Clarke Knives reviews

Luis reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Excellent course, really nice tutors and very well done! Highly recommended."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Luis, It was a good weekend and we enjoyed having you with us. Regards, Graham"

Royston Wise reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Graham, David and Decklan were fantastic instructors. Friendly, straight talking you will be guided through the many processes of bladesmithing. It's a wonderful experience and worth every penny. And you leave with some knowledge and insights as well as your own self built tool (knife or axe) which will be your pride and joy for many many years !"

John Mellon reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"A great day spent with Graham, David and Decklan on my 50th birthday learning to make a knife. They took the time to show you how to do it right and were a little firm if very sporting when you got it wrong. I thoroughly recommend spending a day or two in these guys company even when the rugby isn’t going their way "

Yvonne Edgecock reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"My husband bought me this experience because I love Forged in Fire. The experience I had was excellent! Graham and the team were so welcoming and very patient… took me a while to hammer out the steel! They show you what to do but you really are the one making the blade. It was so much fun, would definitely recommend. Still can’t believe I forged a knife!"

Colin reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Having watched Forged in Fire I really wanted to give it a go. These guys were amazing, they helped you through the whole process, with good advice and great banter so everyone left with a great looking knife. I highly recommend this day. "

Keith reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Superb. Graham, David and Declan made the course very enjoyable with plenty of laughs. Their knowledge was evident from the start. The instruction was great and well timed, only getting involved when I had made a bit of a mess. I would thoroughly recommend having a go at this. I hope to return to try again. "

Paul Holland reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Thoroughly recommend this course. Each stage is very well explained and demonstrated and you are given as much freedom when using the equipment as you require and are assisted when you ask or if the staff recognise you may need a little bit of assistance. Very friendly and very experienced team, that make sure you leave having had a great time and take home a great finished product."

Jon Fennell reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"This is a fantastic weekend course So much fun and I learnt so much I cannot rate Graham and his team higher enough Will be back for another course Thank you Jon Fennell"

Bob derham reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Very well taught by experienced craftsmen whose passion for getting it right far outweighed my ok is good enough approach. Ended up with a lovely strong and very sharp utility knife. Thanks"

Clarke Knives responded:

"‘Twas a good day Bob. We’re glad you enjoyed yourself and hope to see you again soon."

Paul Mallorie reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Wow !! We had such a great time at the forge this weekend. Such an incredible experience of forging a knife, handle & sheath. A big thanks to Graham, David & Dex for sharing their knowledge, wealth of experience and humour. We can’t wait to come back for the axe making course and will be bringing some friends too. "

Martin Chandler reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Really enjoyed my day at the Forge, learning a new skill and making something from scratch using my own hands. I would highly recommend this course, and I've already made good use of the knife in the kitchen!"

John Middlemass reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Birthday treat, pleasant surprise and thoroughly enjoyable. Did this with my 19 year old son who has limited practical skills and he managed to achieve a good quality blade utilising the excellent tuition. Thought the price was a bit steep for the finished product and experience. A great experience."

NIchola Begg reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"18 and 14 year old sons thought it was the best experience they had had other than seeing the Red Arrows. High praise indeed. The team were knowledgeable, engaging and helpful. Highly recommend"

Clarke Knives responded:

"They did really well and it was a pleasure having them at the Forge. We hope to see them again soon."

Iain reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Thank you for a brilliant experience. I had a great day and would thoroughly and unreservedly recommend the course to anyone. "

Clarke Knives responded:

"We all enjoyed the weekend with you too. We hope to see you again sometime."

Martyn reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"I had a great day there. Everyone was really helpful and welcoming The knife is fantastic, I highly recommend it"

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Martyn, it was a great day 😊😊"

Jade reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"We had an absolutely great day! Really enjoyed making my own knife and seeing it go from a piece of steel to a full crafted knife. Graham, David and Decklan were brilliant, explaining everything clearly and always there when help and support was needed and they trusted us to get on with it independently when we didn’t. Highly highly recommend for anyone looking for a fun day out. Will definitely be returning for the 2 day Axe course. Thank you guys! "

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Jade. We also enjoyed the day and look forward to seeing you again."

Rebecca reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"We had a wonderful time at our bladesmithing experience day at Vlakvark Forge. Graham, David and Decklan were extremely knowledgeable and helpful, supporting when needed but also trusting us to work independently which really lead to a sense of achievement and pride in the knives we took home. We'd definitely recommend!"

Michelle Talbot reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"I bought a voucher for my 16 year old daughter to attend the 1 day bladesmithing course with Graham, David and Decklan and we both had a great time! Everything was clearly explained and suitable for a complete novice and there was plenty of help when you needed it and plenty of independence when you didn't. There was no rushing or pressure and by the end of the day everyone had a very impressive knife to take home. It was amazing to see the knives take form from plain lumps of metal over a few hours. There was a great atmosphere with lots of friendly banter throughout the day to go with the hard work. There was as much tea, coffee, Pepsi Coke, bottled water, biscuits and crisps as you wanted through the day as well as a selection of delicious paninis for lunch. Thanks so much to Graham, David and Decklan for the great experience, we hope to come back one day in the future to do the 2 day course. "

Clarke Knives responded:

"It was a great day and Willow's knife was a beauty. We all look forward to seeing you again."

Tony T reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"An absolutely great day. Graham, David and Decklan guided us through the processes. Firstly describing the process, demonstrating each step then keeping a watchful eye as we were let loose on the tools. The day was well paced and at no point were you put under any pressure. Lunch was supplied as was a good supply of friendly banter. At the end off the day you get to come away with a knife you have made. A truly fantastic day, if you have any aspirations of hitting a hot thing with a large cold thing on a big chunk of metal then this is for you. Treat yourself or better still get some one to buy it for you!!"

Clarke Knives responded:

"We're all glad you enjoyed yourself so much. We hope to see you again sometime ☺☺☺"

John and Oli reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"I have never forgotten when I received my first sheaf knife as a teenage from my brother. So when an opportunity came to actually craft my own for my son to have I couldn't resist booking on the course. Graham, David and Decklan were on hand throughout the day, by first explaining what we were going to do and why. A demo then followed and then we had a go under their watchful eye. The pace of the day was relaxed and not rushed. We learnt lots about steel and its property and had a very hands on day using new tools and techniques. We came away with our first knife which we will put to good use when we go camping next. I would highly recommend this course!"

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks John and it was great you both enjoyed yourselves.. Your next camping trip will be all the better for it"

Edward reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Instructions very clear, and a highly enjoyable experience!"

Clarke Knives responded:

"☺☺☺It was a good weekend"

Jesse Q reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Fun day. Well paced to stay in the action and on the tools, but with enough explanation to understand what you're doing and why. Instructors kept a good eye and ensured everyone stayed on course, with additional assistance handed out where needed. Would definitely recommend. "

Clarke Knives responded:

"Glad you enjoyed your day with us so much. Graham"

Luke reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"I had a brilliant day making a knife with Dave, Decklan and Graham. All three where extremely patient, helpful and tremendously skilled & knowledgeable. There is a really friendly, encouraging atmosphere in the forge and I wish I could spend more time there. I'll definitely be taking my kids along in the future. Do it, you won't regret it. "

Clarke Knives responded:

"We all look forward to seeing you again."

Oz Taylor reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Fabulous. Great team who are fully engaged for a full day. Lots of information, lots of encouragement and loads to learn. Could not have asked for more - and the sandwiches were fab! Many thanks. "

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Oz ☺☺"

Huw reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Great day at the forge. Really knowledgeable team there, Dave and Declan were very patient and always happy to help and offer advice and guidance. Their interaction with Graham was ‘interesting’ and clear who’s the boss 😀 As a complete novice I was amazed how good my knife turned out. The small bits of help from Dave & Declan clearly corrected my errors and ended up with a great looking knife. Whole day was good, with lunch and refreshments provided. A good group of people there on Saturday making knives, plus some others on the axe course. Would definitely recommend to anyone as a good experience. Might even return at some point for a slightly bigger knife over a couple of days. Just something relaxing about starting with a lump of metal and heating it up then bashing it with a hammer. Enjoyed the grinding too."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Hi Huw, It was a good group on Saturday, it's a pity I wasn't well enough to join with you more. I hope we will see you again soon."