Bearded pig forge reviews

26 Oct 19'

Kellie Farley reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"As fans of the TV series ‘Forged in Fire’ I thought this would make the perfect Christmas gift for my boyfriend and let’s just say it didn’t disappoint. Spike is extremely knowledgable in his field and clearly very passionate about what he does. He also makes a mean BLT! My boyfriend and I are complete novices, but with Spike’s teaching were able to make some great knives. What a fantastic day and a unique experience. Thanks so much Spike."

15 Oct 19'

Lee Scott reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Spent a fantastic day at the bearded pig forge with Spike. Decided to male a knife which went way better than i expected. Spike is a great teacher and extremely informative. If you looking for something a little different as a present or a day or so learning this amazing craft i couldnt recommend Spike highly enough."

15 Oct 19'

Chris Weekes reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Had a great day with Spike. Made a bracket for a hanging basket in the garden. Learnt lots about blacksmithing, both practical and theory. Great guy to learn from as he has a very wide knowledge and is happy to answer all your questions. Also a wood turner which I didn't know in advance and pleased me no end. If you are interested in something new and quite different I would recommend this course. As someone else said, he makes a lovely BLT sandwich!"

16 Jul 19'

jamie newin reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Amazing day with Spike, the course was everything I hoped it would be and more! Spike's an excellent teacher that allows you get on while keeping an expert eye on you. I can't rate this experience highly enough."

12 Jul 19'

Colin Anderson reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"One of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences I've ever had! I've been an avid watcher of 'Forged in Fire' for several years, and commented to my wife how much I'd like to make my own knife - and so, for my 50th birthday, I was given vouchers for a course from friends and family. I did my research, and booked my course with Spike, based on the excellent reviews on this website. Spike's communication was excellent throughout our correspondence, and I booked a two-day knife making course with the intention of making a kitchen knife; something of which I could make good use following my experience. The cost was £250, for two full days of one-to-one tuition with all materials etc provided. I personally find this to be extremely good value. Please bear in mind that Spike's courses are extremely popular - weekend courses are booked for months to come. I was able to sort dates for week days, and still had to wait for a couple of months. Spike adheres to a very strict cancellation policy, which I feel is absolutely fair - it's his living after all... I would recommend getting in touch as soon as possible, particularly if you have vouchers with with a run-out date. On the first day of the course, Spike started with a safety brief, which of course is extremely important as you will be forging metal at extremely high temperatures. All requisite safety equipment is provided, and suitable footwear/clothing must be worn at all times Spike illustrated every concept of forging, before letting me get stuck in. We started with my billet of high carbon steel, which was heated in a coal forge, then 'drawn out' to a suitable length before starting on the tang (the thinner piece to which to handle is attached). Spike then demonstrated how to create the curvature of the blade by hammering on the anvil. At the end of the first day, I had created my basic blade shape. The second day comprised of several techniques - 'quenching' (hardening), grinding to shape, heating and punching a hole in the tang for the pin, attaching the handle etc...all done in a traditional manner with no power tools (other than the belt-grinder). What really impressed me was that Spike never took my work from me to start each process - he demonstrated forging techniques on a different piece of metal - this really was going to be a knife that I made. Throughout the course, I really enjoyed talking to Spike. He's a very easy-going and incredibly knowledgeable guy. There was so much that we chatted about which aided to a very relaxing and enjoyable experience. At the end of the course, my only disappointment was that I didn't get the handle finished - I had the daunting task of shaping the wood at home. I'd never done woodwork before. Spike instructed me what to do, and with a couple of hours work on the following day, my knife was finished. I was absolutely delighted with the final result - a fully functional (and very sharp) kitchen knife that will last for many years. My plan is to look after it well and leave it to one of my children whenever 'that time' comes. As I have two children, I will most definitely be booking another course with Spike in the future..."

3 May 19'

One Day Knife Making Course reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Absolutely loved my knife making course - Spike is so knowledgeable and passionate about blacksmithing and both myself and my husband who came along as a guest learnt so much. It's a great laid back atmosphere and don't worry if you've never made anything out of metal before, Spike is on hand to give you tips and direct you on how to turn a lump of metal into something more interesting! We will be returning to do some of the longer courses soon. Thanks Spike for a great day!"

1 May 19'

Elliot Manarin reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"I attended the 1-day knife making course as a guest, I bought the experience for my wife for Christmas. As usual, I left things right to the last minute but Spike made sure I received my wife's gift voucher in time. From the moment we got to the forge Spike made us feel completely at home, his relaxed manner coupled with both his extensive historical and scientific knowledge made the day one of the best experiences I've been to, and I was just spectating! Furthermore, there will be only one request for my birthday present, a day at Spike's forge! p.s. he makes an awesome BLT sandwich!"

16 Apr 19'

Phin Hall reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"If asked to sum up this course in a single word, I'd have to say: I've been on a lot of craft courses over the years, from making Tudor Christmas Decorations to building a Cob Oven, and my day at the Bearded Pig Forge was easily the best to date. Bearing in mind I'm a complete novice working with orange-hot metal, heavy hammers, super-sharp blades and a crazy-fast belt sander, Spike (the blacksmith) was immensely calm and patient, only stepping in when I was in danger of losing an eye, ;-) setting fire to myself and the forge or, worse of all, messing up my knife! He explained and demonstrated everything clearly and concisely and answered all of my questions in much the same way. Added to that is the fact it was a lovely, sunny day in glorious surroundings and that Spike is great company, it was - in a word - brilliant. Next stop: axe-making!"

23 Mar 19'

Dale reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"I had a one day course and feel very proud of the knife that I made with Spike’s expert tuition. A very enjoyable day which I hope to repeat and would highly recommend. Spike is very knowledgeable and passionate about his craft and very good at sharing this his student in a way that I could understand and apply."

21 Mar 19'

Bob Phillips reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"I had a day course with Spike and decided to bring my own design. This was a pruning knife with a curved blade. With Spikes guidance this was completed with time to spare. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable day, with Spikes easy way and excellent teaching. Highly recommended"

25 Feb 19'

caro hamilton reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Great one day knife making course at the Bearded Pig Forge. Spike is a patient and knowledgeable tutor. I'd really recommend this as a course for yourself or a gift. Thanks!"

21 Feb 19'

Stephen Lasslett reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"What a great day ,directions are clear and easy to follow.Spike made me feel very welcome at his forge and is very easy to talk to. After a coffee followed by a saftey talk, then started with the knife making,spike is a very good teacher of his craft,and shares his knowledge and skills with you, he shows you each process and talks you through each stage and explains why it is done that way . I started the day unsure if i could achieve what i wanted ,before i knew it the day was over and i am now the proud owner of a great little knife made by myself,all thanks to Spike. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in knife making, hopefully i will be taking another course with him later in the year ."

10 Feb 19'

Leigh musson reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Was excited about doing something different and it didnt disappoint. Day was excellent and Spike was brilliant, even coping me being left handed. Spike is obviously passionate about his craft and loves to pass his knowledge on. Would recommend this day and looking to book the knife day"

2 Feb 19'

David Purnell reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"A really enjoyable and rewarding day with Spike, he was welcoming, informative and great fun. Something i’d been looking forward to and it didn’t disappoint. Looking forward to the next course already."

14 Jan 19'

Charlie Clay reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Absolutely loved every minute of the day! Spike was very welcoming, professional and an excellent teacher. Catered for everything throughout the day offered very good teaching tips and cues and allowed me to forge a Viking seax from scratch. Will definitely book to do another days experience loved it that much."

11 Jan 19'

Mike Richardson reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"An all round fantastic day with spike who is knowlegable and an excellent teacher of this amazing craft.I will be booking another course in the future and would highly recommend that anyone wanting to give this a try look no further than the beardedpig forge"

30 Dec 18'

Dan Plane reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"This course was awesome! Spike was great, helpful, encouraging, knew loads about the craft, the history, and the science of what we were doing. I was so happy with the knife I made, it's so pleasing to hold and feel and know that I made it from a bar of steel. I cannot recommend this course enough on every front! Thanks Spike!"

5 Dec 18'

chris king reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"I had two days with spike making a knife amd i have to say he is an excellent guy wiyh a vast knowledge of the trade. Explained each step along the way and to why it was done that way. A very friendly approachable guy making the course very enjoyable. Would highly recommend spikes courses to anyone thay wants to try blacksmithing anf i will be definitely taking more of his courses. Keep up the good work and look forward to seeing you again on the nwxt course i take."

24 Nov 18'

Sam reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Form Start to finish , I can say feel very humbled, an amazing talented Kind man with a wonderful mind , full of interesting and inspiring knowledge. This was a great Course to do, and put any worry’s at bay, explaining each stage and why. Was an absolute pleasure working with you today , I would recommend to anyone to give this course a go . Great teacher. As well as Supertalented . Thank you Spike I look forward to the next course adventures , keep going with all what you do."

18 Nov 18'

William Roach reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Had a great time and learnt so much about the trade, would recommend spike to anyone who is looking for a great day blacksmithing."

11 Nov 18'

Thomas Miles reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Fantastic course, brillaint teacher with Spike who is very patient and approachable specially if you haven't done this before, yet doesn't dumb anything down, so you walk away with an all round learning experience. Very pleased with the course."

8 Nov 18'

Nicole reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"I really enjoyed my knife making day. Spike is very patient and encouraging, a natural teacher. He is also really fun to chat with and has a lot of great knowledge that he is very willing to share which is so valuable. It is obvious that he really loves doing this and wants everyone who visits to love doing it too. The best thing about the course is that it is all your own work, if it goes a bit awry spike just tells you how to fix it, so you can be really proud of your work at the end. Great sandwich too! Would love to go back soon. Thank you very much!"

14 Oct 18'

Jannis Stracke reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Spike is an excellent teacher who also knows lots of little Storys and bits of Information around blacksmithing to fill the waiting time while the steel is heating up. I had a lot of fun and actually already went back for another day. Highly recommended!"

21 Sep 18'

James reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Highly recommend. Spike great teacher loads of knowledge and untold amounts of patience if like me never done anything close to blacksmithing. Any way stop reading my review book your course and find out for your self.\m/"

10 Sep 18'

Nigel East reviewed: Creating a Viking knife an introduction to forging and knife making at Bearded Pig Forge

"Completed a one day blade course. Spike is engaging and clearly enthusiastic about his work. He spent time in discussing all aspects of the work we were doing, from safety aspects, management of the forge and in working the metal itself. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and can’t recommend it highly recommend enough! Looking forward to going again!?"