Highfield forge reviews

Sydney fox reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Bought this for my Dad for Christmas as he loves Forged in Fire. He came out beaming and really chuffed with the knife he had made. He said Andy was very knowledgable and down to earth! Would recommend to everyone!"

Paul D reviewed: Axe making course

"What a great way to spend the day… And an amazing Christmas present. Andy was a great host, explaining all the processes behind making the axe, what to look for and how to get the best out of the material and tools. No rushing through anything and making sure everyone was safe along the way. Really interesting day and would heartily recommend having a go. Looking forward to giving it a go… and thinking what to head to Andy’s forge to make next."

Steph Reed reviewed: Axe making course

"Loads of thrills had with Andy in the forge this Sunday. Lots of hands on use of various dangerous tools and materials. Brilliant. Came away with a complete axe ready for my wood chopping needs. Nice guy to spend some time with, highly recommend."

Highfield forge responded:

"Thank you for the kind words, but there are no dangerous tools in my forge. There are potentially dangerous ways to use them?"

Paul Harlington reviewed: Sword making course

"The sword making course with Andy was excellent and worth every penny. I had 121 instruction over the 3 days in Jan 2022 and loved every minute. You do need to be realistic with your expectations in that (a) you will only have time to make a “basic“ sword - no fancy samurai swords or exact replicas, and (b) it will not be prefect - this is the first sword you will make and it is a learning process. However you will be given all you need to produce a pretty decent sword - how you execute it and listen to instruction is key. Be prepared to have a sore arm/hand after the first day of forging, and to get grinder blind on the second day, but day by day you will see the sword take place, even getting your own quench moment at the end of the second day, before fit and finish on the third day. You won’t have a cutting edge on the sword for insurance purposes, but it will be close enough that you can sharpen it after. If you are looking for a “Forged in Fire” type experience then I can’t recommend this highly enough. If you are not sure about your abilities maybe try the shorter knife course before embarking on the sword course - you’ll get to make both then."

Sara Hunter reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"What an amazing experience, Andy was brilliant and very knowledgeable. The course was paced well and I throughly enjoyed myself!! I would recommend this course ?"

Alan Harper reviewed: Sword making course

"I have just finished the sword making course and I really enjoyed it. Andy is an excellent (and patient!) instructor offering support and guidance where needed. It is also great to walk away with my very own sword as a memento. Would certainly recommend!"

matthew b reviewed: Kitchen knife course

"I had a great time doing this course with Dave; great teaching style making sure I knew exactly what to do at all times (including quick demonstrations), while not being too over the shoulder and stifling. Very happy with the end product too. 10/10 experience"

Barbara reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Got this for an Anniversary present for my husband who loves watching Forged in Fire and I couldn’t wait for his reaction when he got home. He absolutely loved it, it couldn’t have been better and the knife he made was amazing. He also couldn’t praise the instructor Andy enough who he said was very helpful and knowledgable. A very enjoyable day and he can’t wait to go back so I will definitely get him on the Axe making course next. Thank you so much x"

Michael Burton reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Exactly what we were hoping for from the course. Challenging and quite intense but pleased with the results."

Andrew Johnston reviewed: Kitchen knife course

"What an amazing experience, i spent the day making a one of a kind chef knife under the skilled guidance of Dave and Andy. The wealth of knowledge, techniques and skills learnt from the day are something ill never forget. As a chef and craftsman myself, i cant say enough how good these gents are at what they do. Ill be saving up for my next trip no doubts about that."

Sean Lumby reviewed: Axe making course

"Throughly enjoyed it, would recommend this to anybody either as an experience for themselves or an amazing gift for somebody else ?"

Gary Baxter reviewed: Kitchen knife course

"What a fantastic experience! Spent a great day learning a number of processes and techniques, and ended up with a highly personalised kitchen knife that will last a lifetime. Dave and Andy were great, clearly explaining each step, ensuring you understood the process without hovering over your shoulder all day. Would highly recommend this course, and will be checking out the etsy shop in the future too!"

Shah reviewed: Axe making course

"It was a brilliant experience at Highfield Forge, Andy was welcoming, friendly and knowledgable. He and Dave gave clear guidance, instructions and support without doing it for you; really made you feel accomplished. Forged an axe that I've already used to chop logs for the fire. Highly recommend the experience."

Mark reviewed: Axe making course

"Excellent course, With Andys' brilliant tuition I am not sure you can fail. Each step clearly explained and demonstrated. Ended up with a really good axe, not perfect, but I am a beginner."

Ian Wilson reviewed: Kitchen knife course

"I received a kitchen knife course as a gift, great gift and great day. Two nice and knowledgeable guys, very friendly and good delivery style. Very relaxed and patient. Dave led the class and provided some very nice pine cone and resin scales that he had made. Very unique and gave a great finish. I came away with a great knife that is usable and a great talking point. If you or someone you know is thinking of trying this then I would definitely recommend the Highfield forge. They also make items to order."

Andy K reviewed: Axe making course

"Really enjoyed my dad at the forge. Andy was a really good instructor; explained what was happening at each stage, nice clear instructions then left you to have a try for yourself. Really pleased with how the axe turned out ?"

Alexander Northover reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"I bought this course for my brother's Birthday who has always seemed interested in blacksmithing but struggled to find opportunities. I cannot express more that my expectations were completely blown away at how brilliant a time he seemed to have had. He has shown his knife (that he crafted there, himself) to anyone that is even remotely interested. I am so thoroughly satisfied with how the day went that the next plan is for my dad and myself to go with him next time. By all accounts, Andy and Dave sound like brilliant, genuine guys that my brother got on with very well and it was not at all awkward. I was also surprised as to how much freedom my brother had in crafting the knife, since it sounds as if he was able to do 99% of the crafting unassisted, but with guidance and instruction from Andy and Dave. A fantastic service which is more than recommended by me, especially if you are up North (we travelled from Liverpool) as there seems to be limited forges around here, which is reflected in this review and the others."

jessica chambers reviewed: Axe making course

"My husband just finished his axe today with Andy and it came out perfect. The teaching was very hands on and we enjoyed every second. Andy is super friendly making the experience worth while. We look forward to coming back soon to make something else!"

Kelly Middleton reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Bought this for my husband. He was really excited for the day and really enjoyed it. Really happy with the final product and he is thinking of coming again in the future for a different course."

Dominic frampton reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"due to Covid, both lads were very professional and kept safe according to government guidelines. Dave was very patient and an excellent teacher. had great fun making the knife and would definitely go again"

Jon & Joanne Baker reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"I bought the course for my husband Jon, he came back raving about the place. He had a fantastic time and would like to go back to make an axe next."

Kevin Jones reviewed: Kitchen knife course

"Andy & Dave are friendly, knowledgeable, patient & skilled. Course was fantastic, end product was fantastic even with the added curveball of the current safety guidelines to be adhered to. Highly recommend Highfield Forge"

Steve reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"What an awesome time today making a knife at Highfield forge. Andy and Dave were absolutely superb and explained everything step by step in a very clear way. Even when I forgot some instructions they were on hand to give advice and point me back in the right direction. The end result was me walking out of the forge with my own knife and sheath which was so satisfying. I will definitely be back to have a go at the axe making! Highly recommend anyone giving this course a go, well worth every penny!"

Lauren reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife and sheath course

"Cannot recommend this place enough!! I was scared to participate due to a joint and bone issue, but I am so glad I did!! Not only was it incredibly fun and informative, but it made a product I am so proud of! Dave and Andy helped as much as I wanted and supported me if I was struggling. My boyfriend also took part and had an incredible day too, we even learned about other things the guys make after the course ended. We both rate this place and both guys very very highly and can't wait to return soon!"

Lee reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife and sheath course

"What an experience, had the most amazing day in the forge. Well taught and structured, will definitely be booking again. Thanks Dave/Andy."