Hedge Ironworks reviews

Gill Smith reviewed: Individual 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"After receiving vouchers for my birthday I decided I wanted to have a go at blacksmithing to make a poker for our stove. I chose the two people course so my husband could come too. I think he was a little sceptical about how much he would learn as he works in construction and is used to making and welding parts etc. We were both blown away with how much we learned and how well our items turned out. Jake was a brilliant tutor and I was thrilled to be able to make a tool to lift the hot plate from the top of my stove with Jake’s expert help modifying my poker. They look fabulous hanging next to each other on the hooks we also made. Thank you so much Jake I had a truly memorable birthday present and we both thoroughly enjoyed our time with you in your workshop. I would love to come back again soon. "

Elliot Francis reviewed: Individual 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"This was something we have been wanting to try for a long time and our experience went above and beyond our expectations! There were just two of us on the course and Jake was a brilliant teacher and we both felt like we learned a lot from him very quickly. He was also very friendly and personable, we would definitely recommend as a great day's experience! We got to keep the pieces that we made and we intend to put them up on the wall on display as they both turned out really well under his guidance. Jake taught us a lot of basic techniques and was giving us constant feedback on how we were doing and ways to improve. Thank you for making this day fun and memorable!"

Alison reviewed: Individual 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"We had a great day making pokers and fishtail hooks with Jake. He explained everything really well, was very encouraging, and we came back with some lovely things to treasure! It was a great treat for my husband's birthday!"

Lewis Campbell reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"The "Have a Bash" lesson was phenomenal. Jake is a charismatic and welcoming teacher as well as skilled and experienced blacksmith. The lesson itself was fantastic as it goes at your own pace and is tailored to you as you go. Jake lets you do all the fun work but is available to step in and help at any time. Tea, water and coffee are provided as well as plasters for any blisters. Jake is encouraging throughout and you feel genuinely proud of your work. When finished I imminently wanted to do more. It's challenging yet fun and I can only give it my highest praise. I would recommend this to anyone interested in meatal work and could not have had a better introduction."

Ronan Campbell reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"My brother and I had an amazing day on the "Have a bash" course. We had never done any ironwork before but Jake was a great teacher and made the workshop a really welcoming learning environment. He tailored the experience to each of us and made us feel very supported and always helped when we needed without doing it for us. We learnt a lot and had a great time. Highly recommend to anyone who wants to learn something new, have a laugh and hit some hot steel with a hammer! Thanks for a great day Jake!"

Mike reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"Had a great day on the "have a bash" blacksmithing. As a beginner Jake walk me through everything first before let me have a go only giving pointer as and when needed, & he defiantly tailors the course to your skill level, and a good laugh to be had between smashing at the iron. Also its great to have something to take back to show form your efforts. I would defiantly recommend that anyone gives it a go."

David Humphrey reviewed: Individual 'Bushcraft blade in a day' course in Shropshire

"An old school friend posted on Facebook that she and her husband had been on this course and had a great day with Jake. I showed the post to my wife, and as my birthday was coming up, she bought be the course as a Birthday present. Having seen blacksmiths at work in the past its something I had always wanted to try. The Bushcraft Blade in a day course is a great introduction to Blacksmithing and at the end of the day you have a souvenir to take home. Jake explained the process of making the blade first, and helped out when he could see I was struggling a little. Jake is a very skilled blacksmith and a very patient tutor. At the end of the day I had a completed Bushcraft Blade and, as a bonus, the parts I needed to make another one. I completed the second knife and stained and varnished both Bushcraft Blades at home. I would highly recommend Jake and this course to anyone who is interested in blacksmithing. Jake has lots of toys, I mean equipment, in his workshop, and it is in a stunning location."

Janet Humphrey reviewed: Individual 'Bushcraft blade in a day' course in Shropshire

"My husband found out about this course through an old school friend who had come along. It was decided to be a 59th birthday gift from me. Jake has great communication with course bookers and despite a looming lockdown, we both felt he has done as much as humanly possible to avert the risk. My husband will post a separate review of the course as he was the one who did it, but from a gift giver, he was elated after the course, and it ignited the blacksmith inside him! Highly recommended"

Seb Ingham reviewed: Two person 'Bushcraft blade in a day' course in Shropshire

"We did the Bushcraft blade in a day course - really enjoyed it and would highly recommend it. It was really interesting to experience a day in a working blacksmiths, learn the processes and techniques, and have a go for yourself. Jake is really knowledgeable and a great tutor. Having small groups means you get plenty of time having a go, with Jake on hand to advise and guide every step of the way. Thanks for a great day ??"

Brenda frisby reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"I bought this day's metal-working as an 18th birthday present for my grandson. I could not have found a better gift - he absolutely loved every moment. Jake is really keen on his work and extremely skilled in his craft and, what is rarer, is able to convey this to those doing the course. The finished poker and hooks really are works of art and top quality. Thank you, Jake."

Kevin reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"I spent a thoroughly enjoyable rainy day on Saturday in Jake's workshop, bashing away at yellow hot metal and surprising myself at the quality of the poker and hooks I was able to produce under his expert tuition. Jake is good company and a good tutor - and also, from the quality of some of his work lying around the workshop, a highly talented blacksmith in his own right. A thoroughly enjoyable experience, which I would highly recommend to anyone. Thanks for a fun day, Jake!"

Keith Richardson reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"I spent a thoroughly enjoyable and productive day with Jake yesterday. I was amazed and delighted with what I managed to produce under Jake's tutelage, who may be young but is clearly extremely knowledgeable and very personable. I have a bad case of workshop envy which probably extends to job envy too. The course is a very good introduction to blacksmithing, very well structured, demonstrated and taught with gentle correction when required, encouragement and praise when deserved, and the freedom to experience the strange joy of beating a bit of yellow hot metal. I have no hesitation in recommending this course to anyone wanting to try. Jake makes a good cup of tea too! Thanks for a fabulous day Jake, I suspect I will be back."

Liz reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"An excellent course, well instructed and paced, really enjoyable with a knowledgeable and friendly instructor. I did the course with a friend and each of us came away with a beautiful poker and hook to display it on that we made during the day; great mementos of an amazing day."

Hedge Ironworks responded:

"Thank you so much Liz for your kind words! I look forward to seeing you both again if you decide to come back for the Rose making course. All the very best, Jake."

Dan Gibbons reviewed: Individual 'Bushcraft blade in a day' course in Shropshire

"Booked onto the 'Bush knife in a day' course after finding Hedge Ironworks online. Any nerves were completely laid to rest upon meeting Jake, personable, friendly and a consummate professional. Jake welcomed me into his workshop and talked through all the equipment with dazzling detail, all health and safety aspects adhered to the day began superbly. Throughout the day Jake delivered outstanding instruction allowing me to produce my very own forged Bush knife. I would absolutely encourage people to book on this course, you will not be disappointed. I will definitely be back."

Hedge Ironworks responded:

"Thank you so much for your kind words Dan! The pleasure was all mine. Very much looking forward to having you back at the forge!"

Brett Jones reviewed: Individual 'Bushcraft blade in a day' course in Shropshire

"What a terrific day! Me and my Mother decided to attend this course after watching a show about bladesmithing. With the help of Jake we were able to make our very own knives! I would like to say a big thank you to Jake for such a wonderful experience and a chance to ignite our passion on a whole new level! His level of experience and warm personality made it a day we will never forget! Thank you again."

Hedge Ironworks responded:

"Thank you so much Brett for your kind words. It was a pleasure having you both at the workshop!"

Alison reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"My husband and I (both late 50s) did this course a few weeks ago. We had an absolute blast ! Jake is a fantastic tutor and will guide you through each step of the process and ensure you produce something wonderful to take home. It was a great day and just what we needed after lockdown. I'd recommend this course to anyone who wants to have a go ... you will surprise yourself in how much you can achieve. We will be back for another course soon."

Ella Hansford reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"This course is brilliant! My boyfriend and I (both 18) recently attended and had the best time... cannot emphasise enough how Jake is a wonderful teacher, really patient and fun and clearly very passionate about his craft. At no point did we ever feel particularly unsafe or like we didn't know what we were doing because of the clear demonstration and instructions beforehand. Would definitely reccomend this course!"

Scott Gilbert reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"What a great experience! My son and I recently attended Jake's have-a-bash course. No blacksmithing experience between the two of us, but through a well designed course and outstanding instruction from Jake, we completed some pretty good looking pokers and hooks. Jake explained and demonstrated every step of the process and then let us have a go. He was always by our side to provide feedback and guide us in the right direction. Looking forward to taking more of his classes in the future!"

Sophie reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"I booked this course as a surprise for my husbands birthday, we both had an absolutely fantastic day! Jake is a brilliant tutor, very friendly & patient! We will definitely be back next year, and we would highly recommend “give it a bash” with Jake!"

Ben Frost reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"My measure of any good training course is that you feel inspire to put in practice what you have learnt. I have. I've purchased an anvil and micro forge and started on honing my skills. Over the day course Jake paced the work so that I completed more than I thought I was capable of achieving. It's quite a skill to master the movement of steel over the anvil whilst hammering but the results are wonderful. 3 objects completed; Poker, wall hook and bottle opener. Family and friends are wow'd by the results so they can't be to bad. Thanks Jake for your patience, advice and having a laugh."

Kathy Cowell reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"I organised the day as a present for my husband’s birthday. His comments are below: “It’s always rewarding to make something from scratch and to come away with a memento of the day and a functional tool is a bonus. The course didn’t dwell on the theoretical but led quickly on to the practical. So, it was very much ‘hands on’. It involved several aspects through forging and forming and was, at times, fairly physical. Instruction was excellent, facilities good and friendly help constantly to hand. The ‘Smithy’ is a bit remote but accessible. Ludlow Is a close by place to stay if coming a long distance. Overall, I’d recommend this as an enjoyable and an unusual experience.” For myself I found the day really enjoyable and very rewarding. It was better for being a shared experience. Thanks Jake for a great day!"

Andy Wenlock reviewed: Individual 'Bushcraft blade in a day' course in Shropshire

"We did a one day knife making course: Jake was great, extremely knowledgeable and talented and a great teacher. Jake adapted the course to better suit our needs without any complaint or hesitation. I would highly recommend this course or the blacksmiths course to anyone who is interested. The work shop is well equipped and in a beautiful location. 5 stars"

Steven Harris reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"I had a great time making a surprisingly good looking fire poker and knife. Jake exhibits an interesting balance of technical knowledge, enthusiam and an artists eye for detail. Thoroughly recommend the experience."

Paul Freeman reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"Simply brilliant. An excellent day for me and my 15 year old son Harrison, each of us making two knives. After making one under close supervision, after lunch we each made our second pretty much on our own, which was really satisfying. I wished I could have made a third and a fourth. At home later I used one to prepare our tea, and we used them all for eating! A great experience, thanks Jake!"

Sacha reviewed: Two person 'Have a Bash' at Blacksmithing course in Shropshire

"Jake was really accommodating and enthusiastic in helping me with a specific metalworking technique I wanted to try (mokume gane), he had done his own research into the technique which I really appreciated. We also had some time to do some traditional blacksmithing at the end! Jake was a patient and thorough teacher, and I would definitely recommend this course!"