Forge Four Blacksmithing reviews

30 Jan 20'

J.S reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"Oh my gosh what an amazing day - I booked myself and my partner onto this course and we have been telling everybody about how much fun it was. David is a really down to earth chap who made the whole experience really enjoyable; his techniques and methods for teaching and explaining the processes really helped cement our learning and we came home with some absolutely gorgeous pieces that with his guidance, we crafted ourselves. I would highly recommend this course - to anybody who is contemplating doing it, just go for it! Thank you so much David, we hope to see you again in the future :)"

23 Jan 20'

Steve Allum reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"A very enjoyable day. One to one tutition in a historic forge learning the basics of a very skillful profession. David obviously loves his profession and that shows through in his patience and encouragement for beginners. A course well worth taking."

2 Dec 19'

Andrew Taylor reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"David is an excellent teacher and provides a great experience. He is very patient and will help you get the most out of the day. You'll learn various techniques and approaches. Can't recommend highly enough."

16 Oct 19'

Peter Ferguson reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"Thank you David, for a very enjoyable experience in smithing. I thought I might enjoy it, but my wife called my bluff and booked the day as a birthday present. I really, really enjoyed it. A large part of that is due to David’s very low key style. It’s a bit daunting grabbing hold of a metal bar glowing red or orange hot at the other end, and then taking a hammer to it. After the first time it quickly becomes normal and the challenging part is just to absorb new skills. David makes that happen, and before you know it you’ve made your first piece. A great instructor. On the drive back to Manchester I was already wanting to do it again / do more. Highly recommended."

10 Sep 19'

Tim Garwood reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"We thoroughly enjoyed our day with David. Excellent 1-1 teaching, simple to follow instructions and a great experience. We are so pleased with the Hooks and Froe that we brought home! Totally recommend!!!"

18 Jul 19'

Eleanor Rogerson reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"Thoroughly enjoyed my day. David is an excellent tutor - he has the impressive ability to make genuine positive comments when you do something well, plus he's very patient and explains everything so you learn why as well as how. At first I was nervous and so couldn't hit anything with a hammer, but he was understanding and in the end I came away with a bottle opener and a hook (very proud of them). I would recommend this course to anyone wanting a good taster in blacksmithing (though remember to take plenty of clothing, it is not warm in there!)"

5 May 19'

Natalie reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"Absolutely fantastic experience - very informative and well taught. It was very hard work but great fun, and I now have a new appreciation for all the effort that goes into blacksmithing! Came away with great little mementos. Will be recommending to friends!!"

3 May 19'

Paul stray reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"A must for anyone wanting to experienced forge craft. David guided us through all the techniques with ease and expertise. A brilliant tutor and had plenty of friendly banter. A thoroughly brilliant day and we had something to show for our efforts at the end of the day. Well worth the experience. 10 out of 10."

2 May 19'

Sheree reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"Booked this for my partner and Dad to spend a day with David. They haven't stopped talking about it since! David was so patient and his expertise and banter were brilliant. They really appreciated the fact that what they made, David also made, thus learning in the process, rather than trying to achieve something without guidance. They were so impressed by their day and I appreciated the fact that David spent the time and effort to ensure they made items that they actually wanted to take home with them (my Dad made arrowheads) and giving them a choice. Book immediately, it sounds like such a fun and exciting day. I will probably book in for myself after all the positive things I've heard about their day! Thank you David :)"

4 Apr 19'

Gerry Stuart reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"David made The Blacksmith Experience a thoroughly enjoyable day. He started by covering Health and Safetl in what is a hazardous environment. His instructions throughout the day were always clear and precise and I never felt under pressure. The fact that I came out of the day with two lovely pieces of ironwork ( much admired! ) owes much to David’s teaching and technical skill. Thank you , David, for a great day."

1 Apr 19'

Gerard Hunter reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"Fantastic introduction in the perfect setting! I took the half day introduction class. It was a gift from my wife, and I couldn't have asked for a better one. This course is great if you're new to blacksmithing, or interested in it and it's history. David is very knowledgeable, and a great tutor throughout. He's friendly and works through everything methodically and quickly, but in a great can manner. He shows you they what may look like a simple J-hook (which is what I made) requires a number of blacksmithing skills. The setting of the 200+ year old forge just adds to what is great day. My only disappointment was when it finished. I could have stayed the rest of the day. I'll definitely be booking another course with David. This time a full day."

27 Mar 19'

Francina Whelan reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"What an amazing day ! Learnt so much and created 2 wonderful pieces to take home . David was a great teacher could not recommend this course more highly."

24 Mar 19'

Victoria Cox reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"Great introduction 1 day course to the craft of Blacksmithing at Forge Four, in Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet Museum. David is friendly, very knowledgeable and an engaging host! His Forge is amazing and unique. What a privilege to be able to work in such a wonderful historic museum. We got to use lots of tools to experiment with different ways of forging steel. I made a hook, to play around with different techniques in the morning. Then a plant stake with a twisted leaf eye, in the afternoon. A great memento in my garden from a fantastic and inspiring day! Would definitely recommend this unique and interesting craft experience to all. Thanks to David and the museum!"

26 Nov 18'

James reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"Had a great day at Abbeydale Hamlet learning the basics of Blacksmithing with Dave! We were able to learn techinques in the morning that allowed us to make what we wanted in the afternoon. David was really friendly and helpful - had a brilliant day! Would definitely recommend to everyone."

26 Nov 18'

Becky reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"We had a really good day with David in AbbeyDale Hamlet, amazing setting for a great course! Able to make 2 projects during the day and learn lots of different techniques. Would recommend to anyone looking for a fun and different activity with friends/family. We loved it. Thanks David!"

8 Nov 18'

Spencer Pullin reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"Myself and a friend attended the course with David and thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was great that he taught us the skills whilst actually making our first piece rather than practicing on bits of scrap first. We both came away buzzing about it and made a J hook plus a unique bottle opener that was immediately put to use as soon as we got home! Would recommend 100%."

23 Sep 18'

Emma Crarer reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"Was looking for a birthday treat for my friend, who I don't see as often as I should, and suggested a day blacksmithing might be something a bit different. We had a fantastic day, got totally immersed in the activity, and came away with some great memories and a fabulous momento made by our own hands (with a little bit of 'fixing' from David!) The historic setting of the museum was really special, and it was great fun to chat with some of the visitors during the day. David really knows his stuff, and has put a lot of thought into the techniques he tries to teach over the course of the day to give you a really good first taste of blacksmithing. He was very kind and patient with us, and we had some good laughs too."

1 Jul 18'

Philip Murphy reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Sheffield

"Everything about the blacksmith experience exceeded my expectations, I spent 2 excellent ( and busy ! ) days with David I came away thrilled at having been able to have followed his professional and inspiring tuition to have been able to produce a much admired and treasured piece of forged metal work. David is passionate at his craft and relates it to his "apprentice" in step by step stages building confidence and competence, thank goodness that the skills of the forge from times past are being carried by people like him to the future, its in good hands . The location at the Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet could not be more sympathetic as you are immediately immersed within the enclave of what once was a thriving hub of the hand crafted metal products industry of days gone by , but the buildings and contents remain to allow to take a little trip back in time and inspire for what lies ahead on the experience day with David within the whitewashed walls of his 200 year old forge. Loved it ."