IAStudios reviews

Andy W reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day (4hrs)

"This is without doubt one of the most enjoyable, informative and interesting activities I have ever done. Dan is a fantastic instructor. Someone who has that rare ability to be able to transfer his wealth of knowledge and blacksmithing ability and deliver it in a way that is easy to understand and act on yourself. Dan made it so even a complete novice to blacksmithing like myself felt confident and had real self belief in forging on the day. Dan was always available to answer any question I had, be that about forging in general, things about the day itself and everything in between. I was so chuffed with the fire poker in particular that we forged. I would never have envisaged myself being able to make something like it and make it look so good. A testament to the quality of Dan as a teacher and his guidance. I cannot shout loudly enough about this course and about Dan as an instructor. It really ticks all the boxes of what a great experience activity is. I recommend it to everyone and will definitely be back for more myself in the near future."

Taran Dryden-Furneaux reviewed: 2 Day Damascus knife Making Course

"Thank you Dan and Elliot. The 2 day Damascus steel knife making workshop was fantastic. I began the knife making workshop with no previous experience in blacksmithing and was deftly guided through the process by Elliot, who was happy to answer all my questions about process and method, also a few about smelting and the origins of Damascus steel. It's hard work, but worth it. Chefs kiss good. "

Rose London reviewed: Introduction to Blacksmithing 2 Day

"Really enjoyed the two day course here, I will definitely be back ! - I had so much fun and learnt so much in a short space of time. Dan is a really good teacher and even though I have really no experience of blacksmithing he helped me along a lot and I'm so proud of what I made, especially the rose! It's nice as well that I reckon I could get myself going at a forge myself if i wanted to to improve my skills in my own time :-) "

Camille reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day (4hrs)

"An amazing workshop for those that want to try out some blacksmithing! Dan is a very skilled tutor who gives very clear and helpful instructions, but also really lets his students do the learning themselves. I had a great time and left with a very nice object that I can be proud of! The new forge is also a beautiful space to learn in."

Atholl reviewed: 2 Day Damascus knife Making Course

"Great couple of days with Dan and Elliot, really hard work, you make the billet and then the knife, lots of blisters and aches and pain, but really worth it for the end result. Never mind the actual knife making we had a great time just chatting. Lovely cafe just up the road. Can't reccomened it highly enough. My son will certainly never forget his 18th birthday and has a stunning knife for his life of cooking."

Howard Jones reviewed: 2 Day Axe Making Course

"Brilliant 2 days making an axe, excellent tuition and new workshop is really good and airy with plenty of space to work. New forges are easy to use too. Really friendly way to spend a weekend for me. "

Jo reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day (4hrs)

"Really helpful, patient and enjoyable course. I wasn’t too good at it but Elliot was patient and encouraging. My partner was much better and had a good go, showing him different techniques. Would highly recommend for all and you don’t need to be superb at it to have fun. Thank you ☺️ "

Kevin reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day (4hrs)

"Highly recommend this course. Really enjoyed it. Dan is a great instructor and gave us a great experience. Within 15 mins of the start we were making a fire in the forge, bashing metal, learning the art of blacksmithing and having fun! Terrific. Very pleased with the fire poker that I made and came away with a huge appreciation of the skill involved in blacksmithing. A perfect 4 hour introduction to the craft. "

IAStudios responded:

"Thank you Kevin, Honestly It was a pleasure to have you along for the course and I hope to see you again. "

Kati reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day (4hrs)

"What an experience! I hadn't done anything like this before, so wasn't quite sure what to expect, but Dan, with a great mix of patience, humour, helpfulness and explanations, was able to turn this into one of the easily most enjoyable new experiences I've had so far. Not only did he strive to get the best out of all of us and create a real sense of achievement, but he ensured that we all left with one pretty and functional item, and one decorative one for the fun of it. It's been educational, useful and entertaining, and I cannot wait to book onto the next course."

IAStudios responded:

"Hi Kati, It was a pleasure to have you and I really pleased you enjoyed yourself. Thank you so much for attending and you kind review. it was a great course. "

Robert Lonsdale reviewed: 2 Day Axe Making Course

"What an extraordinary couple of days. Probably the most rewarding course I've ever done. You are guided through the entire process of making an axe - from start to finish. First watching your tutor, and then following their demonstration with your own piece of metal. This is so ordinary course, it's hard but really exhilarating work and I left feeling as though I completely understood the process. Elliott was a superb teacher and reckon. I now have a fantastic axe that I made myself - I've already put it to work and it's way better than my old B&Q axe - and best of all - I made it! "

IAStudios responded:

"Thanks You Rob, It was great to have you, Elliott and myself are so stocked that you enjoyed the course and got so much out of it. ps we have your hoodie and need an address to send it please. "

Jan F reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day (4hrs)

"Blacksmithing is fascinating and great fun to do. Dan is a brilliant teacher. He's really knowledgeable and patient, and explains each step well. With his help, I came away with things that I never thought that I could make myself......I'm now hooked and have booked on more blacksmithing days with Dan."

IAStudios responded:

"Hi Jan, It's a pleasure to have meet you and I really enjoyed our course together. It's a great boon to work with students that get the bug. I look forward to seeing you again soon. "

Tracey Hart reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day (4hrs)

"I wasn’t sure this was for me, my husband brought it as a birthday gift. I think more for himself than for me. I have to say, I absolutely loved it. We are both booking on to the knife course."

Mike Woodward reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day (4hrs)

"Had a great day, Dan knows his stuff and was really patient with us. Thinking of signing up for the 2 day event now I have the bug. Would definitely recommend 👍"

David McCann reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day (4hrs)

"I was bought my place on the blacksmithing course as a birthday present. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, not knowing what to expect. Dan was a great teacher, explaining each step well and guiding us through our own efforts. It was great to come away with something I’ve made with my own hands and an appreciation of the skill involved in blacksmithing."

Anna Golding reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day (4hrs)

"Had a great morning with Dan - before the course Dan talked us through health and safety which was brilliant bearing in mind we were going to be working with extremely hot coker. During the course a guy called Eliot joined us I think he was there to assist Dan with showing us what to do, they took their time in showing you how to do things and helped if you got stuck. I was extremely busy with what I had accomplished and would definitely like to go back again. I was a bit apprehensive when my husband bought me the course but I was pleased I did it because I had a great time with the guys. Dan also makes a mean cup of tea."

Wendy Pitman reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day (4hrs)

"Last Saturday I attended the 1/2 day Blacksmith Course, which was bought for me by my husband. What an amazing experience. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Dan is an amazing instructor with incredible patience and with his help I was able to make something to take home. Also a shout out to the Welsh cakes and coffee, much appreciated. Would recommend this course. "

Penny reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day (4hrs)

"We had a great morning on this course, from coffee and Welsh cakes through to producing our letter openers. Dan was a great instructor, letting us learn from our mistakes but making sure that we had something to go home with. A really fun morning. Would definitely recommend 👌. "

IAStudios responded:

"It was so great to meet you and Neil and I'm so happy that you both enjoyed yourself. It was a great morning and everyone did so well. Thank you for joining us and we hope to see you again. "

Nicky Derrick reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day (4hrs)

"What a fantastic morning!! Elliot gave clear instructions and guidance throughout the morning. I found the whole process fascinating and learnt so much about black smithing. I got to choose what to make and I'm now the proud owner of a beautiful cheese knife. I whole heartedly recommend this course if you are creative and would like to try something new. "

IAStudios responded:

"Thank you Nicky. I'm so happy you enjoyed the course and would recommend the class to others. Hopefully we might see you in the future on one of our other course. "

Ben O’Leary reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day (4hrs)

"My day at the forge with Elliot was a fun way to get introduced to blacksmithing. Elliot gave clear instructions and demonstrations and was there to guide me throughout. I’m really pleased with the knife that I made and recommend you give this class a go."