Hammer and Hound Forge reviews

David Pryer reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"Had a wonderful day making a knife. Alex was a wonderful teacher and helped out at critical moments during my forging experience. At the end of the day I was able to take home a knife which for all the world looked as if it had been made professionally. Can’t get better than that. "

Kevin Docherty reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"A brilliant way to spend a Sunday! Interesting, informative and I’m really pleased with my new kitchen knife. Many thanks."

Catherine reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"Great day, Alex was brilliant at demonstrating and helping my son throughout the day. "

Allan Davies reviewed: Damascus Steel: Forge your own axe, knife or hammer

"My wife gave me this course as a Christmas present, and I thoroughly enjoyed it and am delighted with my knife. Alex is a very good teacher, concerned to make sure that everyone understands what is going on and is having a good time. He explained things very clearly, and was ready to jump in and help if anyone was getting behind or having trouble, but not taking over to the extent you ever felt it was no longer your piece overall - this is a difficult balance to strike and for me he got it right. Would definitely recommend this course, it's hard work but the results are sooo worth it"

Josh reviewed: Damascus Steel: Forge your own axe, knife or hammer

"I cannot describe how awesome this course was. Alex is a fantastic teacher and talked me through everything from start to finish. It was fast-paced and technical from the off which was tricky as a beginner but I wanted that going in. Not only did I get to make an awesome Damascus Knife, but Alex was able to help me make the best out of my errors through the day and I ended up producing a second blade too. I've learned buckets and have things I am proud to say I made. I would recommend the course to anyone looking for a challenge. I've already started recruiting people to do it again with. Thank you so much Hammer and Hound, you absolutely rock!"

James baggott reviewed: Damascus Steel: Forge your own axe, knife or hammer

"I had a brilliant experience at the hammer and hound forge. I made a twisted Damascus bowie style knife over the course of the weekend. The instructor is very good and definitely knows his trade. I will definitely return to make something else. Highly recommended if you ever get the chance to try it, you will have a very good experience "

Simon Groves reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"Another good course taught by Alex. Very informative and knowledgeable about the art of blacksmithing."

Joe Snowdon (lynda) reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"I booked this one day course as a surprise for my husband's 60th birthday. He absolutely loved every minute of it and with the help and expertise of Alex , he created a beautiful door hook to begin with. He then created his own unique cooking knife, which was full of character. He would definitely recommend this beginners course. Brilliant teacher, thankyou Alex "

Chris reviewed: Axe / Hammer Forging Day

"Really enjoyed the time with Alex making my first hatchet. Was a lot more work than I expected but he helped where it was needed. Looking forward to the next time making something better than before."

Jenny reviewed: Axe / Hammer Forging Day

"Excellent course. Alex is a very knowledgeable instructor. His demonstrations were excellent, he helped make sure everyone was on track and went home with a beautiful axe. Definitely recommend it. "

Angela Patterson reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"Amazing experience! My partner and nephew had a great day on the Bladesmithing course. Alex is a brilliant instructor who was very knowledgeable. "

Reuben reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"Teacher was amazing. Helped everyone understand and was so nice."

Jane Sutton reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"My 13 year old son had the most wonderful day in this course and left feeling very proud of his achievements. Alex was an amazing teacher; so knowledgeable and engaging. He built Reuben’s confidence and empowered him to try everything in a safe and supportive environment. I can’t praise him and the whole day enough and would highly recommend this experience for both adults and teens wanting to try something new. "

Robin reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"I have just had a fantastic day with Alex at Hammer and Hound. The introduction to Forging was really enjoyable, underpinned by Alex clear enthusiasm for teaching and his experience as a skilled blacksmith. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to have a go!"

Lee reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"Had a fantastic day, Alex was very informative and helpful, I would definitely recommend this course."

Collin Burn reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"This was a really enjoyable day full of information and ending with keepsakes to remember. Alex is a font of knowledge and a natural teacher, easy going and patience ...much needed in my case. I would recommend this session to anyone."

Hammer and Hound Forge responded:

"Hi Colin, thank you for leaving a review and I'm really glad you enjoyed your time! Best wishes, Alex"

Peter reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"I have been on many one day practical courses but blacksmithing has to be the best of them all, the tuition was excellent and Alex is a very approachable and friendly man, this one day course was an informative and enjoyable experience and excellent value for money ."

Hammer and Hound Forge responded:

"Hi Peter, Thank you for the kind words! I'm really glad you enjoyed your time at the forge! All the best Alex"

Mike reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"Had an excellent day on the beginners blacksmithing course. Alex is a great teacher and despite having no experience at all I came away with a knife and a poker for the fireplace. It was a really well-received xmas present for my dad and a really different day out for us. Fully recommended!"

Hammer and Hound Forge responded:

"Hi Mike, I'm really glad you enjoyed your time, and I hope your dad did too! All the best Alex"

Tom reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"Second time at the forge with Alex, this time doing the beginner blacksmithing day. In the few hours with Alex I feel I'd learnt and progressed far more than I'd managed over the last year using online tutorials! Time to get practicing while I save up for another great experience! 100% reccomend this day to anybody! Great fun, AND came away with a coat hook, fancy bottle opener and a new rake for my fire pit. Super happy! "

Hal Branson reviewed: Axe / Hammer Forging Day

"Would highly recommend this course! Alex is an incredibly knowledgeable teacher and the whole experience was brilliant - he's highly skilled and was really helpful in guiding us through the day, leaving us to learn but also stepping in where needed! We covered so many different elements and at the end of the day left with an actual functioning axe! "

Hammer and Hound Forge responded:

"Thank you Hal!"

J Clark reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"Great experience day. Christmas gift for my son and went with him and what a great day we both had. Alex is a great host and excellent instructor. Friendly, incredibly knowledgeable and keen to share his passion and skills. Awesome! We'll be back again, suspect for the axe making. "

Hammer and Hound Forge responded:

"Thank you James!"

Inaki reviewed: Damascus Steel: Forge your own axe, knife or hammer

"It's been a great experience and I had a great time making my knife with Alex"

Hammer and Hound Forge responded:

"Thank you for leaving a review Inaki! I'm really glad you enjoyed your time and I hope your blade serves you well for years to come!"

Ren reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"Amazing experience day! I gifted this to my boyfriend and went with him and we both loved it! Alex was the nicest, friendliest teacher, so patient and taught us so much - his passion and incredible knowledge and skill of his craft is clear. The knifes we came home with are so good, and we had the most fun making them! 100% will be back for more fun at the forge soon "

Hammer and Hound Forge responded:

"Thank you Ren! I hope your blades serve you well! "

Caroline Pryer reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"Two daughters-in-law came with me for a pre-Christmas girlie workshop and had a great time. We all made knives from a wee craft knife to a forest crafting knife for gardening. Lots of 'hard' learning but so very enjoyable amid the forge, fire craft, plunging in oil, toughening steel, sanding, power drilling, buffing and sharpening. Very proud of our achievements and so intensely grateful to Alex for his superb teaching skills, leadership, patience, understanding and downright superbness. A very exciting day and thrilled to have learned something so new!"

Will reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"I was given a place on the Beginners Blacksmithing course as a Christmas present and had a fantastic time. Alex is an excellent instructor - his skill and passion for the craft shine through immediately. He tailored his advice to each of us, and helped us all get hands (tongs) on immediately. I would highly recommend this course, and will be taking part in the others I'm sure."

Hammer and Hound Forge responded:

"Hi Will, I'm really glad your enjoyed your time in the forge! Thank you for leaving a review too! Happy new year! All the best Alex"