Martin Damen - Maker of Hand-carved Spoons & Bowls reviews

15 Oct 19'

Emma reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"I would highly recommend this fantastic course to anyone interested in spoon carving. Martin’s tuition was clear, thorough and methodical, providing a comprehensive introduction to the craft with an emphasis on safety. After expertly demonstrating each technique, he described the required holds and movements in a way that was simple to understand. He was both patient and approachable, encouraging us to ask questions as we went along. The small group size of 4 students meant that we were closely supervised and Martin was on hand to offer extra help if and when it was needed. By the end of the weekend, we had covered lots of useful topics including sourcing, selection and storage of wood, tool options to suit a range of budgets, finishing techniques and tool maintenance, plus we were given detailed course notes to remind us of what we had learnt, so we came away well equipped to continue practising our newly acquired skills. Most importantly, the course was great fun. Martin made us all feel at home and his delicious homemade lunches definitely deserve a mention!"

30 Sep 19'

Sue B reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"I did Martin's one-day Whittling course a while ago and have just completed the one-day Spoon Carving course. Both were truly superb. Martin is thorough in presenting all the information you need, from understanding which types of wood are best for carving, to picking a knife and how to keep it (and your axe) sharp. But, even more importantly, Martin is a great teacher who creates a friendly, relaxed and fun atmosphere. The cabin-style workshop where he teaches small groups is ideal for tuition and well-equipped—and caters to all abilities. Plus the lunches are home-made and delicious. It's a great way to spend a day, whether or not you decide wood-carving is for you."

12 Sep 19'

Ron Eden reviewed: Whittling course

"The whittling course was held in a little cottage in the pretty Village of Great Barton. And it had the envy of all men - a man shed/studio. Martin greeted the four of us with coffee and tea and a display of handmade spoons, his speciality, plus a collection of completed whittling projects to inspire us to bigger things. The morning started with a display of the knives available to a Whittler. He also demonstrated the do’s and don’ts when handling knives. Each equipped with a very sharp knife and a sack full of one-inch diameter hazel sticks we then practiced several knife and material hold techniques to achieve the bulk removal of material, pairing, controlled chest cuts and thumb pairing. Recognising the safety aspects of each and the avoidance self-induced wounds. Our morning project was to make a butter knife. This was performed in stages with Martin starting to create this item, we then followed stage by stage using the holds we had been shown. With four people in the class it was possible for Martin to give individual advice and encouragement as the project progressed. A lunch of soup and Martin’s home-made bread was consumed swift and lively. The afternoon session started with the talk on the type of wood that could be used for whittling and where it can be found. We then proceeded to project number two, a fork, with more confidence. Martin has a very relaxed way in imparting information and very inspiring with his skills. The day was wound up with a demonstration of sharpening a Mora 120 knife. Where did the day go? Very enjoyable, I thoroughly recommend this course. I have spent the last couple of days reworking each project piece so that they now resemble what they were supposed to be and loved every minute."

10 Sep 19'

Richard Cummins reviewed: Whittling course

"A great beginner course that teaches you the health and safety aspects of handling really sharp knives, this is so important plus sharpening your tools. Also wood types and where to sustainably source the materials, you then finish with a few projects that will impress your friends. Add a great homemade lunch, and an excellent day was had by all."

9 Sep 19'

Angela Gumbley reviewed: Whittling course

"Had a fantastic day. Have dabbled with whittling a bit in the past, but as a Guide leader, wanted to gain some additional skills to enable Guides to have a go more safely and to give them some further ideas. This course was perfect, teaching us about different knife options, a variety of skills and a good selection of projects to take home - a carefully selected choice of projects giving us the skills to apply to further projects. Martin was really helpful, and a small group of 4 enables us to get the most from his tuition. Course was perfectly pitched for my requirements. Lovely lunch and beautiful location and view across the Cherwell Valley made the day. Thank you Martin, can’t wait to get my knife out."

23 Apr 19'

Paul reviewed: Spoon Carving (An Introduction)

"An excellent course! Great workshop, perfect pace, easy to understand guidance and advice."

9 Apr 19'

Lib J reviewed: Whittling course

"Spent a great day learning the basics of whittling. The course is well paced and very informative. We learnt about wood selection which was really helpful, as was the lesson on sharpening. The group was small - only 4 of us, which meant Martin could correct our technique as we went along and he was always on hand to help. An added bonus was a delicious homemade lunch! All in all, we were made to feel very welcome and Martin teaches in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. We learnt a lot during the day and will hopefully be returning at some point for the spoon carving lessons."

8 Apr 19'

Will Organ reviewed: Whittling course

"Just attended Martin’s Whittling and knife skills course which was brilliant. Just 4 of us so we all had a good amount of Martin’s time and he steered the activities so that we all got something out of it even though we were naturally at different levels of existing experience. The chatting as we worked brought out a lot of useful information about wood and how to work with it. I particularly benefited from seeing knives he used (and have bought one of these from a website he recommended as it is better than the one’s I have battled with at home). The instruction on sharpening was good - it is something I have not been able to get write before. Well worth the money"

5 Dec 18'

Richard M reviewed: Whittling course

"Spent an excellent day with Martin learning the basics of whittling and I can not recommend him enough. His courses are well structured, full of useful information and just at the right pace. I would certainly consider attending another course!"

30 Oct 18'

Guy Preston reviewed: Whittling course

"Martin is a fantastic teacher and my friend and I had a great time on the course. The projects were interesting and Martin recommended a number of resources for finding future projects to make. Highly recommended course."

29 Oct 18'

Peter Threadgold reviewed: Whittling course

"Having been given a gift voucher for this course, I found it both informative and excellent practice. Martin's instruction was clear and concise, covering safety, knife selection & sharpening and basic knife technique with a good choice of practice projects using these skills. a very good introduction to the craft of whittling"

27 Aug 18'

John Doré reviewed: Whittling course

"Martin covered all of the skills and techniques needed to begin whittling and produce a couple of pieces to take home. The course covers health and safety, recommendations and advice on knife selection, knife sharpening and of course, you get to make things! Martin is very encouraging and helpful, offering lots of advice to the beginner and the day was fun, informative and relaxing. He also provides a lovely (home made) lunch and plenty of tea, coffee etc. A fantastic day with a really nice bloke!"

23 Aug 18'

Maggie King reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"Having carved a number of wooden spoons over the last year I opted for one day of private tuition which Martin tailored to my knowledge and experience with great tact. The pleasure of learning from such a professional craftsman and teacher was wonderful, taking me through safety, choosing and using wood, to different and new techniques of tool use, and sharpening, throughout sharing his wisdom patiently for a whole day. This was everything I had hoped for and more, expanding my knowledge and leaving me as excited as ever over creating something both beautiful, traditional and useful."

30 Jul 18'

Ian reviewed: Whittling course

"I was given a voucher for a whittling course as a birthday present and what a find it was managing to get on Martins course. The day was filled with helpful information, advice and hands on whittling, it was great to have something made by your own hands to take home. I would thoroughly recommend this course and tutor to anyone interested in learning a wood craft. Got the bug now and also moving on to spoon making soon."

30 Jul 18'

simon graveling reviewed: Whittling course

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day with Martin. His skills, lifestyle and traditional values are a tonic to what usually fills my mind. When I got back I told my wife that was the best present she ever bought for me – and meant it. I waited a while for my own knife to be delivered by the supplier, but since it did I have enjoyed focusing on the world in my hand instead of the world out there. Highly therapeutic. Getting started is the tough thing with anything new, but I have to say this is a pleasure so far."

30 Jul 18'

Karen Hayhoe reviewed: Whittling course

"I have long been interested in traditional crafts and enjoy trying new workshops in the hope of one day finding something I can be good at! This course was given as a birthday present from my family and I was very excited at the prospect of bringing home something I had made myself at the end of the day. There were only four of us on the course, which meant Martin could give us all the attention we needed, both to keep us safe from sharp tools and to guide us in the craft. He is a very patient tutor and a very knowledgeable woodman. He also serves a delicious homemade lunch (eaten with his own carved spoons!)! Martin was generous with both his hospitality and his tuition and I had such a creatively fun day! I would definitely recommend this course and hope to return to do the spoon carving, Thank you Martin."

25 Jun 18'

Tom McGrath reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"What can I say that hasn't been said by just about everyone rating this course? Absolutely fantastic. You know the old saying--'those that can, do; those that can't, teach'. In this case you couldn't be further from the truth. I've taken the basic whittling course from Martin a few months ago and was very impressed with his teaching style. With the Spoon Whittling weekend I was impressed even more. More advanced knife work as well as hand axe work (that I was interested in, in particular) that as always starts with safety and good technique. But what impressed me the most was the clear progression of techniques that build upon previously taught and practiced ones. I feel much more comfortable in tackling my own spoons now, although it may take a few decades of practice to even approach the beauty of what Martin has already done! I won't even go into his home-made lunches--but if asking for (and receiving) copies of his recipes is any indication... If you want to spend 2 days learning a lot, enjoying the company of fellow whittlers, having a Master Class with a warm, humorous teacher, and ending both days with a smile plastered on your face, you can't go far wrong with this course."

15 Jun 18'

Gareth reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"This is an exceptional course, delivered in a beautiful, calm, setting that really highlight Martin's excellent teaching skills. His breadth of experience was evident throughout the course and really enabled him to capture some of the general principles of working with green wood, in just a few simple lessons. Martin was also more than happy to adapt his delicious catering for my dietary requirements. Came away excited, enthused and not a little surprised I'd actually managed to carve something that looks vaguely like a spoon!"

19 Apr 18'

Philip Turner reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"A truly wonderful course with an exceptional teacher. The setup was perfect and Martin was amazing at sharing his knowledge to the group. I look forward to doing more courses with him in the future."

9 Apr 18'

Tom McGrath reviewed: Whittling course

"Was given a voucher for the course as an anniversary present from my wife, and had the best day ever! Martin's teaching style is excellent--beginning with safety, on to techniques, with discussions of wood choice, sharpening and style, all done with warmth and humour and under the watchful eye of a master craftsman. I would recommend this course to anyone who has the slightest inkling to take up whittling. I enjoyed this day with 3 other friendly gents on the course, and the lunch was fabulous. Well Done Martin! See you in a couple of months for the spoon carving weekend."

4 Apr 18'

Roy Ingamells reviewed: Whittling course

"Saturday 31st of March. A significant day in my life!!! I attended a whittling course with Martin Damen; if you want to whittle he's your man. Inspired instruction, your every action is observed, monitored, and corrected as needed to achieve your personal skill. No matter what your level of competence now, at the end of the day you will be inspired to pick up a knife and WHITTLE!! The lunch is good too."

27 Nov 17'

Alex Ferguson reviewed: Spoon carving (Two Day)

"I cannot recommend this course highly enough. Martin is a fantastic host and teacher who is always willing to work one on one and provide patient advice to coach you though the wonderful craft of spoon carving. With the small group size the sessions feel intimate and relaxed which allows everyone to get a grasp of the fundamentals. If you are considering learning a traditional craft this course covers everything you need to get started, in a warm and welcoming environment. The home cooked lunch is also fantastic!"

26 Nov 17'

Richard Philp reviewed: Whittling course

"A fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable day. Martin's relaxed teaching was a joy and I can now confidently tackle more projects. The Spoon Carving course has been added to my birthday list and I shall tackle the clearing of my shed with renewed enthusiasm so I can have my very own whittling corner."

26 Nov 17'

Hannah reviewed: Whittling course

"Fantastic day. Lots packed in to the day but it is well structured with great tuition and a small group so plenty of individual attention. We finished the day with a great sense of accomplishment and with the basic skills to practice at home and continue improving. Hospitality equalled the teaching with fabulous homemade lunch. Highly recommended."

27 Sep 17'

Gabrielle reviewed: Whittling course

"This is such a brilliant course, I can't recommend it enough. Wood whittling is something I've always wanted to try and as a total beginner I was quite nervous. Martin is such a brilliant (and patient!) teacher and by the end of the day I couldn't believe what he'd helped us create. Being in a small group is so useful as you get lots of one-on-one time with Martin. I left feeling so positive and ready to try some new projects. I'll definitely be booking again in the new year to progress my skills even further! Thanks so much again Martin, it was just brilliant."