Fransham Forge reviews

James Clark reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I had two days of forging with my father earlier this month. I had no idea what to expect before I went, except for watching a few videos on Nigel's YouTube channel but, without a doubt, this was a great experience. Nigel is a fantastic teacher and the facilities on offer in the forge are second to none. I came away from the two days with a small collection of tools and sculptures, of which I am very proud. I will definitely return to learn more from Nigel."

Mike Clark reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I came to the forge with my son for a two day course last weekend. Nigel is a great teacher and his life stories inspirational. Having access to all his amazing collection of machines and tools enabled us to make forgings of high quality and we came home with far more than we expected. Thank you Nigel for your patience and encouragement. To be able to do this course at the end of a long lock-down was a breath of fresh air for both of us and I am sure we will be returning soon."

Simon Westwood reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I booked a forging day for my daughter for a birthday treat, she wants to be a blacksmith. From a nervous and anxious morning turned out to be the best day ever. In her words. I have never seen her smile so much. Nigel is a true master of his work. My daughter was filled with enthusiasm. She managed to make a few things that she took home and she will definitely be going back in the near future. I would like to personally thank Nigel for his patience, professionalism and kindness for making her feel welcome and showing her a day she will never forget. Thank you !"

jonathan lacy reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I've done the forging day experience a couple of times. Always excellent tuition from Nigel, plus the excellent stories, very entertaining."

Reg Smith reviewed: Welding with confidence

"A lot of useful tips, hints and instruction in a short time. Got Welding quite quickly so plenty of hands on Mig practice with a touch of stick. Plenty of equipment to use and coffee to drink."

Stuart Pear reviewed: Welding with confidence

"A great course and very cleverly pitched at the more mature student, not one of us less than 50! Admin at the start of the day seemed a bit random but later realised this was part of the scheme to make us feel comfortable and teach old dogs new tricks! learnt a lot from Nigel who is clearly a master craftsman at working metal but without being patronising or condescending, in a real working forge environment. Nigel was full of tips, and hilarious anecdotes about his many years in the welding industry. More informative and fun than I ever anticipated. I hope my next Birthday present is the Blacksmiths course!"

Adam Gutteridge reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Very good experience. He had a plan that he went by for the day giving people experience on making different things but I asked if I could make a knife for work and he got everything sorted for me. Definitely do it again."

Clive chappell reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I thought it was an excellent course with Nigel who had a great knowledge and was very helpful. Thank you"

Perry reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Fantastic 2 day course, well worth the money. Nigel demonstrates and explains with the ease of a master craftsman, and then gives you the freedom to work independently; within an hour or so you don't feel like a novice. By the second day, you're confident enough to get on the machines and tools without having to ask or be guided, but Nigel is always around to help if needed. When you consider the items you make and the overall experience of the forge, I can't recommend it enough."

Nick Healy reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel is a great teacher and a man with vast knowledge of his craft. He made me feel relaxed and welcome in a new environment. Everything he demonstrated he did in a calm relaxed manner and he told some hilarious stories. Nigel's art work is amazing, such a clever man. I did the two day course and enjoyed every minute of it. l would recommend this course to anyone, l achieved so much in such a short time. Thank you Nigel, l hope to be back soon."

Justin Smith reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel is a great teacher. Everything is demonstrated in a relaxed manner with hilarious stories from his wide ranging experience. I did two days as a complete novice and ended up being hooked! Worth the travel if you are not local. I would find it hard to believe there is a better atmosphere anywhere else in which to start to learn this craft."

Andy Southan reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"A very enjoyable one day course and a great experience. Nigel is a very talented and experienced craftsman, had plenty of stories to keep us amused throughout the day and provided lots of tuition and tips whilst allowing everyone to move at their own pace. Thanks."

John Wallis reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Go on,yes, you can do it! If your curiosity has got you as far as reading this review then you really should book the course. Your reason for hesitating so far could be anything but maybe you are thinking of the cost; it's definitely worth it, you will go back home having learnt something new, with items you've made, and I am sure, a satisfied glow. Maybe you are worried about being judged, Nigel guides you in safe easy steps and is there to help if you ask, but he doesn't judge your work. The only person that might do that is you. I did the 2 day course, the first day is the same for everybody but the second day is really up to you. Taking a thought in my head and managing to turn it into a 3D garden sculpture, was a very satisfying achievement. It's spurred me on to make other things in metal and I will certainly be booking another course with Nigel when I have another project in the future."

David Thomas reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"An excellent course with superb tuition. This was my first time in a forge and over a period of two days I progressed from the basics of forging a taper on the end of a piece of bar to creating a bunch of poppies. The outcome was way above my expectations and has impressed many. I gained hands on experience of a wide range of tools and techniques in a guided and supportive environment. I now have the 'blacksmith bug' and plan to return in the new year. Thoroughly recommended."

Fransham Forge responded:

"Thank you for your comments - we are glad you enjoyed your days with us."

Susan Huskie reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Our daughters bought my husband and I, a one day blacksmithing course. It was a fabulous day, found out a lot about the skills, tools, history - and made 5 brilliant items to take home and show all our friends. Nigel was extremely welcoming and knowledgeable. He was most interesting and supported each of us at the level we needed. Would recommend it as a wonderful day in magnificent surroundings. Thank you Nigel and the other students. Sue Huskie"

Chris Moore reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Brilliant day, I was given a voucher for a one day course for my birthday. Really enjoyed it, Nigel was a great teacher and very interesting. I made a draw knife for spoon carving, plus a fire poker and shovel."

Angharad Cousins reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel is a great teacher. Although I won’t be giving up my day job to start an Apprenticeship metal working, he was patient and showed me how to work the metal so I came home with some great pieces and was really pleased with my efforts. It was a lovely sunny day so at lunch we wandered through the amazing sculpture garden adjacent to the forge. So glad we booked this course even though it was mainly for my husband. Recommended!!"

Darren Coham reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My wife booked me a 2 day course for an Xmas present and I have to say it was excellent. We even stayed over in the Shepherd huts which were great. Nigel was a brilliant host and tutor and I would highly recommend doing a course with him."

Ben Grocott reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel is a complete legend, the experience, knowledge and skill he possesses and shares is nothing short of exceptional. The skills you will learn will transform your ability. I had never done anything like this but Nigel gives you all the guidance, mentoring, tools and coaching you need and you come away with so many pieces. I can’t recommend this course highly enough."

Ian Davies reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I did a one day course with Nigel last weekend, it was fantastic. Nigel is so knowledgeable and so accommodating. I went on the course as a "forged in fire" fan, with no previous experience, wanting to make a knife. Nigel explained that this would be difficult on a one day course. But he helped me to come away with a blade I was proud of. He even stayed late to help me finish the handle. I really enjoyed the experience and can't wait to go back to make a sword. Nigel is a real master, and great character. I could have listened to his anecdotes about forging all day. All in all a great day."

Guy Tasker reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"If you are thinking about attending a day or two with Nigel, stop thinking and book it! Just got back from a fabulous day at Fransham. Nigel is such a character; full of stories and experiences, along with an incredible talent for blacksmithing which he appears delighted to pass on in the most informative and entertaining way. Having never tried this before I went with some trepidation but this was quickly dispelled with Nigel's friendly and informal approach and I can't believe how much we made in the day, 5 beautiful forged articles from ornate pokers to lovely key rings.. Beautiful mementos of a wonderful day. I will be returning for another day when I have worked out what I want to make next. Thanks Nigel!"

Stuart reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Nigel is an energetic and enthusiastic tutor, full of knowledge and hints and tips to help you along, combine this with his many anecdotes and tales and you are in for an entertaining and informative day. This course is squarely based at someone who has never used a welder before so is a great place to dip you toe into the world of metal fabrication. Situated in the heart of Norfolk countryside the whole site is an artisan paradise."

Nina Ward reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Wow what an amazing two days I’ve had! My husband bought this as a birthday present and the family calendar simply said “KEEP FREE” under my name. I think it’s probably the best birthday present I’ve had to date. Nigel, what can I say, thoroughly entertaining throughout the 2 days, patient, creative, thoughtful and extremely knowledgeable, a true artisan and artist. I learnt so much and made so many things that are now in our home. The machinery that initially looked intimidating, I hadn’t given a second thought to by the end of the first day (apart from the “flat noodle maker” the hammering machine that I swore wouldn’t defeat me on day two!). The forge and grounds are a labyrinth filled with machinery, materials, tools and art. The grounds are particularly peaceful, like a retreat, and a great contrast at lunchtime, to the noise and busyness of the forge. Thank you so much Nigel, I will definitely go back to learn more."

Niall Thorogood reviewed: Welding with confidence

"I had basic welding knowledge but wanted to learn the setups and tricks of the trade. Nigel is a great one to learn off, very knowledgeable and creative. Would highly recommend. I'll be back for the blacksmith course!"

Charles Adlington reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"It may seem an expensive day but it is not. These days have been phenomenal, this is a true insight in to the craft of the blacksmith, and you get to keep all the cool stuff you make. The Smith (Nigel) is professional and entertaining throughout the day, a true font of knowledge with the patience of a saint for us less accomplished skilled people. I highly recommend this to anyone who has an interest in this remarkable field."