Hot Metal Works reviews

11 Dec 18'

Dennis Kenny reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"An excellent day as a "Blacksmith", which had always been an ambition of mine to try, but I never had the courage until my wife gave me a birthday present of this days experience. Neil is a great teacher with an ability to get the most out of people. He is patient, encouraging, skillful and very supportive. Cannot recommend the day highly enough."

26 Nov 18'

mathew Gurunlian reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"I had a really great day blacksmithing with Neil. He was a great instructor and informative about techniques used as well as the blacksmithing process. Anyone looking to try blacksmithing should definitely look into doing this course."

20 Oct 18'

Alan Phillips reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"Neil is a patient and very capable instructor and the day was very enjoyable. There was a lot of one to one time because Neil takes a max of 2 trainees on the day. If I had access to a forge near my home I would certainly want to do this more often - it's extremely rewarding."

22 Jul 18'

Dasha reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"Had a really wonderful day of blacksmithing - it's been a dream of mine for years to try it out and I finally did (and all my friends were really jealous)! Neil is a wonderful teacher and very patient, and knows exactly when to step in/give close guidance and when to take a step back so you really feel like you're learning (look! I did this bit all by myself!). We made 2 beautiful pieces (a coat hook and a poker) and I'm so proud of them - I can see the imperfections, sure, but at the end of they day they're something that I created with my own two hands, which is something that I really value. Only thing I would say is that it's VERY warm work and I picked a midsummer day to go... bring clothes you don't mind sweating in! (That is obviously the nature of standing near a forge all day though, so I probably should've figured!) Thanks for the wonderful experience Neil - I'd do it again in a heartbeat (and bring all my friends)."

27 May 18'

Angela Akroyd reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"I had seen a working blacksmith with my kids and knew I wanted to try... I found Hot Metal Works via an internet search and got in touch with Neil to arrange my one day course. The day was truly amazing. I learnt so many skills hammering, tapering and quenching the metal. I managed to produce two items under Neil's instructions. He was a great teacher and so knowledgable. The day was well structured and informative. Making something out of metal from scratch was an absolute joy. I recommend this course to all!"

20 May 18'

Steven Baldwin reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"Had a great time at Hot Metal Works - Neil certainly knows his craft, and his teaching was easy to grasp and I left extremely proud of my fire poker. Would recommend to anyone looking to try metalworking and making something substantial with their own hands."

26 Feb 18'

Keith Simmonds reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"Had a great day at the forge. Neil was helpful and patient, going at our pace, offering encouragement and advice and helping us to understand how to work hot metal. I never knew I would be so proud of a poker! I would recommend this to anyone."

25 Feb 18'

Miles reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"Absolutely fantastic day, Neil has a real passion for blacksmithing and this came across in the way he instructs, really teaching you how to work the metal rather than make work of it. I never knew that hitting hot metal with a hammer would be so rewarding, but I’m very proud of the pieces I have produced, I just need a fire now to stoke with my poker."

27 Nov 17'

Llewellyn John reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"Had a really interesting day with Neil and ended up with a poker and coat hook to boot!"

18 Nov 17'

Richard Potts reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"I had an excellent day on the forge experience , Neil was a great tutor and made the day fun and informative. I learnt so much one day. Highly recommend this course to get an insight into an ancient craft. Richard Potts"

26 Oct 17'

Ray Edwards reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"Unique experience to learn an ancient craft. Great day with Neil the blacksmith, who helped me produce pieces to be proud of."

31 Aug 17'

Amanda reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"I cannot recommend this fantastic experience more highly. We had so much fun learning the basics of blacksmithing from Neil who was friendly, encouraging, helpful, knowledgeable and patient! We love the pieces we made and look forward to planning a return trip!"

6 May 17'

Gavin Pike reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"What an awesome day ... loved every minute of it! Neil was instructive and hands on all day whilst giving us plenty of time and space to learn and experience the craft of the blacksmith! We made some great pieces and will go back to learn more!"

1 Feb 16'

Jason reviewed: Blacksmith experience day in Tilford, Surrey

"I had a really fun time with Neil. He's a friendly, knowledgeable blacksmith. Neil is easygoing and helpful; he was fine going at my pace. It's a bit pricey, but worth it for a nice day out, using your hands, making something interesting and useful."