Aardvark Blacksmithing reviews

Zak Ferguson-Young reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"I had a great day learning the basics of blacksmithing with Rudi. I made a small keychain which my wife loves and a knife that whilst slightly imperfect I'll treasure forever. Great instruction throughout the day helping me to create pieces I'm proud of. Would definitely recommend this course."

Josh and Bel reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"Fantastic all day course with the Blacksmith Rudi. Me and my wife made coat hangers key chains and even a whole knife! We learned the different stages that iron and steel go through, how to hammer and heat steel correctly, and how to temper and finish it. Special mention to the wonderful dog Rico who supported us the entire day!"

Daniel Hawkes reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"The one day blacksmith course with Rudi was exceptional. Rudi taught me the fundamental skills of blacksmithing and I was able to forge three items in the day course. I highly recommend the course to anyone who is interested in blacksmithing. "

Aardvark Blacksmithing responded:

"Hi Dan thank you for your review. It was a pleasure working with you and I think all the items turned out well. Cheers, Rudi "

Steven Culleton reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"What a fabulous experience. So far out of my comfort zone when I arrived. But Rudi eased me in and showed such expertise and patience I loved every minute. Rudi has such a lovely demeanour explaining everything and effortlessly boosted your confidence. Great day…. Thanks again Rudi."

Owen reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"I had a great time and learnt a lot. Rudi was super patient while I got to grips with working the metal and plenty of tips to help me create a piece I was satisfied with. I would definitely recommend this experience to others."

Gary wilson reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"Really enjoyed the day and would recommend. Learnt a lot, made more than I was expecting before the course. "

Peta reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"My husband and I had a fantastic day with Rudi. It was so much fun to learn blacksmithing techniques and to make something we could take home. I had a bit of marble worktop lying around which I wanted to turn into a plantpot stand and Rudi helped me come up with a brilliant design and while I attempted the legs, he kindly made a frame for them and welded it all together at the end. My husband made a manly marshmallow toaster and also had a fabulous day. Rudi is exceptionally patient, helpful, kind, friendly, enthusiastic and a great artist. We had a lovely day and I have been recommending this course to everyone I've spoken to. :-) If we ever decide we want a ironwork object for our house in future, we would definitely see if we could go back and make it together with Rudi (if he would have us!) :-). "

Lindsay Taylor reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"What a brilliant day!! We tasked Rudi with helping us create a piece for the wall above our fireplace. He helped us through the design stage through the forging and shaping of the materials and finally even let us do some welding! We ended up with a really bit of beautiful art deco inspired artwork! Thanks Rudi!"

Mix reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"My friend and I had an amazing time with Rudi. He’s such a pleasant and patient teacher. Really laid back and encouraging. The forge is a basic and functional workshop full, basic but full of character and charm, you must look around his collection of his own sculptures and metallic keepsakes. We had an excellent time with Rudi and highly recommend a trip. "

J reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"Throughly recommend. Rudi was a great teacher and and the course was a lovely way to spend a day. Thank you."

Jenny reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"This was a 15th birthday present for my son. Rudi was very welcoming and my son was soon heating a metal bar in the forge to make a fire poker, which he got done for lunch time. After lunch, Rudi worked with him to make a rustic knife and while the knife was cooling before the final stage of the process, he had time to make an S hook. All items turned out amazing. My son thoroughly enjoyed the day and was proud to show off what he had made to family. We can 100% recommend this course with Rudi ."

Miriam reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"I bought this workshop as a gift for my husband and he had an amazing day. Rudi is a lovely person as well as a patient, brilliant teacher and my other half was so happy with the items he made. He came home with beautiful things, a few blisters and a big smile! A perfect day! Thank you 😊"

Aardvark Blacksmithing responded:

"Hi Miriam really pleased he enjoyed the day and was great working with him on the ankh candle holder .. I’ve never made an ankh befor and though simple in appearance it is quite a tricky form to forge but I think it turned out well .. anyway it was a pleasure meeting him and teaching .. and think he had a good eye for working the metal at the forge and anvil Many thanks for the review Rudi "

Ian Seddon reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"Had an amazing day with Rudi, great coach and trainer with a wealth of knowledge. Made a rake for the wood stove and a garden spike with ornamental head. Would strongly recommend this course. Thanks Rudi for a brilliant day."

Aardvark Blacksmithing responded:

"Hi Ian thank you for the review It was an interesting day and enjoyed meeting , working with you , and your enthusiasm and think the things you made turned out really well and hope you have found a place in the garden that the garden ornament goes Many thanks Rudi "

Rohan reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"A fantastic day with Rudi learning the craft of blacksmithing. Would definitely recommend."

Aardvark Blacksmithing responded:

"Ehh up Rohan enjoyed teaching you and hope you get the forge up and running and hope those hooks work well . If you need any advise on putting together the forge just let me know Thank you for your review Rudi "

Lee reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"What a fantastic day! Rudi is a lovely personable guy who (obviously) really knows his stuff and is very talented (you just have to see the work he has made in his workshop to see that). He takes his time and explains the whole process in a very understandable way, particularly for me who had no prior experience. I made a fire poker, knife and key fob. Rudi demonstrates the process and then allows you to copy and create your own pieces. It's hard work work but thoroughly enjoyable, I'd highly recommend this experience...... be prepared to get your hands dirty!! "

Aiden Morley reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"Absolutely great experience. Rudi is a very nice guy and very knowledgeable. Thoroughly enjoyed the course and making the bits I did. Would highly recommend. "

Aardvark Blacksmithing responded:

"Thank you Ben it was a pleasure teaching you and you picked things up fast and had a good eye for making things . Hope all goes well in the future .. and hope you have found a place to put the hook .. and been able to sharpen the knife a bit more .. knives can take some time to make and sharpening takes time as well Anyway all the best and thank you for the review Rudi "

Rob Smith reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"What a great guy Rudi is, extremely friendly with a gentle manner, just right for teaching this. From first going in to his workshop all bright eyed and feeling slightly nervous you’re soon heating metals, controlling the fire and bashing the iron into something….anything in fact, you choose and it’s probably very possible whatever you can think of (within limits of course). I knocked up a couple of rustic hooks and then worked on a herb chopping blade…..this one was a long process so I have to go back to finish it off. I also bashed out a snail key ring. All in all I had a great day and I was extremely fortunate that it was just me on the course, one to one. I was comfortably tired at the end of the day, physically and mentally, but came away very satisfied. And not to forget the tea and biscuits throughout! Many thanks to Rudi for this. "

Dr. Steve Taylor reviewed: Day classes in traditional blacksmithing ... make an item to take away

"Myself, my wife and our friend (all of us in our sixties) attended the class and had a fantastic day. I made a nail, a knife and a key fob, and the ladies each made a nail, a hook and a pendant/key fob. Rudi is very personable, experienced and knowledgeable and we had a great time. Rico, the friendly and well behaved dog was an added bonus. Rudi provides refreshments throughout the day. Amenities are basic but sufficient for soon-to-be mucky students. The course is held in an old farm building tucked away at the back of Aaron's Campsite. When you arrive in the morning, you park up at the campsite and then call Rudi who will come and find you."