Thousands of creative workshops across the UK
« Back to all courses run by this provider
Had a fab day from start to finish.
I was worried that the course content would not cover my needs, I was wrong, All aspects of tool sharpening was covered during the day, from draw knives to super sharp chisels.
The mysteries surrounding achieving a razor shaft cutting edge melted away with plain and simple techniques using basic equipment that anyone could buy without breaking the bank.
Good course, learnt a a lot.
Nigel - - #22661
Really enjoyed the course, a good mix of explanation, background, and opportunity to try various sharpening techniques. The demonstrations on a wide range of participants tools was particularly useful.
Time is of course short for much personal feedback when there are 9 on the course, but there were opportunities and these were greatly valued.
I would encourage any future participants to bring an array of tools, much of the 'added value' was in considering some of the braod range of sharpening challenges! Thanks Dave, a great day!
Peter Taylor - - #22579
Attended the course on the 6th June,lucky enough to have a great bunch of like minded course members from all walks of life. Dave and his team were very out going and shared all manner of tips. Came away with a renewed vigour to carry on with the knowledge gained from this course, may well attend other courses at this facility, keep up the good work.
Glynn Cooper - - #22558
I learnt about a wide range of tools both carpentry and green wood related.
We learnt a simple and easily applicable approach to all tools which will not break the bank.. but requires practice and commitment. This was great.
There were occasions when it would be helpful for the excellent facilitator to make sure that the participant does the work and he comments on ways to improve our technique. Dave saved time and got better results by doing things himself but possibly we could have learnt more by getting our hands even dirtier!.
Mike Tomson - - #22539
I enjoyed my course with Jasper so much. He was really knowledgeable and eager to share his skills. He is a great teacher and I have recommended him to several friends already.
I came away with an elm bark container that I was extremely proud of and the skills to be able to create more in the future.
I will be back to take a different course later in the year.
Nicky Robinson - - #22425
Absolutely loved this course, especially the draw horse, I could have stayed there forever. Teacher and volunteers were great, I learned loads and Ecclesall Woods is amazing. And I'm really really proud of my stool!
R May - - #22414
Rachael is an amazing tutor - I have done the round Zarzo with her and would have done this course if I wasn't on holiday. She is so patient, gives time to every student and is incredibly knowledgeable about the background of this and many other baskets. I made a really great basket which my wife uses in the garden all the time (not for cheese making though which is what the basket was originally meant for).
David Staniforth - - #22376
An excellent, practical, course in a splendid setting. Experienced tutor demonstrated and explained clearly and well plus volunteer helpers meant help was always available when needed. All staff friendly and enthusiastic. I felt I'd learned a lot and would do another course there.
Roger Marks - - #21514
A great day learning a new skill in a delightful environment. The course was hands on from start to finish and the course tutor with 3 volunteers, along with a small class of 6 meant that everyone got the support and attention they needed.
Mick Woodall - - #21508
I had a wonderful time on the three day green wood working course. We were blessed by a beautiful first day which made spending time in the woodland even more special. The last day, we lit a fire to keep the chill off our hands. Lovely knowledgeable people, really inclusive and friendly atmosphere. Highly recommended for restbite, reguvination and sense of well being.
Marie - - #21137
I have been on a few courses of this type but this was different, the people are very helpful and patient and I was really pleased with the items I bought away and the 3 days that I spent learning some new skills. I would highly recommend spending time with these people and I will be signing up for another course.
Many thanks to Dave and his Brilliant volunteers
Colin Merry - - #21131
The best fun I've had for ages. Dave and his team, Pete, Kay, Dave (#2) and Rachel were incredibly knowledgable, patient, friendly and keen to share their skills. The teapot was bottomless and the biscuit supply endless. Based in hundreds of acres of ancient woodland, the location is absolutely ideal with a cafe next door, easily accessible loos and plenty of cover if the weather should turn bad. We basked in early spring sunshine for three days and I was surprised at how quickly the time passed. We all went home clutching really useful items made using our newly-acquired skills. The course covers basic woodland management, safe tool handling and sharpening and a wealth of bodging skills. Whatever your current level of skill, I thoroughly recommend this course.
Tim Hodge - - #21126
I attended this course last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. In fact I came away with a strong desire to continue and have already downloaded plans to make my own shave horse !
Dave Jackson is a great tutor - extremely knowledgeable and very patient. I'd like to attend another of his courses in the future
Kim Clarke - - #21122
Bladesmithing course with Dave and Ian , I was a complete noice, we were shown examples to give us an idea of what we were making. Good paced learning where a step was demo’d and then we had a go. Format worked well , having two craftsmen share their knowledge was great , they can salvage anything that goes wrong . We all produced a knife , had fun heating and hammering a bar into handle and then forming a blade , we learn news skills , had an appreciation of the furnace, working temperatures, hammering techniques .
I would high recommend this course.
Only recommendation is location offer more courses and opportunities for others to participate .
Martin Munden - - #20354
Really great day, knowledgeable and friendly instructors, everything was easy to follow and I felt really confident by the end of the day in what I was doing.
Only downside was that it ended!
Had a blast and wouldnt hesitate to do it again!
Ben - - #20350
Good team of guys, with lots of valueble info . Enjoyabe day. The weather was kind.
Mark - - #20349
I very much enjoyed my introduction to bladesmithing today, despite the rain! We were shown how to make "Yorkshire" Viking knives, which included a fair bit of blacksmithing in the handles, as well as forging the blades themselves. The instructors were great; knowledgeable and helpful and able to fix up the various little mistakes we all made at some point. There's a lot to cover in a day and things did get a little rushed towards the end, but we all went home with unique creations, and a better appreciation of the craft. Highly recommended.
Robin Hollands - - #20203
My husband and daughters had a lovely time together making reindeer for their respective gardens. They all enjoyed the course and came back full of enthusiasm. They said the course leader and volunteers were very helpful and they were very pleased with their reindeers and would recommend the course to others.
This made an ideal present for my husband as he got time to spend with his daughters doing a fun activity and they all have a 'reindeer' to remind them of the day.
Elaine Lowe - - #18349
I was on the early November course with Steve and agree with every word he wrote. An excellent introduction to the subject, real value for money and never a dull moment. It always came as a surprise when we had to finish for the day. Many thanks to Dave and the team, I've just got myself a Kent pattern axe like the one we used on day one. Great fun and you learn a lot. Cheers.
Martyn Smith - - #18344