Clarke Knives reviews

Kevin Bates reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Amazing day at the forge with Graeme, David and Declan. Highly recommended."

Clarke Knives responded:

"It was great to have you with us Kevin - I hope we'll see you again soon"

John Swanborough reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"What a day, Graham and his Team were excellent from start to finish. Everything was explained at the beginning of what we wanted to achieve, you then go into the forge and Declan his Grandson (14) gives you a practical demonstration of Knife forging. It is then your turn to repeat, this happens at every stage of the experience. No question is stupid, if you do something wrong Graham or the team can fix it. I went from someone with a bit of knowledge to making a knife. It is a day I did with my son I will not forget. We are trying to work out when we can do the two day course. Thank you Graham and Team"

Stephen Farebrother reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Had an amazing day! All the team were super knowledgeable, helpful and friendly! Group size was ideal and made the day sociable. Cannot recommend highly enough!"

Stuart Crawford reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"My wife got me this experience as a Christmas present due to my Forged in fire addiction (beats Love Island). I had a properly ace day being taught an unknown skill by really friendly and truly talented smiths. You;ll keep all fingers and thumbs, don't worry they've got you covered ?. The blade I came away with is now pride of place on my cheese board. I will definitely be going back for the two day course at some point!"

Andrew Shapland reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"It was great to be instructed not only on what needed to be done but on how the various stages were developing towards a beautiful shiny and unique knife."

Sarah McCairns reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Absolutely brilliant day. Really loved it. My husband son and teenage daughter came and loved it so much they want their own forge!! Can't wait to go back."

Matt reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Wow, what a fantastic day!! A terrific experience that I would whole-heartedly recommend to all. Graham had expert knowledge and experience of both the theory and the practicality of working steel and matched this with a wonderful personable manner that really conveyed his enthusiasm and passion, which made for a terrific learning experience."

Derek Chapman reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Fantastic 2 day weekend knife making course. Graham, David and Decklan know their stuff, plenty of equipment and patience so no waiting around. Left on Sunday with a knife with handle and sheath. Also booked in for the following Wednesday and Thursday for one to one course with Graham. Graham is a fountain of knowledge on metallurgy, furnace work, quenching and just about any thing to to with bladesmithing. I have been collecting knives for years and have a small forge at home and have attempted to make a few knives to be fair they were rubbish and ended up in the bin, the knife I made on Thursday I would be proud to add to my collection. I'm sure I will be going back to Vlakvark Forge to learn more at a later date. If you have any interest in knives or knife making, book yourself on to this course, you will not be disappointed."

Beth Morrell reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Brilliant day, lovely people. The guys were so patient and great teachers. Laid back to the point where the two power cuts due to the storm didn't phase them, they were happy to bring us back another day suitable for all but luckily power was restored. Amazing craftsmen, so skilled and clearly love what they do."

Beth Morrell reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Brilliant day, lovely people. The guys were so patient and great teachers. Laid back to the point where the two power cuts due to the storm didn't phase them, they were happy to bring us back another day suitable for all but luckily power was restored. Amazing craftsmen, so skilled and clearly love what they do."

Clint milton reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"These guys absolutely know their craft inside out. Fantastic atmosphere and suitable for any level. You will learn a new skill and have a great time doing it. Stop reading the reviews and just book it. You won't be disappointed! You'll also come home with a knife that will make all your friends jealous!"

Spencer Robbins reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"I had a fantastic weekend blade smithing. The guys have so much knowledge of their craft you can’t help but learn. They make you feel very welcome and supply you with food, snacks and drinks. It’s the second time that I have visited the forge and I don’t think it’ll be my last. Many thanks guys, hope to see you all again."

Chris Atkey reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Graham and Dave are great couple of guys who know their business, I came out with a knife and the urge to make my own forge. Will effeminately do it again."

Bill Young reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Sent on the course by my wife for some bonding with our teenaged son, I was apprehensive as I'd not been in a workshop since middle school woodwork and avoid DIY, both of which I hated. However I was amazed by the product we were all able to produce after the two days thanks to some brilliant encouragement and step-by-step coaching from Graham and David. The pace was just right and broken down into understandable and achievable steps. We were never hanging around waiting for stuff to happen or tools to become free. From hammering hot steel to angle-grinding to using bandsaws and grinders, we were allowed to get on with it with a light touch but a watchful eye from the instructors. There was plenty of refreshment and chances to chat while building some camaraderie over cups of tea. The atmosphere was fun and friendly with a serious undertone of wanting to do a good job. I've been recommending it to all my friends and showing off the best knife I'll ever own ever since I got back. My son and I can't wait for the axe course."

James Storton reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"This was an amazing course, I can’t recommend it highly enough."

James Storton reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"This was an amazing course, I can’t recommend it highly enough."

Tim Guile reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Very informative and enjoyable day, easy paced with time to discuss things"

Tim Guile reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Very informative and enjoyable day, easy paced with time to discuss things"

Adam reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Really good, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the knife I made is now used in the kitchen as it is plenty sharp enough and fully functional. The instructor was great and managed to get all of us with differing levels of skill and competence to the stage where we had a usable kitchen knife with our own individual twist/design element ready to take home at the end. I would recommend this course to anyone."

Adam reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Really good, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the knife I made is now used in the kitchen as it is plenty sharp enough and fully functional. The instructor was great and managed to get all of us with differing levels of skill and competence to the stage where we had a usable kitchen knife with our own individual twist/design element ready to take home at the end. I would recommend this course to anyone."

Geoff Wilson reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Fantastic course. I really enjoyed every minute of it Graham and David are very down to earth and clearly know their craft well. If you go on this course you will 100% forge and make your very own knife and David and Graham will give you a walk through and help you if needed. I'm looking forward to joining the extra club they do where you can join other people to use the shops equipment providing you take your own materials etc. Keep up the good work fellas."

Geoff Wilson reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Fantastic course. I really enjoyed every minute of it Graham and David are very down to earth and clearly know their craft well. If you go on this course you will 100% forge and make your very own knife and David and Graham will give you a walk through and help you if needed. I'm looking forward to joining the extra club they do where you can join other people to use the shops equipment providing you take your own materials etc. Keep up the good work fellas."

Paul Atkins reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"I received this as a gift and wasn't sure what to expect. Well I got a warm welcome at the door and that was how the day continued. The whole day was very relaxed. Each stage was clearly explained and Graham & his son were always on hand to offer guidance and help. They did not take over at any stage if things went wrong but patiently talked you through how to correct the problem. There was enough equipment at every stage so that you did not have to wait around. As you progressed throughout the day you went at your own speed. Nobody felt left behind or forgotten. The atmosphere was friendly and the group were all chatting within a short space of time. I came away with a knife that far exceeded my expectations, it is used regularly in the kitchen and I am proud to say I made it. If this is your "thing" I would definitely recommend it. If you are looking for something different to try I would definitely recommend it. Give it a go, its great value for money, good fun and very enjoyable. P.S It's not just for the men, ladies give it a go, patience is required rather than strength!!"

Paul Atkins reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"I received this as a gift and wasn't sure what to expect. Well I got a warm welcome at the door and that was how the day continued. The whole day was very relaxed. Each stage was clearly explained and Graham & his son were always on hand to offer guidance and help. They did not take over at any stage if things went wrong but patiently talked you through how to correct the problem. There was enough equipment at every stage so that you did not have to wait around. As you progressed throughout the day you went at your own speed. Nobody felt left behind or forgotten. The atmosphere was friendly and the group were all chatting within a short space of time. I came away with a knife that far exceeded my expectations, it is used regularly in the kitchen and I am proud to say I made it. If this is your "thing" I would definitely recommend it. If you are looking for something different to try I would definitely recommend it. Give it a go, its great value for money, good fun and very enjoyable. P.S It's not just for the men, ladies give it a go, patience is required rather than strength!!"

Sam reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Amazing day, the course was everything I hoped for. The tutors were approachable, friendly, helpful and truly own their craft. The group we were in also were great; friendly, chatty and all came out with amazing knives. I can't recommend enough and looking forward to attending again."