!"

19 Jun 16'

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

"I received a voucher for this course for my birthday and took my Dad for Father's Day. Both of us had been interested in doing something like this for a while and we had high expectations, which the course more than met. Chris was extremely patient, calm and capable and found ways of explaining techniques to both of us that met our individual pace/needs. We were offered a choice of projects to make and were thrilled with our completed items at the end of the day. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it."