Anvil Forge reviews

Matt reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"An absolutely brilliant day the guys packed so much in to the day and we enjoyed every minute. I'm so pleased with my knife for cutting the wedding cake and I couldn't have made it without the help of John, Mark and Steven. I would highly recommend this course and would be happy to come back and do another course in the future."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Matt really pleased you all had a great time and loved the idea of cutting your wedding cake with the knife you made. Its really rewarding for us to share our knowledge with a group of guys that were to interested in all the techniques and intricacies of 'bladesmithing'. Please send pictures of you and your bride cutting the cake. I hope to see you both in six years time for the 'iron' wedding anniversary. many thanks John and Team"

Annie reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"My husband bought me this experience as i enjoyed watching 'Forged in fire', I was not sure I would enjoy trying blacksmithing myself. I was so wrong. The team mark, spencer, john and co (so sorry memory block on the fantastic welder) were so helpful, enthusiastic and knowledgable it made the day memorable. Lunch at the Farriers was really good and a wealth of information was shared over it. At the end of the day i had been helped to complete a fire poker and two beautiful lilly garden ornaments that i still cannot believe i helped make. They are already adorning my garden. I cannot recommend this experience enough, you end the day tired and dusty, but so exhilarated and with a great sense of achievement."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Annie thanks for your review , Aidan was our young welder/blacksmith . I must say considering your wrist problems and operations you had that you were swinging that hammer like a teenager ! well done. Now to comment on the lily's what a great piece of art , the photos are going on our website but can you send pictures of when they are 'planted' as well. I look forward to another session with you in the forge. John and Team"

Jon Cox reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"I had a fantastic time on the blacksmithing experience day! John and his team (Spencer, Aiden and Alex) were so welcoming, patient and knowledgeable and always happy to help and offer advice so I could finish my project safely and to a good standard. Lunch was great too and a nice chance to get to know the guys and my fellow course goers. I would definitely go back and try another course or even just another experience day and would happily recommend them. Thanks guys!"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Jon thanks for review, you are welcome back anytime and of course now you have the beginners class under your belt we are expecting even bigger and better things next time ! ( might be hard to improve on the sword you made ) . Jon one favor please can you send me a couple of pictures when its in its new home. best wishes John"

Chris Giltnane reviewed: Parent and child blacksmithing

"What an excellent day. Started the morning making a simple poker and by end walked away with a Sword and a Dragon Claw mount to hang it in. All the guys there were attentive, super friendly and helpful. It really didn't matter who you asked, they were happy to help you move along with whatever it was you were making. Need to use an angle grinder, here is how to use it safely. Need to make a curve in that sword, use this tool. Need to drill something, let me help clamp it down properly and get you started. My son (12) was just grinning the whole day and when asked at the end just said "Awesome". We came with some ideas for a sword and within reason you got to make what want to your design within the day. I can strongly recommend this experience day if your son/daughter has any sort of interest in working with metal."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Chris thanks for your review we appreciate the feedback , I am pleased you and your son had such a good time. It make all the effort of running classes for younger aspiring 'blacksmiths' rewarding. As we said photos will be on the web site when its up and running again. best wishes John"

Ursula Krenik reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Bought this as a Christmas present for my son....as he said “Best day ever”. Such a good experience and he learnt so much. Great atmosphere and fun. Produced a poker and knife to be very proud of. Can’t wait to do a more in-depth course next time...."

Neil Parker reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"Just had a weekend at Anvil Forge on the chef's knife making course. I had the best time, John, Steve & Alex were brilliant. It was a really welcoming place with so much knowledge and a keenness to pass that on but with the freedom to make it your own. Throw in a couple of tasty pub lunches and you couldn't ask for any more! Thanks again"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Neil thanks for you comments , I am saying this on behalf of myself and the team that we enjoyed working together with all of you on the class. I must say that you all produced some great knives that you can be proud of. We hope to see you again soon , Alex has been refining his Damascus skills and watch this space for more info on Pattern welded knives and small axes! John"

Jo Dyson reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"I booked this course for a friend and myself to do something different on my birthday. We both loved it. John and the team looked after us really well and worked hard to help us complete our chosen project and to a standard we could be proud of. The support was pitched really well to encourage us to experiment but also to make sure that we were successful. We never felt patronised despite being total novices and the only females on the day. We really enjoyed the day and will we back. Now we have a little more understanding of what we can do next time we will make a plan in advance so that we can get stuck in straight away. A great experience all round."

Mike Bonnici reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"Just spent two wonderful days @Anvil forge on a knife making course. We were “broken in” to the process by making a poker in order to gain an understanding of basic skills immediately followed by work on our knives. At the end of day one, it suddenly occurred to me that, although freely available, I only had stopped for one tea break because I had become so involved and was really enjoying the work. Thanks to the superb help of John, Spencer and Steve (master blade smith) for their patient teaching, help and support (and good pub lunch) for a memorable two days. Highly recommended."

Nic Trujillo reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"Thanks to John, Spencer and Steve for your incredible knowledge and experience and teaching skills. It was a very enjoyable course and I have a great knife at the end. Top course highly recommended"

John Perriam reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"A great course, educational, constructive and great fun. You first lean the basics of forging metal before starting on your blade.the instructor combines knowledge and patience allowing freedom of design yet great teaching. All wrapped up with two great pub lunches. Overall fantastic course, immense fun and a great knife to take home. Would thoroughly recommend."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi John Thanks for your comments , we try to please. Photos of class coming soon! I am seeing you again soon for more fun on the Blacksmith course where you can explore more creative metalworking! and dont forget , another pub lunch. best regards John"

Tristan Luscombe reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I had my introduction to blacksmithing course yesterday and at the end of the day I was tired, dirty and grinning like an idiot. This was easily the best day I've had in a very long time indeed and I got a poker and kitchen knife out of it too! Being only a small group of students meant that we had the undivided attention of tutors John, David and Spencer and they're a cracking bunch of blokes; friendly, knowledgeable, funny and they really made the day special for everyone. I would unequivocally recommend this course to anyone interested in blacksmithing or bladesmithing and wants an introduction to the practical aspects. I'm saving up for my next visit!"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Tristan I think that your comments say it all! we all feel pretty lucky meeting you guys and helping you all have a great time as well as making some pretty great blades along the way . Dont forget to watch this space as we have few new courses ( axes , bushcraft with another smith etc) coming up during the summer. best wishes John"

Jez reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Loved the whole experience, great direction from John, Mark and Spencer and a great pub lunch too! Recommended for anyone with an interest in blacksmithing."

Xanthe Scott reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"What a great experience - my partner and I thoroughly enjoyed the day and although we started off a little daunted at the thought of bending hot metal we soon got to grips with the techniques under the expert tutelage of John, Mark and Spencer and soon became engrossed in our tasks. It's fairly physically demanding and we ended the day exhausted but very happy with what we produced - we made a pair of candlesticks. Altogether a great atmosphere, lovely group of people - fantastic day!"

Chris Stephens reviewed: Dragon Making: 2 Day Course

"I gave a "Make a Dragon in a weekend" course to my wife as a Birthday Present ---- of naturally I had to join her on the course. It was brilliant we both had a really good time -- the team was great helping us realise our objectives and adding ideas as we went. Excellent for beginners ( we both were .... but can now add it to our cvs ) and =/- level artistic types ( wife +, me a techi so - ). Highly recommended P.S. The pub lunches were pretty good too."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Chris sorry to take so long to respond but we have been pretty busy with courses and commissions. I am glad you enjoyed the course so much and created your own unique dragons ! Please send me picture so I can share with other dragon owners . I hope to see you on one of the other courses making more interesting creatures. Of course there is a great pub lunch waiting for you as well. Happy New Year John"

Hester Wain reviewed: Dragon Making: 2 Day Course

"This was just an absolutely brilliant course! We now have two (potentially fire-breathing) dragons: Esmeralda and Gytha. They are huge, about 2ft tall and just utterly magical. I cannot believe we managed to make these. This was a great Christmas present!"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Hester Thanks for pictures , the dragons look great. best wishes John"

Sue Williams reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Having blacksmith ancestors in the dim and distant past, 1100 yrs ago to be precise, I've always wanted to do a bit of smithying! I found it quite difficult at the start, being female, not very big, and unused to hammering, but John and his Team were very patient and on-hand when I need some help. It was tremendous fun, once I got the hang of things and would thoroughly recommend an Experience day to anyone considering taking up a challenge. It's very important to think carefully about what one wishes to make. On the day I attended the others were a great bunch and I think we were all thrilled with the objects we made to take home. thank you Sue Williams"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Sue you would have made your ancestors proud with your project, it was pretty good. I hope to see you again in the future to make another project. I will pass on your comments to the team. best wishes John"

Aaron Saunders reviewed: Dragon Making: 2 Day Course

"Just done the Dragon making course and can highly recommend this course. John and his crew are fantastic. Their knowledge and expertise is second to none. Started the course by making a fire poker to learn the basic technics which is excellent. Completing the dragons over 2 days gives a really good insight into blacksmithing. The afternoon of day 2 is where all your pieces come together in a a great one off dragon."

Eddie Stewart reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Fantastic day at the forge with John and the guys. There were 6 of us on the course. Having 3 forges and John, Spencer and Charlotte to instruct we had a very good ratio of instructor/kit to student. I came to make a knife but I would have been happy just going away with my fireplace poker. Forging the knife was the cherry on top. The lunchtime pub food was very good. I'm definitely considering which course to do next. Would recommend this course to anyone who fancies a go."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Eddie thanks for review, I am pleased the knife was the cherry on the cake ! as you know we have a selection of metalwork or blacksmith courses and you are welcome back anytime. thanks John ps the pub we use offers a 20% discount on all our students that have attended , if interested email me and I will send a voucher. best wishes John"

Paul Watson reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"Fantastic day at the forge with John and the team. I joined a course with 4 other students, we were instructed by John, Steve, Spencer and Charlotte. Excellent tutelage from all the team. Not only did they explain what to do and how to do it, they also explained why we were doing it, which made learning much easier for me. I didn't want to the day to end, and I'm definitely considering which course to do next. Would recommend this course to any and everyone."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Paul thanks for leaving the review. I think you are not the only one who would stay late and carry on ! I did tell you that it can be addictive . Of course you are welcome back to make another Knife of a different style and now you have done the first class, and have that experience and a degree of skill gained on the day a new world of metalwork and blacksmithing is opened up. Best wishes John and the Team"

Hilary Alder reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"What a fantastic day I had at Anvil Forge, getting a taste of the life and skills of a blacksmith. I am delighted with the garden sculpture which will look terrific by our pond. My friends will be so impressed. I'll take a little credit, but most of it will have to go to John, Mark, Spencer and Charlotte for their kind and sympathetic instruction and encouragement. You may well see me again! Many thanks to you all."

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Hilary I am pleased you enjoyed the course and as we mentioned you are welcome to return at any time. The garden sculpture you made ( I think you deserve most of the credit) looked great and would enhance any garden. Best wishes John and the Team"

Ritchie reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Many thanks again to you and the team for a fantastic day."

Nick Stanley reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"We spent a day as a family & complete novices at Anvil Forge. My wife & teenage daughters were nervous when they arrived but Spencer was patient & encouraging. Two to one tuition with Steve as the second instructor - now there is a man who is passionate about his knives. Girls can't wait to go again & make a dragon. Thoroughly worth the drive down from Macclesfield."

Ian Watkins reviewed: Knife Making and Bladesmith Classes: Hand-Forged Viking Knife

"I did this course with my son (15yrs) and nephew (16yrs) and we had a wonderful day. Top marks to John, Spencer and Mark for pacing the day just right. The tuition was superb. Help was there when you needed it but we were all allowed to make progress with our projects at a pace to suit our skill levels. The team were very welcoming and there was not a minute of down time from the moment we arrived. In fact the tutors stayed late to let us fine tune our new creations before we left. The atmosphere is very much 'working forge' rather than 'classroom' and this suited us down to the ground. I would DEFINATELY RECOMMEND this course to anyone with an interest in blacksmithing. You wont get a more friendly atmosphere, you wont get more knowledgable tutors, and you wont get a better organised course anywhere else. We are all very proud of our new creations (two swords and a Viking knife) and we returned home to much admiration from the rest of the family! Top marks to Anvil Forge for a great day!!!"

Stefan Cross reviewed: Make a chef's knife

"Having just completed the 2 day Chef's Knife course @AnvilForge, I am still beaming with pride at the result. I have my own personal and custom made Chef's knife which I can’t wait to use! John (owner/blacksmith @Anvilforge), Mark (journeyman blacksmith) and Steve (knife specialist @whitetigerknives) were all brilliant during the course, offering expert tuition/guidance whilst allowing you to shape and craft your own blade out of leaf spring steel with a choice of wood for your own design of handle (I chose a unique piece of cocobolo). I love it so much, I’m already looking at going back to craft something else! Highly recommend the course and the team. Thanks guys…."

Sam Wildridge reviewed: Blacksmith Experience Day - Anvil Forge

"Had an absolutely amazing day with the guys at Anvil Forge!!! Mark, Spencer and Steve were fantastic teachers. Course is taught at really good pace, moving quick enough that its interesting throughout but not so fast that you cant keep up.. would strongly reccomend to anyone thinking of giving this a go to get on z course and do it.... Already planning on going back for more! Thanks"

Anvil Forge responded:

"Hi Sam I am really pleased the guys looked after you today and that you had a great time. I would have loved to stayed for the day but had family commitments so couldn't be there but knew you would be in good hands. You are welcome back anytime. best wishes John"