Highfield forge reviews

4 Dec 18'

Lauren Marsden reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Bought it as a gift for my partner and it was a great experience. Everyone was incredibly friendly and helpful. They made me and my friend feel welcome to stay even though we did not do the course. It was a great day out and would highly recommend it to anyone."

24 Nov 18'

Sean and Lea Hackett reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Great experience. Very friendly and knowledgeable guys. They allowed you to complete the metalwork but were ready to help out if needed. We came away with some pretty decent knives and a great sense of achievement. My husband is addicted and will go back again for another project I'm sure."

11 Nov 18'

mike edwards reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"This was a fantastic experience.... andy the course leader was very welcoming and great at explaining the process. As a complete beginer i was able to knock up a very respectable blade which looks good and actually works. Would definately reccommend this course for anybody for an experience a little different"

11 Nov 18'

Paul KIRKBRIGHT reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Really enjoyable day. I'm a complete beginner, and had no trouble keeping up, thanks to the patient teaching. The course was easy to understand, enjoyable throughout and I didn't notice my brand new blisters until I was far enough along not to care. By the end of the course I came away with my new knife, feeling like I'd learned a bit and very happy with the experience."

8 Nov 18'

Adrian Rees reviewed: Axe making course

"Had such a great time throughout the day, which went by so fast. Andy and Dave clearly love what they do and get their enthusiasm across really well, so that even mechanically declined idiots like me can take something home which gives a sense of true satisfaction at having made something functional as well as looking “very axe-y” :-) Great fun getting hot, sweaty and the full on sooty face. Have a go, you’ll love it!"

7 Nov 18'

A Sutcliffe reviewed: Forged in flames (Forged in fire experience)

"I attended the full day knife making course last weekend and it was a great experience. Something everyone should have a go at and both Andy & Dave are great teachers to go over the process start to finish. Highly recommended"

6 Oct 18'

Jordan Richards reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife and sheath course

"Great 2 days in the forge, shown the techniqes and let get one with it. Any point I was having some difficulty or making life harder than it needed to be he was there to help me get back on track. Really impressed with the work I was able to do under his guidance."

30 Aug 18'

Vaughan Aitken reviewed: Sword making course

"Just completed the course and it was epic. The fact you could taylor your sword to your own taste was brilliant and not just a standard template."

7 Aug 18'

Glen Widdowson reviewed: Axe making course

"Yesterday had a great day at Highfield Forge Wakefield on an Axe making course tutored by Andy . We started off with two pieces of flat iron bar ,which were heated up to over 1000 degree C in the gas forge with the carbon steel core being sandwiched between two outer layers of red hot metal and then beaten into shape with a hammer after repeated heating in forge .Plenty of hands on stuff also including grinding with belt sander. to finish up with a shiny sharpened Axe head with an Oak shaft .Very pleased with end result and thinking of displaying above my mantle piece but my wife thinks it's rightful place is in my garage on the tool rack. !!! .It was a great birthday present and would recommend it to any one who likes to get stuck in to metal working . Andy was a very helpful instructor and cup of tea maker ! So all the best Andy and continued success at Highfield forge in the future . Cheers Glen Widdowson."

5 Aug 18'

Steve Musty reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Just the best day ever. Andy was the perfect host. Very welcoming and accommodating. His level of knowledge was excellent. Still looking at the knife in disbelief that I made it, but the ache in my arm soon confirms it. Everyone should have a go, I’ll be back to forge an axe. Special mention to Dave as well, excellent tuition, very helpful and just the right amount of cheeky... ;) Thanks again, lads. See you in December!"

29 Jul 18'

Ric Lea reviewed: Axe making course

"The course was fantastic. Andy was great at teaching the basic techniques as well as really clearly explaining as much technical detail as you'd like. The axe i came away with looks awesome, and it was a really great day all round. Ive done blacksmithing courses in the past and this one was by far the best. Ric"

25 Jul 18'

Ryan holroyd reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Had an amazing day with Andy great guy enjoyed from start to finish very helpful and makes you feel very comfortable will definitely be doing another ASAP"

8 Jul 18'

Andy Turner reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Just got back from this knife making course with Andy. Got to say I had a great time. Andy is very knowledgeable and a great instructor, he lets you get on with it while giving you pointers and guidance to keep you from making too much of a mistake. I've always wanted to have a go at forging a knife and I wasn't disappointed. Smacking a red hot piece of steel into shape is so much fun! Definitely recommend this to anyone. Amazingly, at the end of 4 hours or so I ended up with a really nice knife that both looks good and is razor sharp!"

1 Jul 18'

Rhys Schofield reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife and sheath course

"One of the best Christmas presents I ever had. After watching forged in fire I wanted a go and whilst they make it look easy on tv it certainly isn’t! Luckily Andy was on hand to show me the way. 2 days later I have my very own seax. I will be back again and would recommend this to everyone. Some are pics and videos (Andy is great at this too) are on my Instagram @rhysids"

25 Jun 18'

Paul Webzell reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"I had booked this course as an anniversary treat for my wife & I as we had enjoyed watching it on TV &i had always had an interest in weapons ect. We had a fantastic day in the forge which far surpased our expectations, you were given clear instructions on what to do & they had planned the activitie in such a way as to allow you to find your sea legs & grow your confidence as the knife forgeing progressed. Although the instructors were on hand to help/advise & would correct any errors quickly as they occurred you really were left to do the majority of the work so at the end you have a massive sens of achievement & pride in what you made. I would happily recommend this course to anyone who is curious about blacksmithing or just looking for something different to try. Dont be put off thinking you might not be physically able to do it as you will suprse yourself my wife is very slightly built & found the hammering hard but managed to turn out a beautiful knife. It is a fun relaxed day with some cool relaxed instructors! Give it a go you will love it."

6 Jun 18'

Helen Bradley reviewed: Sword making course

"Andy was very welcoming and talked through the process in detail. It was thoroughly enjoyable and I'm very pleased with the end product."

29 May 18'

Barry Millman reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Fantastic experience. Andy is knowledgeable, affable and patient. This was from start to finish a great day and Andy was a fantastic instructor explaining, demonstrating and then let me get stuck in. I will not only be recommending this to others but looking to go back again myself. Cheers Andy."

23 May 18'

Stuart Marlow reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"I'd been keen to try blacksmithing for a while now, but have no experience in this field. I was bought the 4hour lesson and managed to get when there were no other "students. The forge was as I expected, covered in soot and smelling of burnt steel. It has everything you need and set out really well. What I didn't expect was Andy. Top bloke. Really friendly and for me was really knowledgeable and enthusiastic, which is exactly what you need. Always had something to say and explained the reasons for what you were doing. There is no mucking about either. Straight into it... forging the knife from a molten billet of steel and four hours later having a finished article (well for four hours work anyway). Andy talks you through each step and shows you what to do "once" so you get the feeling you actually make the knife, which I have to say is so very rewarding. For me personally this was a brilliant experience and have now got the bug. I'm already looking at booking a further session to learn more. I would highly recommend for anybody interested in blacksmithing/bladesmithing."

4 May 18'

Matt Wood reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"I was bought this course as a present after getting into Forged in Fire (I know....). The course was absolutely brilliant, really insightful and the actual way to make a knife, not just what you see on TV, Andy even joked that you don't get to see the boring bits but even those bits were insightful. Andy had a apprentice/ friend there at the time and the mentoring received was great. Both were clear and direct with their instructions, patient and even corrected some of the minor (or major, if you don't listen) mistakes. The day flew and at the end myself and missus had made a knife each that we were both proud of. Highly recommend the course and I will be going back to do other courses. Well worth it."

27 Apr 18'

James Davies reviewed: Axe making course

"Had an awesome time and Andy is a great teacher. Really proud of my axe!"

17 Apr 18'

Chris reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Absolutely brilliant course. Was bought this as a Christmas present. The forge is right at the bottom of a private road. When you get there, Andy hands over a lump of metal, explains the science behind it, turns on the forge, then it’s about 4 and half hours of fire, hammers, and grinding. You come away absolutely knackered, massively satisfied, and you’ll have a very cool knife for cutting steaks and wood. Would recommend this as a brilliant gift for anyone stuck in an office. Thanks Andy! Chris"

28 Feb 18'

Jack Forsdike reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"I was bought this for a Christmas present and I could not be happier. Andy was fantastic throughout with providing knowledge and guidance but emphasising that the knife is mine to make, with his support. It was a safe, but laid back environment. I would definitely recommend this to anyone, and I would like to go back to do more!"

28 Jan 18'

Peter watson reviewed: Forged in flames (Forged in fire experience)

"I spent the day with Andy at Highfield forge and had an amazing time, Andy is very friendly and great communication, I recommend to anyone to give this a go. I've tinkered with making a knife before but have now learnt invaluable experience and tips , thank you so much Andy had a fantastic day, hope to book again soon."

27 Jan 18'

Phil Francis reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Went with a friend and after a slight delay finding the forge (at the end of the road but it looked like it was No Access) had a fantastic time. Andy is a great teacher and doesn't rush you. It is really exciting to see the blade emerging from the steel after all the hammering. Even more fun is cleaning up on the grinders. The finished blade looks much better than i thought it would! I'm definitely intending to go back"

21 Dec 17'

Dave Brearey reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"I've been on a couple of Andy's courses now and have massively enjoyed every minute. Andy has the time, patience and knowledge to explain the techniques and process's of blacksmithing in a way that really allows you to learn and progress. Alongside this you will produce an individual knife you will always be proud of, I know I am. Highly recommend"