Fransham Forge reviews

24 Jan 18'

Shaun Dickson reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I had another wonderful day at Fransham Forge hoping to make some tools . As before Nigel far exceeded anything I had hoped for . I went home with a lot of new skills to develop my hobby and many useful new tools made under Nigels expert guidance , tongs , scrolling tools , hammer drift and others. Had a fantastic day . I would recommend Fransham to anyone for a new experience or to learn the craft from an expert."

15 Jan 18'

Angela reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Bought the one-day course as a Christmas gift for my 14 year old son. He had a fantastic day - please pass on our thanks to Nigel. He has been buzzing about it ever since, and can't wait to visit again. He is thrilled with what he made... Particularly the Viking knife!"

14 Dec 17'

Chad Frary reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I attended a 2 day workshop with Nigel in December. Initial comms were good, and Nigel adjusted his calendar to accommodate me on the Friday. The course was excellent, with Nigel offering the tuition as required, then trust you to "have a go" yourself, offering guidance on how to improve your skills. Nigel guided me on making some traditional pokers (not your boring type, really fancy), drifts, devils horns, tongs, etc. Everything I needed to get myself started at home! Safety is paramount in his workshop, especially as you have access to hot forges, metal, powerhammers, etc. Nigel ensures the environment is a safe place to learn the amazing art of blacksmithing. Don't hesitate, book now to learn from the master blacksmith! Thanks Nigel and Maxine...."

9 Dec 17'

Bob Canham reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I haven't had any more fun in my life. I did a 1 day course and loved it. I walked away with a keyring, fire poker, fire shovel and a razor sharp knife. It was a brilliant day and would highly recommend anyone to do it."

8 Dec 17'

Justin and Ben Maeers reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"We attended the two day course. It started with a sensible amount of health and safety, and then we were straight into forging! We learnt how to heat metal to an appropriate temperature, and then how to use a hand hammer before moving swiftly on to using the power hammers. Nigel demonstrated how to perform each step of the basics of forging, and then left us to get on and try ourselves. we improved rapidly, from a very unsure start to feeling more confident and actually producing some satisfying results. Day one, we made pokers with fancy twists and decoration a shovel and a bottle opener, all forged from mild steel bar. Day 2, Nigel asked what we would like to do, and Ben opted for making Damascus steel, which he made from scrap hack saw blades and banding, all stacked up than fire welded together. the resulting things he made from it (several spoons and a knife) are truly beautiful. I made a steel 'Amonite' which i then forged into two white hot steel blocks, then melted it in the forge to make a steel 'Amonite Fossil' We stayed in one of Nigel's caravans, had an open fire outside... a great couple of days. Thanks Nigel!"

2 Dec 17'

Toby Gould reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Fantastic day with Nigel, my 13 year old son and I trying out lots of techniques and each coming back with 4 different objects made during the day. A lot of fun, with plenty of storytelling but also great advice and an friendly atmosphere allowing you to just give something a go. We're planning a second trip where we know more what we want to do. Thanks for a great day."

24 Nov 17'

Kirsty reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My partner and I did a single day course at the forge, absolutely loved it, really pleased with everything we made. Wish we'd had a week to keep going with it really. Made me cross all over again that girls weren't allowed to do metalwork when I was at school!"

21 Nov 17'

John reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Brilliant two days with Nigel. Learnt a lot and was surprised at how much I managed to do. Poker, pooper scooper and acorn on the first day. My partner wanted a bullrush and I made several on the second day. She is over the moon and is planning where to put them in the garden. Hope to return."

20 Nov 17'

Derek reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Have just spent two days at Fransham Forge learning from Nigel’s vast knowledge and experience. He showed how metal has it’s own life and how to work it to make a variety of items. It was two enjoyable, relaxed days with Nigel’s fund of stories. A look around the sculpture park is a must to see Nigel’s artistic talent."

14 Nov 17'

Stefon cieschinger reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Attended this course on the 11th of November absolutely loved it Nigels a top bloke had a laugh and learnt loads of new skills would recommend this course to anyone thats looking for a great day out and to learn something new I'll definitely be going again"

12 Nov 17'

Graham Johnson. reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Just had 2 great days { 10/11th November} Plenty of hands on experience. Nigel was very helpful with loads of knowledge which he was happy to share. Plenty of banter with lots of hard work. Worked with some really great people on both days. Made a poker, BBQ shovel, an acorn key ring, a leaf pendant and my pride and joy a 5x poppy display made ready for remembrance Sunday. I would highly recommend this course for anyone who likes to get their hands dirty and not afraid of hard work. Lots to take home and show your family. A special thank you to Nigel. Cheers buddy!"

11 Nov 17'

Barry Gibbins reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Great course. Full day of information, history and practical demonstration and tuition. Nigel is a fun guy and a master of his craft. Throughly enjoyed it and looking forward to going again."

10 Nov 17'

Richard Godfrey-Cook reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Second time at the forge. This time I took my step son and we made some amazing stuff thanks to Nigel, a true master craftsman. We both loved it so much we will probably return every year. Its a great course. Thanks Nigel."

8 Nov 17'

Steve Castle reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"The one day course was booked for me by my wife as a birthday present. It was a very enjoyable time - Nigel's laid-back style of training helped me to gain a basic understanding of what can be done with some heat and not-so-heavy hammer. Rather than getting us to do small practice exercises, each step in developing your technique led ultimately to some very useful items. The shop and sculpture garden provided ample ideas for projects and are worth a visit in their own right."

7 Nov 17'

Dave Atkins reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Just completed my 3rd 2 day course with Nigel - never realised how much fun getting your hands dirty can be. Hard work but thoroughly enjoyable time and left with 2 stunning garden sculptures (by my standards anyway!). Looking forward to the next time."

13 Oct 17'

Shaun Dickson reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"What an marvelous day again at Fransham Forge . Nigel is an excellent tutor and a real character . He passes on his expert knowledge with skill and patience putting everyone at ease. I can recommend this course to everyone young or old. This is my third visit and each time I come away with new skills and ideas. Cant wait until the next time ."

10 Oct 17'

Simon and Karen Edwards reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My Wife and I did a one day course with Nigel about a month ago - Fantastic day! Nigel is a first class teacher with a laid back style and plenty of interesting stories to keep you going all day. We made some really useful and beautiful items. Didnt try the shepherd huts - but we did get a tour and they look lovely. Thanks Nigel - Im sure we will be back for more at some point. Simon & Karen"

25 Sep 17'

Gareth reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"My wife paid for a two day course for me with an overnight stay in one of the shepherd huts and hand on heart it's the best birthday present I've ever had, I loved every minute of it. The first day we covered safety (of course) and basic skills - we made some fire tools which, when I look at them now, I'm still surprised I actually made them - they are better than I can find in the shops. On day 2 I wanted to make something I've had in mind for a while, a 2ft high piece of decorative steel that I could put up on my garage. Nigel was a constant source of ideas on how best to approach making it and came up with lots of short-cuts for me, even painting it for me at the end of the day as well! When I wanted to try and work it out for myself I had the freedom to do so, and when I needed help Nigel was there to guide me and assist. I've always wanted to have a go a forging, and now that I have I wish I'd done it years ago - I'm already planning a return trip to develop my skills."

24 Sep 17'

Clive Freeman reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I had a great day a Fransham Forge 22nd Sept 17. It had been a long while since I had done any metal working and had been looking for something different to do and spotted this one day course with Nigel. Was not sure what my abilities would be. Nigel is a very good teacher and made it look so easy, there were 3 other guys there 1 who had been before and 2 who were first timers like me. During the morning we see Nigel guide the 1st guy through more technical work, while teaching use other three the basics of metal working and how to do a basic point then a long tapering point which we then curled round to form the handle, a decorative alternating twist was then added to to the main shaft of the poker. We also made a B&Q scraper the blade on this was beat out using one of the power hammers with Nigel's 1 to 1 guidance. I had asked when I booked and if he thought my skill was up to it on the day, was to make some scroll legs for a out door small coffee table. Which we did do in the afternoon and that was good, Nigel showed all of us how to do a scroll on a former then gave me the other 4 pieces of flat bar and said work your heat along where you need it, then worked with the other guys and keep checking on me make sure I was ok. That was enjoyable and excellent to be able to produce the four legs nearly the same as Nigel's. I will be looking to try and go back again to learn more from a very good teacher."

18 Sep 17'

Karen & Vic Clark reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I bought a 1 day Blacksmith workshop for my fathers b'day present and decided to try my hand at it too. We had never done anything like this before so did not really know what to expect with regards to our ability. With Nigel's expert tuition we were able to produce 6 great pieces each - a poker, small shovel (we prefer to call a "Burger Flipper" as we intend to use it on the BBQ), a decorative jam pot spoon, a pot, key ring and a beautiful poppy. We thoroughly enjoyed our day, loved Nigel's stories of work he had done and the people he had met along his journey. Many friends have seen our creations and been surprised at how great they are considering we are total beginners. If you are considering doing this workshop - my advice would be to give it a go. I'm sure you will surprise yourself and you will have a day to remember. Happy Forging ."

5 Sep 17'

Kelvin reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"This was my second time at the forge, this time with my 15 year old son. We both had a fantastic time, my son made several things that he is very proud of, the only problem is I now regularly have to share my modest home forge with him as he's so enthused after a day with Nigel! With Nigel's help and guidance I was able to complete a sculpture that turned out very well and will take pride of place in our garden. Also Nigel very generously changed the set-up of one of his large presses to dome a very thick piece of steel I had brought with me that I could do a particular project at home that would otherwise have been impossible for me to do. This trip to the forge (staying in the shepherd's huts) was intended as the high spot of our holiday and it certainly was, once again I'm hoping to return again in the not too distant future."

4 Sep 17'

Darren reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"A fantastic day ! Bought a one day course for my son's 13th birthday - his choice - and he had the most amazing day. Nigel is clearly a superb craftsman but he also has a passion for passing his knowledge on. My son received just the right balance of tuition combined with plenty of hands-on time with an emphasis on creating his own work. He left having created more than he ever expected and everyone he has shown his creations to (pretty much everyone he sees !!) has hardly believed he made them. He had lots of time working on his own with input from Nigel when he was unsure or he got to trickier parts. Lots of explaining from Nigel, especially when they undertook really tricky parts together. My son has learnt a lot about the ways in which metal behaves and the vast possibilities of what can be made. He has already planned his next visit. Perfectly OK for Dad to have a go too - which left me very happy !!"

26 Aug 17'

Thomas Pickering reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"excellent few days, Nigel was is an excellent tutor and an expert in his field. a real and true craftsman in every sense of the word. i was given free reign to produce whatever i could conceive, (within reason) with nigels help i was able to produce 2 damascus steel knifes. ten out of ten across the board."

21 Aug 17'

Salamander Stoves Ltd. reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Just back from an amazing course at Fransham Forge. Nigel is an excellent teacher and a fabulous blacksmith. We all had a brilliant time and came away with an immense amount of knowledge, our metal creations and broad smiles. I would highly recommend this course for anyone with a slight interest in metal working. Thanks again Nigel. 5*****"

19 Aug 17'

Brian Wakelee reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel is an excellent instructor and a very talented gentleman! The Forge was great and the tooling that was on hand was nothing short of Amazing. There were obviously the basic tools of the trade (Anvils, Tongs, Hammer, Forges) however Nigel had Some heavy duty tooling that you just have to see to believe! The course was setup to lead you through the basic forging techniques and to show you how to progress as you become more comfortable. I am a machinist and welder by trade and have very briefly touched on blacksmithing throughout my career, however nothing that has sparked my interest like this course! I was only available to attend one day of the course, however if I could have spent a week at the forge I would happily have done so! Again, if you are even remotely interested (and by reading this review, I suspect that you are) Don't wait any longer! Get signed up and get into the ancient, magical, and mystical world of blacksmithing! You wont regret it! V/R Brian Wakelee"

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