Chalk Pit Forge reviews

John & Sue Robinson reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"We completed a 3 day course with Alex and thoroughly enjoyed it. At the end of the course we came away with a completed lily sculpture and a hand rail for the garden and of course many new skills. Alex was very welcoming, encouraging and accommodating, we had to change the course days at fairly short notice. He was very patient, easy to get on with and he provided us with good instructions and explanations and, although absolute beginners at blacksmithing, neither of us felt that we were ever going to fail with our projects. The days were long and it was hard physical work but it was rewarding at the end of each day to see our progress. Both of us are in our mid 60s and I am hoping to continue doing some similar work at home."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi John and Sue, Thanks very much for your great review. Glad you enjoyed your time in the forge. Alex"

Simon reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"A splendid course, and a brilliant day out. Alex is a very patient tutor who will show you what to do, then let you get on with it. It's surprising how quickly you can pick things up too. I made a 7ft tall bird feeder which just about fitted into my car. There's no waiting about and you should expect a very busy day. I would recommend this course to anyone, you learn a lot in a very short time and its great fun too."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks for the great review Simon, It was great to meet you and really glad you enjoyed the experience and came away with something you're proud of. Alex"

George Dummer reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"My girlfriend bought me a one to one a day at the forge as a birthday present. I was a complete beginner to this specific work and hadn't done anything so practical in a few years. Alex was very welcoming and an excellent teacher providing step by step demonstrations of techniques and how to recover from any potential mistakes. This was something I had wanted to do for years and this one to one training did not disappoint - Not only did I learn a lot but came away with a (most useful) Rams Head bottle opener. I would more than recommend this to anyone!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks very much for the great review George, really glad you enjoyed your self and are happy with what you made and learnt. Alex"

Derek Warner reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I found this a most excellent day in every way. First class teacher, great surroundings and a very useful product at the end."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks taking the time to review Derek, it's very much appreciated and good to know you enjoyed it. Alex"

Rob Hill reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Hi, I spent 2 says with Alex last week and thoroughly enjoyed my time and would recommend it to any one. Alex is a brilliant tutor who took time to explain all techniques and offered help when needed. The course was an excellent insight into the complex world of Blacksmithing."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks for the great review Rob, glad you enjoyed it. It's good to hear your feedback. Alex"

Jason McAlister reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Hi All, had a day with Alex on Friday and it’s one of the best things that I have done.I thoroughly enjoyed the whole day making a rams head poker which gave me the chance to experience many techniques. Alex is a top guy and excellent tutor. Cheers Alex"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks Jason, glad you enjoyed the experience and many thanks for the great review. Thanks again for coming for a days one to one at the forge."

Roger Mills reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I did a one day course with Alex as a birthday present from my wife. This was right up my street. It was hands on right from the start. Alex showing me what to do and me trying my best to replicate it. Alex is very patient and clearly demonstrates what has to be done. He monitors how you are doing and helps when necessary. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who fancies dipping their toe into the world of being a Blacksmith."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks Roger, really great to hear that you enjoyed the experience and found it worthwhile. Many thanks, Alex"

Sally Avery reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I really enjoyed my experience with Alex making a two-leafed birdbath over the course of two days. He gave me confidence in thoroughly instructing me in how to use the furnace to best effect then allowed me to undertake the various methods on my own carefully overseeing my work and offering helpful advice. I never felt hurried or out of my depth and was proud to produce something for my garden which I will treasure - and will be of use to the wildlife in my garden! Thanks Alex"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Sally, thanks for the great review. Really glad you are happy with what you made, I hope it sits happily in your garden for years to come. Alex"

Jane Bransgrove reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had a fantastic time with Alex at Chalk Pit Forge. As a complete beginner, I was delighted to be able to produce a bird bath (with Alex's help) at the end of the day. It's a real hands-on experience and lots of fun. Alex is a very friendly and knowledgeable tutor who patiently guides you through numerous techniques. Book it, get stuck in, get it hot and hit it!"

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Thanks for the great review. You did an excellent job and really got stuck in. Full credit to you. Hope you enjoy your bird bath and keep being creative. Alex"

Bill Field reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Turned up for the day course and thought there would be a few of us. But it’s was one to one , Alex not only was a great guy , but his teaching excellent as well . Basically he shows you first and then you do it . The whole day was fantastic and I went home with something I made from start to finish . Well worth the money ."

Chalk Pit Forge responded:

"Hi Bill, thanks for the great review. I am glad you enjoyed learning the techniques and are happy with what you made. Alex"

Andy Wilson reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had an excellent day with Alex and I certainly recommend his courses. Alex was friendly and helpful throughout the day and he clearly enjoys both blacksmithing and sharing his skills with others. I wasn't entirely sure on what I wanted to produce but Alex offered helpful guidance and was very supportive as the design evolved. I left with all the components for a pretty substantial plant pot holder that both my wife and I are very pleased with."

Martin Hayward reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"3 day course. I decided to book the course after watching a blacksmithing feature on Countryfile. Alex was nearest to me down near Arundel and the setting of his forge was lovely. He was a great teacher, asking what ideas I had, then breaking down the process of planning and construction into simple, easy to understand chunks. He showed me the processes and then watched over me completing them - and telling me how to alter what had gone wrong! I made a six hook coat rack, fish shaped bottle openers and a twisted ammonite key ring. I really enjoyed the whole process and hope to put some of the techniques into practice before too long. I would 100% recommend Alex's courses. What a fantastic experience!"

Matthew Lawson reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"My wife bought me a 2 day course which I thoroughly enjoyed. Alex is a very good teacher breaking down both of my projects into a series of simple steps which he demonstrated for me to follow. I had a real sense of achievement at the end of my visit going home with a rams head poker and candlestick. Be warned that the forge is drafty and uninsulated so can be cold."

Rosalind Wilkinson reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I did a one day course with Alex and turned up expecting a few others to be there but no, It was just little old me. Alex is an excellent teacher and it was all very much hands on and although daunting at first, operating the fan for the fire and handling hot metal, after a short while, my confidence grew. I went home with a beautiful Ram’s head poker, which took all day to accomplish, with lots of patient help from Alex I might add, feeling very proud and very tired and very dirty! I cannot recommend this experience highly enough. It was quite outside my comfort zone but felt it truly worthwhile and informative and fun."

James Phillips reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I just completed a five day course with Alex and I can definitely recommend it to anyone who may be interested. Alex is a good mannered, friendly, patient and extremely knowledgeable teacher and I thoroughly enjoyed my time in his workshop. I feel that I learnt lots, and most importantly, It was a pleasure doing so. Thanks Alex!"

Simon H reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Had a thoroughly brilliant day in the forge with Alex. I have learnt some wonderful new skills including fire welding, twisting and bending metal to my own designs. Alex is very patient and showed me each technique before letting me create my own effects on the metal. He also manage to photograph some of the action on my phone as proof that I was really making the fire poker that I took home to use that night. Great experience and I look forward to coming back again to expand and practice more blacksmithery."

Ron Rylatt reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"What a fantastic experience in 1 day packed full of techniques and skills to craft a unique piece to take home. unless you complete this yourself with Alex you can't explain or have anyone understand how wonderful this experience really is - one of a kind - (6 strs ★★★★★★) +"

Simon Gaule reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I was given a day in the forge as a Christmas gift and I have to agree with the others that it was probably the best present I have ever had. Alex was very calm and patient and answered any questions. he showed what to do on a seperate piece and was unflappable even when melted a piece off! we recovered and I was still able to make a very satisfactory piece in the time, even got to make a quick extra! It was a professional, unhurried learning experience from a great blacksmith.I would totally do it again and heartily recommend it. Thank you Alex."

Dave Smith reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"My wife bought me a voucher for the one-day course as a christmas present. I'd been looking forward to it since I booked it and it didn't disappoint! Ended up making a door knocker. Despite being a complete beginner with any kind of metal work, I ended up making something I was quite proud of by the end of it! Alex is very helpful and a great teacher. Highly recommended!"

Nick Meyne reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Alex is a highly skilled and patient tutor. He's well prepared and organised. He loves the craft and watchfully guides at every step, building your confidence with fire, tools and metal. Do it."

Stuart Richards reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"Had an excellent time with Alex at the Chalk Pit Forge. Alex is a great teacher, very friendly and, importantly for me people like me with no previous experience forging, very patient! Very pleased with my ram's head letter opener! Thoroughly recommended. PS Now I know what a proper hard day's work feels like to!!"

Harry Rowe reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"i was bought a day at the forge with Alex as a Christmas gift and it's probably been the best present i have received! Alex is a great teacher but also just a very nice chap. i made a large candelabra. from entering the forge alex is getting you familiar with what you will be doing and how to do it. after initial demonstrations for each stage of the build i was largely left to it so i could learn for myself with alex there to advise which was perfect for me. i had a brillaint day and would highly recommend it to anyone who has even a passing interest in blacksmithing. i can now say i have the bug and will be looking to do more very soon!"

Michael reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"I had such an enjoyable day, Alex is a knowledgeable, friendly and patient tutor. I highly recommend this course."

John Cater reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"The one day course was fantastic and Alex is an excellent teacher, I thoroughly enjoyed my day and learnt many techniques. I am very pleased with my ram’s head poker my friends and family were very impressed. Alex was very welcoming and I would definitely recommend it, it is a very interesting and rewarding course and exceeded my expectations."

Chris Letchford reviewed: One to one, One day, blacksmith course

"My wife bought the day as a present for last Christmas. Before the day I had done some evenings sessions at a local college so had some of the basics. Alex gave me a lot of tips that I did not get elsewhere and helped me clarify a number of things I was a little uncertain about. He has a really good set up and is very calm and collected and patient as a teacher. A great day which I would recommend to anyone interested in having a go."