David Knight Woodland Crafts reviews

Mike Eriksson reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I recently attended this course, and I can't recommend it highly enough. There was clear and concise information and guidance all through the day. You were taken through all the stages of making your spoon without ever feeling either overwhelmed with information or rushed. All the tools and materials you needed were there and you could try different knives and methods to find what worked for you. David (and his wife) was extremely generous with their knowledge and time. I came away with something that definitely is a spoon - anyone who can guide me towards that goal knows what they're doing!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Hi Mike, thanks so much for your positive comments. It was a great pleasure to host you and Hannah and I hope you'll continue making useful and beautiful wooden objects- and its an opportunity to invest in some good Swedish steel! All best. David"

Simon Spencer reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I had a very enjoyable day learning how to create a spoon from a piece of hazel wood. David and Caroline were lovely, had plenty of knowledge and skills to share and were always on hand to demonstrate new techniques and solve problems. I feel like I’ve learned something new, and spending time at beautiful Hill End was a very relaxing way to spend a day. Thanks!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Hi Simon, thanks so much for the positive comments. It is always a joy to work with such an enthusiastic group who are willing to get stuck in. I hope your sister thinks your second ever spoon is an improvement on your first and that she’ll be even more impressed with the third, fourth, fifth...."

Jack reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"A really fun and informative day. Clear passion and enthusiasm for the subject from both David and Caroline and excellent one-to-one tuition that demonstrated complete expertise in wet woodwork. I finished the day with a new set of skills and something very close to a spoon! Thank you so much, I had a great time. "

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Hi Jack, Thanks so much for the review. I’m glad you had a good day and that the rain held off until the end! It is a privilege to be able to share my knowledge on spooncarving and green woodworking with folk and especially so when the group is so receptive and engaged. All best wishes for your woodcarving journey of discovery in shape, form, function, tools and materials!"

Ian Sherwood reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Had a really excellent day with David Knight and his wife . Great tutors , lovely place in oxfordshire. This course has given me the skills to start spoon carving . "

Sara reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I was lucky enough to attend this wonderful course with my friend as her guest. I had never thought to learn how to carve spoons by hand out of a log, but can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. David was a great tutor along with Caroline who was incredibly helpful. I am delighted with my spoon and have learnt a new skill. I would recommend anyone to have a go!"

Philip Chapman reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I had a great day on the course. Lovely setting, I learnt a lot and David & Caroline were really generous with their help and knowledge. It was a really relaxing day, I would certainly recommend it. "

Jon C reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Fantastic teacher who was really knowledgeable. Great at helping with your designs and techniques. David made the whole day a fun experience."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Hi Jon, thanks so much for your contribution too. I learned a lot from you sharing your knowledge and experience in crafting. "

Marion reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I really enjoyed this course even though I was apprehensive at first when David said we would be using an axe! This was a journey from a piece of green wood which we reduced to a spoon like shape using the axe and the shave horse . We then used different hand tools to carve out the spoon. David & Caroline explained and demonstrated everything in detail and were very calm and patient. Lovely friendly group. I am amazed at what i made having had no prior experience. HillEnd is a great space. I would really recommend this course."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Hi Marion, thanks so much for your review. It was a real pleasure to teach your group and to feel a real buzz in the room, even when there was a quiet focus on carving! I learned a lot from you all as well, a guaranteed sign of a good day!"

Annemie Cotton reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"This course is amazing ! We started off with cutting up a log and really went home with a handmade spoon ! David and Caroline are both brilliant, friendly and knowledgeable tutors. They made us all feel so welcome. The day had a fun and good structure. I would recommend this course to everybody who likes to work with their hands and loves to learn a new skill for life. Great venue , green and peaceful! Thank you again, David and Caroline for a memorable day!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Thanks so much for your kind words, Annemie. It was a great day, helped by the sun shining and a really good group of students, willing to have a go. I do hope you’ll sharpen your knife and do more carving in the future!"

Abigail Dodds reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I booked this course as a gift. The recipient really enjoyed it and found David to be very supportive and helpful when the techniques used were a bit trickier than it looked! Although the spoon didn't get quite finished on the day the tools required are easily purchased and spoon making is definitely going to be a new hobby that continues."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Hi Abi, thanks so much for the review and I’m pleased that your recipient enjoyed the day. It’s always a challenge to match learning techniques with completing the spoon. I think the journey into the craft is key, especially if it inspires a greater exploration of spooncarving and green woodworking. "

John Fishburn reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"As a complete beginner to such things I found it a great experience and thoroughly engaging day with excellent tuition, support and plenty of supporting materials to follow up on."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Thanks so much for your review, John and your good idea about the way I could use the follow-up materials. May the grain be with you!"

Chris reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"A good day with excellent teaching, support, equipment and follow up materials."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Thanks so much for your review, Chris. I do hope you continue carving!"

Charles reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"A wonderful day, with very friendly and useful instruction and encouragement from David and Caroline. A comprehensive set of tools was provided and practical safety instruction given. Highly recommended!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Thanks so much for your kind words, Charles. Your experience sharpening a pencil with a pen knife was a transferrable skill! I do hope you continue too make shavings. David"

Dave reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Thanks David & Caroline for the great day at the lovely Hill End. Really helpful tuition & support, with theory and hands-on practice balanced just right."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Thanks Dave. I hope the colours and figure really pop when you oil your spalted birch spoon"

Angela Cohen reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Loved the course. David was very knowledgeable and Caroline was very supportive and encouraging. "

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Thanks so much Angela. I do hope the day inspired you to buy a carving knife and continue whittling"

Linda Willis reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Thank you so much David and Caroline for a fantastic day. You explained, demonstrated and taught the principles of spoon carving superbly. I came away armed with the knowledge to choose some wood, prepare it, carve it and finish it beautifully to create a unique spoon. I’m now looking forward to starting the search for the perfect log for my next piece. Thanks again for a wonderful, totally new experience, which was thoroughly enjoyable. "

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Hi Linda, thanks for being such an enthusiastic participant, and thanks weather gods for allowing the sun to shine! Good luck with that lumber search!"

Katarina Bjurstedt reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I had a lovely day at Hill End and enjoyed the course enormously. It's a great venue where you can work indoors or outdoors depending on the weather. David is very knowledgeable, and a great teacher. His enthusiasm is infectious! There was a good balance between activity, teaching and demonstrations during the day. I would definitely join one of David's courses again"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Thanks so much Katarina. I look forward to seeing your finished items! "

Graham Stanley reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Thoroughly enjoyed the well organised day. "

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Thanks so much Graham. I glad you enjoyed the day. It is always a pleasure to meet new course participants and learn from them as well"

Cathie reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"A really informative and enjoyable day out, highly recommended."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Thanks so much for the review, Cathie. Caroline and I very much enjoyed the group’s company and as always we learn from you as much as we impart! I hope your big spoon/little bowl is looking good after some sanding and oiling! All best beats"

Georgina & Michaela reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"We had a wonderful day transforming logs of wood into beautiful spoons, under David's expert tuition and Caroline's kind encouragement. We will definitely keep carving! "

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Hi Georgina and Michaela, I’m glad you enjoyed the day, despite the hot weather. I’ll be interested to see how your spoons finally turned out, especially after they’ve been oiled- send me images!"

James M reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Fantastic day in a great location under the trees. Knowledgable and informative tuition from David and Caroline mixed with plenty of practical time and advice. Great pacing for spoon making with the difference skills needed from the axe and knives throughout the day without feeling rushed and finishing with a completed spoon. Advice for taking up as a hobby offered. "

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Hi James, thanks so much for the comprehensive review and thanks to you for being such receptive participant! It was a wonderful day under the trees in the shade- thanks for making it so special."

LucieA reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Really fun and instructive, great day experience"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Hi Lucie and family, thanks so much for the positive review. It was lovely to see your whole family wielding axes and knives and I hope it’s an activity you will continue with. The notes will give you further information of the tools you used and I’m happy to answer any follow-up questions. All best David"

Steve Lawrence reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"An excellent course that was well structured with expert instructions, guidance, tips and tutorials in digestible bits presented throughout the day. I arrived not really knowing what to expect but left having had a thoroughly enjoyable day and with an excuse to buy new tools to try my hand at a bit more spoon carving."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Hi Steve, thanks so much for your positive review. Of course the number of carving tools you need is definitely N + 1! I really like supporting small scale tool manufacturers making specialist woodcarving tools and I hope any purchases you make serve you well and become heirlooms to hand down to next generations. Enjoy making shavings! "

Louise Rowley reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Very knowledgable and gave us lots us useful information..really helped thoughtout the course with anything you needed. Helped me a lot as my hands hurt more then I had hoped!! Great location and good facilities. Would highly recommend this course."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Hi Louise, thanks so much for the positive review. It was a pleasure to work with you through the day. I do hope your hands have recovered. If you carry on carving you will build more strength in your wrists and hands, especially if you take a ‘little but often approach’. As your technique improves you’ll also find the carving process easier. All very best, David"

Andy and Vanessa reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"A really enjoyable day. Thanks to David's excellent instruction and support we were able to produce two beautiful spoons despite being complete novices. We're even inspired to buy some tools and do more ourselves at home. Thank you so much."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

" Hi Andy and Venessa, I very much enjoyed your company on Saturday- thanks so much for your review. I’m so pleased you’ve been inspired to buy some tools and to carry on carving. I would be very pleased to provide any follow-up support and don’t forget your local green woodworking group- check out my follow-up note."