David Knight Woodland Crafts reviews

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."

Eve Smietanko reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"A wonderful day in a beautiful setting. David and Caroline were friendly and welcoming and the location was lovely. It was a relaxed day but with a good amount of structure with loads of support and help on hand when you needed it. As a complete beginner I had no idea what to expect but there was a clear plan from the start of the day and guidance was given in good bite size chunks throughout the day so that it wasn’t at all daunting. A fabulous day, I would recommend to anyone and would absolutely go back."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thanks so much for your review, Eve. I really appreciate that you travelled some distance to attend and I’m pleased you enjoyed the experience. I’ve just sent out the follow-up notes and I hope I’ve sparked an interest in a really immersive and relaxing craft activity."

Harry Lang reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"This was a fantastic course. From our safety briefing through to our final spoons, we were walked step by step through everything in a fun and highly informative manner. All the equipment and the venue were perfect and I have already recommended the course to friends."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Harry, thank you so much for a positive review. Despite the fresh breeze it was great to be able to carve in the fresh air but have the Barn at Hill End to retreat into if the weather became more inclement. Thanks also for the word of mouth recommendations- gold dust for getting courses like this better known! I do hope the day rekindled your childhood passion for whittling and you’ll be carving many more spoons, spatulas and ladles in the future."

S S reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"An excellent course and teacher."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thanks so much for the positive review. I learn so much from my participants, too, so grateful thanks for choosing my course. I hope you continue to make lots of shavings!"

Nicole reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Thank you David (and Caroline) for a fantastic day of spoon carving fun. The pace of the day and relaxed way of expertly guiding the group through the process was pitched just right, enabling everyone to take home something clearly resembling a spoon! The course definitely inspired me and I'm already planning my next spoon to put my new found knowledge to the test. The brilliant course notes are a helpful reminder of the information shared on the day."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thanks so much for your comments, Nicole. I always learn a lot from course participants as well and hopefully can make the next session better. Good luck with your exploration of the world of green woodworking- keep those tools sharp! David"

Gill reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"A very enjoyable fun day. David teaches spoon carving skills in an informal but very effective way supported by his lovely wife Caroline. Very pleased with my first spoon carved from green wood and looking forward to going solo on my next one!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Gill, I’m so pleased you enjoyed the day- a big shout out to the great weather and lovely location too! Please do stay in touch if you have any further follow-up questions or you would like to do some more informal carving with a group. All best David"

Greg reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"What a brilliant day. I had some previous experience of green wood working and David was able to take what I knew and explain the processes for spoon making. We were a group of varied experiences and David and his wife took their time to answer questions and guide us all through the process. The day went by in a flash and I thoroughly enjoyed it. This was a Christmas gift voucher from my wife and it was a brilliant gift idea."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Greg, I’m so pleased you enjoyed the day and thanks for giving something to the whole group through your shave horse demonstration! It was great to see you build on the knowledge you already have and I hope you’ll add spoon carving to your other green woodworking activities. All best David"

Sheila Drew reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"My son Martin Drew thoroghly enjoyed his day spoon carving"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Sheila, I’m so pleased that Martin enjoyed the course. A good course is helped by having really great students and Martin definitely contributed to the wonderful vibe on Saturday. I hope he keeps on making shavings! David"

Andrew Bunch reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Carving a wooden spoon starting with axe sounds a pretty terrifying prospect. But David is an excellent teacher to get across both how to keep safe and use an axe to great effect with a sense of precision. Information and instruction is given at the right pace to be absorbed and put into practice. So people with no prior experience can come away from the day with a great sense of achievement with a spoon that they can be proud of. David's wife, Christine, gave help and encouragement throughout the day, making all feel comfortable as new skills were being learnt."

Adele reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I had a lovely day carving my wooden spoon at Hill End. The venue is wonderful and David is an excellent and knowledgeable teacher. He showed us lots of different techniques and tools, and was extremely patient and helpful in guiding us with our creations. The day flew by! I highly recommend this course. Thank you, David!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Adele, thanks so much for the positive review. Your group was a pleasure to teach and it also helped that the sun came out! I do hope you'll continue to wield a sharp knife and axe in the cause of green woodworking and shape more wood into beautiful and functional objects. All best David"

Sarah reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Loved this course - green wood carving is my new favourite thing. David was really helpful and knowledgeable. I came away having learnt loads about wood, tools and techniques. And with my own carved spoon. I would definitely recommend this course. The site at Hill End is lovely, and all covid safe. A fab day!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Sarah, thanks so much for your review. It was a pleasure to teach you and your fellow participants and the sun shone on us as well, which was an added bonus. I hope you’ve found the follow-up notes useful and happy to provide any further guidance on tools or techniques. If you are able to join a green woodworking group via the Association of Pole Lathe Turners and Green Woodworkers I’m sure that will enhance your enjoyment of working green wood. All best David"

Rachel reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"An excellent day of learning all about spoon making. Lovely venue and really well presented with distancing measures. Lots of hands on help and guidance and amazing how we turned a log into a spoon. Used a saw horse, variety of hand tools, teaching on tools sharpening, style, uses and what to look for if purchasing tools. Nothing was too much trouble."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Rachel, thanks so much for the positive review. You were an excellent group of students too, attentive and keen to learn- it was a pleasure to spend a day in your company. The sunshine helped also! I do hope you’ll continue to invest in your skills and enjoy the calm, mindfulness and satisfaction that comes from working green wood. Regards, David"

Neil reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"An excellent course which more than met my expectations. David has extensive knowledge and his enthusiasm is infectious. Highly recommended."

Peter Wood reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Excellent course: the tutor, David, is very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and helpful. The course was held in beautiful surroundings, in woodland, which made for a wonderful day. As a beginner in wood carving I did not know how I would get on, but David's help and encouragement enabled me to turn a log into a spoon by the end of the day. His enthusiasm for green wood carving was not only motivating, it also meant that we learned about the history of the craft and the wider possibilities that the course can lead to. I would definitely recommend this course."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Peter Thanks so much for being such a willing and enthusiastic student! I do hope you’ll wish to invest in some tools and keep on with spoon carving and perhaps explore the wider world of green woodworking- and do let me know if you’d like to attend a follow-on session."

Amanda Miles reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"A fantastic day. Setting beautiful and tutor brilliant."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thanks so much for your review, Amanda. I do hope you’ll continue to take up a sharp knife and continue carving!"

Dan Connors reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"David was really knowledgeable and his teaching experience, matched with his experience of green woodworking meant that throughout the day we learnt at a good pace. The low numbers of participants meant that we had lots of individual support and coaching. After the course David provided a number of recources via email that will help me build on what I learnt on the day."

Sophie Cotmore reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"A great introduction to green wood carving at a beautiful outdoor venue (with an indoor option and roaring fire to warm up if need be !). The day was friendly and relaxed, but packed full of demonstrations, instruction, advice and tips, history of the craft, inspiration, and of course, lots of hands on practice on a piece of wood we could select ourselves from hazel, apple or birch (amongst others). The tutors were attentive, friendly, and clearly very skilled and passionate about their craft. The tools we used were really in fabulous condition, and beautiful in themselves. I was very impressed and am keen to get my own set of tools. The group was small enough to get plenty of 121 time with the tutors, who clearly have a vast knowledge of working with wood. This day is a great experience, and great value for money. Highly recommend it!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Sophie Thank you so much for your thoughtful and considered review! I’m so pleased you enjoyed your day and are ready for a journey into woodcarving and spoon making. Teaching is such a reciprocal activity so thanks also for being such an attentive and engaged student. Keep making shavings."

Tom Dale reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"This is a brilliant course. All four of us came away with our own spoons and with big smiles on our faces. David and Mike are the perfect mix of hands-on and hands-off, giving help where needed while always encouraging you to try the techniques and the tools yourself. I highly recommend the course!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thanks so much for your positive review, Tom. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you over the day and I do hope you’ll be able to continue to carve and continue to smile!"

William Locke reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"This was a great course that my 22 year old son and I really enjoyed - lots of really useful instruction on the basics, from tree to (nearly) completed spoon. David and Mike were extremely helpful and friendly - showing us many useful techniques, but giving us plenty of hands-on experience too. The setting was perfect."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Bill, I’m so glad you and your son enjoyed the day. Despite the weather Mike and I had a great time tutoring you and it was gratifying to see your spoons emerge from a chunk of wood over the course of a day. I hope you feel inspired to continue carving and invest in a toolset to keep making shavings!"

Lux reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"This is a fantastic course! David and Mike are experienced tutors. They are passionate about woodcraft, they are knowledgeable and professional. They paid attention to each student in the class. My boyfriend and I are absolute beginners for woodcraft, we learnt a lot on the day, with the help from the tutors, we both managed to get a spoon done. It was a happy learning experience and a great fun day! The workshop is located at Hill End such a beautiful place in Oxford. Thank you so much, David and Mike! :) All the best!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Lux it was a real pleasure to introduce you and Eccles to the joys of wood carving. I’m so glad you enjoyed the day and I do hope it has triggered a continuing interest in wood crafts. I look forward to seeing you on further courses, perhaps?"

Evgenia Woodward reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I really enjoyed the day. It was a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. David and his assistant Mike are both wonderful teachers, passionate about green woodworking and ready to share their knowledge and experience. Their teaching manner is very encouraging and inspiring, helping their students to discover a talent for spoon carving."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thanks so much for the review, Evgenia. It is really helpful to get positive feedback to keep us motivated for the next course and group of students. Take care, David"

Andrew Woodward reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"This course was a gift from my wife and it was a very enjoyable day. David and Mike are knowledgeable, friendly and are never far away when you need help or advice. The spoon making experience involves a set of skills few of us possess from log splitting to carving with both axe and knives. These skills keep you busy all day and are well demonstrated and explained. There is also a good array of tools to try to suit individual preferences for weights, blade lengths etc. The follow up notes are also excellent for anyone who wants to put the finishing touches to their creation or for those who are inspired to pick up a new hobby. Highly recommended."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thanks so much for your review, Andrew. It was rather exciting that you didn’t know quite what your birthday present was- I’m so pleased that your wife chose something you enjoyed. I look forward to hearing how your new-found craft skills progress."