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I had the absolutely pleasure of spending the day with Steve and making a knife under his expert tutoring.
Steve has an encyclopaedic knowledge of bladesmithing and is a thoroughly good chap to boot. The day was both exhilarating and fun but also a rich grounding in the basics of forging a knife.
I would heartily and without reservation recommend this course to anyone!
Response from White Tiger Knives:
Hi ChrisThis was my second course with Steve, and he was right in what he said replying to a previous review... it's addictive.
This time, Steve introduced me to a different method of blade-smithing and we designed and made a fabulous tanto style knife, including a hamon, which Steve hadn't tried before on a 1 day course.
Although trying to get it all fitted into one day was extremely tight as this wasn't a typical one day project, Steve didn't let any of the pressure show and took the time to explain the techniques we were using and with his guidance, we ended up with a scarily sharp, beautiful unique design, with a gorgeous willow and cord wrapped handle that suited the style perfectly.
By the end of the day, Steve and I were already plotting the next project for my next visit !
Response from White Tiger Knives:
Hi Chris2 day chef's knife course.
Was given the option of three shapes : Chef's knife, Santoku (my choice) or Nakiri.
Started from pre-cut blanks which made the actual forging quicker than expected (hour or so).
Although Stephen did a few parts (quenching, handle fitting, final sharpening) all the creative choices were mine. Those included choosing shape, patterning, polished or not, wood for handle and shape of handle. I get he did the mentioned parts to give me the best result, although I would have liked to do the quench.
1st Day - forging knife shape, grinding, quenching
2nd Day - making the handle, sharpening
Well enjoyed 2 days, very proud of my knife.
(Also given a nice carrying pouch to take it home)
Response from White Tiger Knives:
Hi DafyddIncredibly fun, insightful and detailed presentation. Steve is a career metal worker with true passion for the craft of bladesmithing. Be fussy, ask questions, or just chill and enjoy the ride. Either way, you'll end up with the knife of your dreams. Day 1 metal. Day 2 wood. In between go out for a beer, food and stay local, plenty of choice.
Rugged beauty. Cheers mate. Tom & Graeme
Response from White Tiger Knives:
Hi TomAn absolutely amazing experience, was super enjoyable and Steve is very supportive and helpful. You can tell he is very knowledgeable and truly loves the craft. I love the knife I made, would highly recommend! Thanks again Steve!
Response from White Tiger Knives:
Hi JoshI was put in touch with Steve as I needed assistance with a project I was undertaking. He was so helpful and spent so much time helping me I decided to take one of his courses . The experience was excellent...his knowledge of knife-making and the processes involved are encyclopaedic, moreover, the way in which he explains things and if necessary demonstrates them made the day a pleasure. I ended it with a knife I couldn't be more proud of.
Thanks Steve!!
Response from White Tiger Knives:
Hi PeterJust finished my knife making day with Stephen! Such a fantastic experience, absolutely blown away by the knife I made. Stephen's knowledge, step by step explanation and demonstration was fantastic! Absolute top bloke! Looking forward to doing the two day chef's knife course! Many thanks, Chris Fox
Response from White Tiger Knives:
Hi ChrisHi Steve,
Thanks for a great 2 days forging and knife making 👍
Top stuff, great teaching, chilled atmosphere, great environment for learning and good company 👍
Steve definitely knows his stuff which makes the course so interesting.
All in all a great 2 days and money well spent 👍
Response from White Tiger Knives:
Hi GrahamWe did the one day course and made knives. Can’t recommend this course enough. Steve is a great guy. Approachable and knowledgeable, he made us feel welcome and comfortable during the day. As novices we were outside our comfort zone but thoroughly enjoyed the course. We gained lots of new skills and had a broad overview of what it takes to be a blacksmith. I can’t wait to expand on the skills and start a new hobby.
Great value for money!
Response from White Tiger Knives:
Hi LukeMe and my husband went and did the 1 day course and made our own hunting knives. Steve was a great teacher, made us feel very comfortable and always made time to explain each step and share his knowledge with us. We had an excellent day and were really happy with the overall experience and the knives we brought home (which were razor sharp). I would highly recommend this course to anyone and loved the fact there were only the two of us which made it much more personal and meant we both got the attention we needed through each step. Thank you for a wonderful day Steve and thanks for being patient and encouraging the whole way through.
Response from White Tiger Knives:
Hi AmyAbsolutely amazing man !! With a world of experience !! Great teacher with every detail covered. I have made a knife I am so proud of and there is not one like it in the world !!. Thanks Steve for your patience and kindness .
Response from White Tiger Knives:
Hi GordyHad a really great day with Steve, from start to finish made me feel very welcome, was a great experience learning the basic process of forging a knife, was very clear on each instruction and at the end made a knife to be proud of.
Once again thanks for a great day, Steve!!
I recently did a one day course with Steve who demonstrated his love, incredible knowledge, craftsmanship, patience and teaching skill on all aspects of knife making.
Steve's a great guy with an easy going personality and an inspiring nature.
The whole day was brilliant with Steve providing support and advice throughout enabling me to take home the "sharpest knife ever seen in my household".
Steve's love for his craft is infectious and has left me itching to see what could be achieved with more of his inspiring tuition - maybe a 2 day course once the world recovers from covid 19.
Great day, great bloke - a 5* experience.
Response from White Tiger Knives:
Good morning GrahamWhat a great day!
Turned up made to feel at ease and comfortable straight away.
Steve was a great teacher, guiding and mentoring throughout the day, and I made a knife that I'm proud of.
+ there was loads of cups of tea so an added bonus.
But all together I would give this 5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it to anyone that would listen.
Response from White Tiger Knives:
Hi MikeI had a great day with Steve and learnt a huge amount. Steve is a very friendly guy and a great teacher with a lot of patience and an easy way of explaining things. He explains each step of the process as you go through it and provides help and guidance as you create your own knife from a simple piece of steel. Although there is a pattern to guide you towards the type of knife capable of being made in the day, Steve is flexible and creative enough to allow variations and developments on the theme as the knife develops it's own characteristics. With Steve's expert assistance, I left after a very enjoyable day with with a bespoke custom knife that I love and am looking forward to putting to use. Be warned it's addictive !!
Response from White Tiger Knives:
Hi ChrisI took part in a one day bladesmithing course, and what a day it was. Steve is a down to earth bloke with a great sense of humour. I had such a good day in the workshop, and to top it off came home with my new pride and joy. It is remarkable how with some expert tuition a scrap bit of spring steel can be transformed so positively. I really want to get back to forging some time soon.
P.S. Be warned Steve, I may be after some scraps from your R&D bin so I can give it a go at home.
Response from White Tiger Knives:
Hi PaulExcellent course with an excellent teacher, Steve was patient, knowledgeable and enthusiastic throughout. It's clear Steve has a passion for bladesmithing and is more than happy to share his knowledge and his ‘man shed’. I’d highly recommend, and was great to finish a course with something I can proudly show people whilst warning them not to touch as it’s ‘freaking’ sharp!
Response from White Tiger Knives:
Hi PaulBought as a gift for me. I was looking forward to the course but it exceeded my expectations.
I did the two day chef's knife course and the level of knowledge and skill imparted by Steve as he takes you through the blade and handle construction are fantastic. You get a real chance to be hands on and be involved in the creation of a unique piece.
I would add the same as other reviews, Steve is an excellent and patient teacher and the workshop atmosphere is relaxed but focused.
It is definitely something that I will be doing again, and has definitely given me food for thought for other blades.
Thanks again!
Response from White Tiger Knives:
Good morning MarkI went for my one day knife making course today and can’t express enough thanks to Steve for making the day so great.
He is just so massively knowledgable and passionate about what he does. This is shown through how much care and effort he puts into every aspect of the day.
I’m so happy I made the trip down and now have a one of a kind blade to show for it.
I will 100% be booking in another course this year and look forward to having another opportunity to make an amazing knife.
Thank you Steve, you are master of your craft.
Response from White Tiger Knives:
Hi GeorgeHaving previously meet Steve on another course, I was desperate to travel to Southampton and work with him again. What can be said, he is a true craftsman and professional.
The two days went by extremely quickly, the course was first and foremost enjoyable, the instruction was professional and kept at a pace that I could follow and produce something I am extremely proud to say I made. His eye for detail helps you make a blade that will hold its own against anything you can buy in the shops.
If you are thinking about doing a course I can't recommend Steve highly enough, I will be back again to make another blade.
Thanks,
Mark
Response from White Tiger Knives:
Hi Mark