Chris The Smith reviews

19 Jun 16'

Mary reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I received a voucher for this course for my birthday and took my Dad for Father's Day. Both of us had been interested in doing something like this for a while and we had high expectations, which the course more than met. Chris was extremely patient, calm and capable and found ways of explaining techniques to both of us that met our individual pace/needs. We were offered a choice of projects to make and were thrilled with our completed items at the end of the day. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it."

3 Jun 16'

Ian Fryer reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I booked this course as a 16th birthday present for my daughter, something for us both to go and try together. The authentic forge workshop setting is great and we had a lovely day heating, beating and crafting the steel with Chris patiently teaching by demonstration. I am really pleased with what we managed to achieve in the session and Chris's starter projects are pitched at just the right level and leave you with a couple of lovely practical souvenirs at the end of the day. I am considering bringing my sons along next time!"

24 May 16'

David Sivocha reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I went on a course for 2 people, as I went with my mate, and it was a fantastic day. We learnt a huge range of techniques for blacksmithing and had a wonderful time. During the entire day Chris was very informative and very easy to get on with, and he has a natural talent as a teacher. Absolutely worth the price paid and I am looking forward to booking a second course to go back for more! Blacksmithing certainly feels primal and it's fascinating to see how steel moves under the heat. If you want to try something different but seriously enjoyable give this a go!"

21 May 16'

Casey Dillon reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Had an absolutely fantastic day. Chris has a natural talent for teaching and was very patient throughout the day. He helps to guide you back on track when you've gone wrong without doing anything for you. As well as his technical knowledge, Chris is a top bloke, really easy to get on with and he made me feel right at home. Could not recommend the course enough, I'm hoping to return soon with my brother-in-law."

6 May 16'

Sam reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I Wanted to try a blacksmithing experience, I looked online and found this course. I can highly recommend the course as Chris is a very helpful and a patient teacher and works with you in a step by step manner so you can fully understand the processes and produce two professional pieces of work. If you want to try your hand at blacksmithing this is an excellent course to have a go."

5 May 16'

Mike Ferneyhough reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"An excellent course and a fantastic day Chris is a skilled blacksmith, a great teacher and made us feel at ease straight away. I booked this as a birthday present for my Dad and when booking Chris suggested I came along as well and we did the course for two - I'm so glad I did ! If you have never done it you should try it there is something elemental and quite amazing about heating up metal and being able to shape and bend it almost like plasticine. We went at a nice relaxed pace Chris demonstrating when each of us taking turns on our own work. We made an artistic leaf shaped keying although you are hitting things with a hammer its quite delicate work. The highlight for me was having a go a fire welding - where you almost melt the metal and the sparks really fly ! I've looked back at the photos while I was doing it and I'm grinning from ear to ear. Definitely Recommended."

12 Apr 16'

Paul Green reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I enjoyed a full day with Chris, finding time to make a few items and practice some other forge work skills too."

11 Feb 16'

Mark Shayler reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"This is a brilliant course. Chris is a gentle and inspiring teacher who took us from complete novices to making two pieces of finished work. Blacksmithing is primal. Heat. Metal. Hammers. We loved it. The venue is a working forge - no frills, basic and authentic. Highly recommended."

15 Jan 16'

Sammi campbell reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"What a fantastic day! We had a course for 2 people today and have already talked about going back! Chris was very helpful right from the start, answering any questions I had by email, then once I booked sent across very helpful directions and advice about what to werar/expect. We arrived a little early and were instantly made to feel welcome, after going through health and safety we got stared, making a leaf keyring, which Chris demonstrate a couple of steps then we had a go, one at a time, with as much or little help as we needed, there were a couple a things I struggled with and Chris immediately tried other techniques so I could manage it, without ever making me feel bad! We then went on to make candlesticks and a bookmark each, but we're given lots of other options. Any questions we had were answered happily, and nothing seemed like too much trouble. I would 100% reccomend going here! Thank you Chris! :-)"

31 Jul 15'

Cerilan Bailey reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Learnt a wide variety of blacksmithing techniques during our day with Chris. We booked a day for 2 for my boyfriend's birthday and well worth the money. We drove up from Cardiff and found it easily thanks to Chris' directions to his workshop, which is located in a picturesque farm. It focused nicely on the 4 main techniques and progressed at a comfortable pace throughout the day as Chris guided us through the otherwise daunting art of blacksmithing. Highly recommended for anyone that is curious about blacksmithing, or metal work in general. Chris is a passionate teacher who was patient with me, and answered all the questions my boyfriend had about the subject with great enthusiasm. We finished our day with leaf keyrings that really surprised us with how much learnt in just one day, they were far better than we ever could of imagined at the start when we were just hitting a metal rod. With the spare time we had at the end, Chris showed us techniques of fire welding, and even let my boyfriend have a go himself! Chris also showed us his artwork, and talked us through the processes he went through for designing and making the pieces, wonderful to see such care and attention to detail using the tools around him and his own ingenuity. All in all a fabulous day out, and would definitely go again."