Axe Making Weekend

Leonard reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Good fun day at the forge beating a length of iron into something that looks like a knife and then finishing it through the different phases of shaping, hardening, tempering and grinding then the final normalisation and polishing with an edge that can cut the hair on your arm. The sessions were well guided and the instructors were knowledgeable and could talk passionately about the subject. I would recommend this course."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Hi Leonard, Great that you enjoyed your experience with us and sorry I couldn't be there on Saturday to meet you. Regards, Graham Clarke"

Peter Griffiths reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"A great day beating the hell out of a lump of steel which at one stage was bent like a banana and ended up as a straight, shiny, sharp blade. We were expertly guided by Declan and David who made the day most enjoyable."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Hi Peter, So glad you had a great time and sorry I couldn't be there to meet you. Regards, Graham Clarke"

Em reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Mum and Daughter birthday treat. What a great way to spend an autumnal day. Experiencing new skill, meeting new people. Building confidence. The course was fun and really well taught. Forging and making knives... Something way out of our experiences, things you would only see on TV, made real. I recommend this to everyone. Thank you David & Decklan for a brilliant day."

Graeme Brown reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"I can only echo all the good things said about the Knife making experience with Graham, David and Declan. All three are fully prepared to share their knowledge and do so in a fun way which makes the learning easy. Trying something new and the sense of achievement at the end of the day is beyond measure. My thanks to all three of them for a brilliant day I will not forget."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Great that you enjoyed it so much 😊😊😊"

Caleb reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Great experience, ended up with a great knife and had a great time. Instructors were blunt but helpful, and if you want to insist on being unique I'm sure they'd humour you. If you have anything like asthma or hayfever where your throat is a bit more sensitive, might be a good idea to take a mask for the belt grinding portions. Not sure if I got unlucky and got ill after the first day of the course or was down to breathing in dust, can't hurt to have some protection."

Clare reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"I am still excited about how I did and what I achieved with the guidance, help and humour from Graham, David and Deklan. The Clarkes are great teachers and lovely people. The knife and sheath I produced have been shamelessly shown off to everyone I know. I’ll be back. "

Clarke Knives responded:

"We're all looking forward to seeing you again 😊😊😊"

David Graham reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"My son and I did the one day course, and had a brilliant time. The tuition was first class, very patient and knowledgeable. All the knife making stages were done at your own pace, and when you made a mistake, you got to correct it with sympathetic guidance : ) Both of us came away with very functional knifes, but not as fine as Graham’s ! We had such a good time, that the axe making course is on our to do list."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks David and we're all looking forward to seeing you both again."

Chris G reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Great weekend for my son (24) and me doing something very different and, despite not being particularly practical, producing a very decent knife at the end of it. Graham, ably assisted by David and Declan, took us through the processes with humour and some sympathy (or not depending on how stupid I had been at the time!). I would highly recommend the course and many thanks to the Vlakvark team. "

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Chris, It was a good weekend and we also enjoyed your company."

Maria reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"5* experience! This family trio are knowledgeable and entertaining! Their enthusiasm for bladesmithing and practical experience provide you with a wealth of tricks, tips and techniques guiding you to create a wonderful crafted knife and sheath. They are so approachable if you’re struggling, need a helping hand or clarification. This was for my son, and what he has accomplished in two sessions is incredible, the positive feedback on his work boosted his confidence and self esteem. Everyone is definitely taking home a piece they can be proud of! Lovely, really informative sessions with the knowledge of why and how things are done, with brilliant lunch and snacks- totally recommend! "

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks for your comments Maria. Ruben's knife was very good and I'm sure it will serve him well for many years."

Andrew Hobkirk reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"I bought this experience for my wife and I after watching several hundred episodes of Forged in Fire. Well worth it, excellent tuition, facilities and equipment. Many thanks to all the Clarkes for a great weekend. Cheers and see you again soon."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Hi Andy, It was a good weekend and most enjoyable for us too. So glad you both enjoyed the experience and we look forward to seeing you again soon. Regards, Graham Clarke"

Annika reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Fantastic thing to be able to make your own knife. David and Decklan were excellent teachers - giving clear instructions and explaining the process then letting you get on with it but stepping in to help when asked and giving tips. A great 40th birthday present for a friend and we’ve both come away with knives we’ve made ourselves that we can use and keep for years to come."

Clarke Knives responded:

"You both did really well and went home with great knives 😊😊"

Steve Irving reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"I enjoyed the course, from the first introduction to Graham and David right through to leaving with a blade I had forged. I would and have recommended this experience. It was managed in a relaxed way but always in a safe, informed manner. A pleasure to watch and learn from skilled craftsmen."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Steve, it was good to have you with us for the day and hope to see you again 😊😊"

Kerry Anne reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Fantastic course"

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks, we're all glad you enjoyed your time with us"

Ross reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Excellent day, the guys were great very patient and knowledgeable. Throughly enjoyed the day. "

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Ross 😊😊"

Peter Acton reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Had a great day . We spent the day making a b-knife from start to finish. Graham, David and Decklan demonstrated every stage then with their support you did everything with their fantastic Guidance and knowledge . If you want to understand and experience, I would recommend you enrol on this course. Great day thanks guys "

Clarke Knives responded:

"We're all glad we met your expectations 😊😊"

Lee Saunders reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"I had a fantastic 2 days at Vlakvark forge. Graham, David and Decklan are true master craftsmen. They run through everything you will be doing and let you get on with it, but are there for guidance and help if needed. After two days I’ve come away with a great knife I am very proud of. Thank you for a great weekend, I will soon be back."

Clarke Knives responded:

"You did really well this weekend Lee and we all look forward to your next visit."