Clarke Knives reviews

Ian reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Had been looking forward to my day in the forge for nearly a year and upon finally getting there I had a great day. Graham and family were absolutely brilliant being extremely helpful and knowledgeable, and I cannot recommend this course enough if this is something you're interested in. Thank-you to all the Clarke family."

Rob reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"First time in a forge, so didn’t know what to expect but Graham, Dave and Dex made me feel really welcome in a very relaxed atmosphere. As a proper novice, the 1-day knife course was ideal. The instruction was clear, constructive but not intrusive - the guys got it just right. As a result, I was really pleased with my knife at the end of the day - testament to the quality of the teaching. In short, a great day and highly recommended."

Peter reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"My son and I had a great day. We had waited over 12 months for this and it was worth it. Graham and family were excellent teachers. The day was very informative and they explained every stage very well. Very aware of our needs and caught us just in time when we were going wrong. Eventually producing a knife that I will always treasure because I made it. Excellent day, James and I really enjoyed it. Thanks again."

Max C reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Having bought as a gift for my Dad I didn't really know what to expect, but had an awesome day. The guys really love what they're doing and are great teachers- I really didn't see how my bent and battered slab of metal would become a knife but I left four hours later with something I'm pretty proud of! Would 100% go back for one of their other courses, and a few friends are planning to book from my recommendation. Can't recommend it highly enough."

Tracey Kinge reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Thank you all for such an inspiring day! My son had a fantastic day fully supported by you all in not just your valuable knowledge but for your understanding and time to explain your practice. From this, I had chatter all the way home about the skills my son had learned with such enthusiasm that I am now looking into college courses for him. Thank you so much for sharing your skills and being so welcoming. Tracey KInge"

Andrew Browning reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Just the most amazing day I went in and was given a very informative relaxed chat on all things forge, a piece of steel welded to a rebar by the end of the day went home with a proper finished knife that I am very proud off. Graham is a very easy going very skilful chap and hope to go back to learn some more from him sometime."

Dominic reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"What a brilliant experience ! Graham and his wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm made for a really interesting and productive day. From a complete beginner to coming away with a lovely knife at the end of the day was fantastic. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a hands on and creative day in a forge/metal workshop. Thanks you."

Luke reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"I went to the 1 day course on the 27th June 2021. Graham was our instructor and he was great! He demoed each step of the process and then let us get on with it, offering advise along the way. I'm really pleased with my knife and highly recommend the course."

Kieron pollock reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Absolutely fantastic experience, fully recommend taking the course. The team are very knowledgeable, friendly and totally focused on making sure you have a great time and produce a superb knife to bring home."

Catherine and Mike reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Great day with the 3 generations of Clarke’s, the family feel definitely added to the experience with lots of banter! Did everything they could to make sure you have fun and come out with an outcome you are happy with. Support you on the bits you are struggling with. This fact that it is a working forge adds to the experience Would recommend to others - brilliant day thank you"

Clarke Knives responded:

"We're so pleased you both enjoyed the day so much. Hope to see you again sometime ."

Nick C reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Really enjoyable day out with my son - we both got the opportunity to try tools and techniques we'd never normally get to do, all with the patient and skillful support of the crew at the forge. That evening our freshly forged knives made cutting BBQ steak effortless. Will definitely recommend to friends."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Nick"

Nick C reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Really enjoyable day out with my son - we both got the opportunity to try tools and techniques we'd never normally get to do, all with the patient and skillful support of the crew at the forge. That evening our freshly forged knives made cutting BBQ steak effortless. Will definitely recommend to friends."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Nick"

Alison Horridge reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"I had a great day making a knife, instrutors we fantastic and so encouraging Would highly recommend"

Clarke Knives responded:

"Glad you enjoyed it and hope to see you both again sometime."

Darrel Horridge reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"My wife and I both attended the single day knife making course. it was a fantastic day and i would highly recommend it. a great family outfit that make you feel totally at ease."

Clarke Knives responded:

"I'm glad you enjoyed it so much - it was great to have you with us"

Rowena & Mike Bird reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Thank you Graham and Declan, we had the best time. I am not a Forged in Fire viewer so didn't know what to expect but I really enjoyed myself and have a very decent knife to show for it. Really interesting to learn about metal, forging and finishing, the time just flew by. Your knowledge and skills are superb, thank you for sharing."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Rowena, It was a pleasure to have you and Mike spend the day with us."

James Watt reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"The guys really knew their stuff. Really friendly, really fun. Declan is a wizard with a hammer and showed us what for. Honestly had an excellent time and as a first time forger walked away with a piece I'm super proud of. Can't thank them enough for a brilliant experience."

Mark Thornton reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Had a really fantastic day with Graham! He is very knowledgeable, and an exceptionally good teacher who gives simple, easy to understand instruction in bite sized chunks to all students, both young... and not quite so young! Thanks also to Dave (co-owner) and Declan for their help too. Clarkes Knives are in a proper engineering workshop, with plenty of tools, spaced out with plenty of room to work. On a Covid front, masks on at all times, plenty of hand sanitiser available and distancing maintained. My 15yr old son made a knife, starting at the forge with hammer and anvil, working through grinding on Grahams custom belt grinders and ending by wrapping in a paracord handle. Also available a 2 day knife course with a wooden handle and a leather sheath AND a 2 day axe course, complete with making & fitting your own ash handle. Very highly recommended. We are definitely going back! This review also posted on Google"

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Mark, We thoroughly enjoyed having you with us and we all look forward to seeing both of you again."

Maria reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Myself, partner and my brother organised the one day experience for Dads special birthday. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would recommend the experience to anyone! I have enjoyed showing photos of the day to family, friends and colleagues. There is plenty of help available but you are also given independence to just get on with it so the balance felt very comfortable. There was also plenty of food and drink available throughout the day which was a very thoughtful touch. Thank you for a great day. From Maria and family."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thank you Maria, we're all so glad you had such a great day with us. Regards, Graham, David & Decklan"

Maria reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Myself, partner and my brother organised the one day experience for Dads special birthday. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and would recommend the experience to anyone! I have enjoyed showing photos of the day to family, friends and colleagues. There is plenty of help available but you are also given independence to just get on with it so the balance felt very comfortable. There was also plenty of food and drink available throughout the day which was a very thoughtful touch. Thank you for a great day. From Maria and family."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thank you Maria, we're all so glad you had such a great day with us. Regards, Graham, David & Decklan"

Kris Czarnecki reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Me and my wife had a great day. We both enjoyed learning about bladesmithing and forging our own knifes. Graham is very knowledgable. We very much recommend this course."

Clarke Knives responded:

"It was a good day Kris, I hope we'll see you and Jana again soon."

Kris Czarnecki reviewed: ** SPECIAL OFFER ** 10% off - Bladesmithing Experience Day - Wiltshire

"Me and my wife had a great day. We both enjoyed learning about bladesmithing and forging our own knifes. Graham is very knowledgable. We very much recommend this course."

Clarke Knives responded:

"It was a good day Kris, I hope we'll see you and Jana again soon."

Rob Millard reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"It’s not often that you can get an absolutely top-rate expert to walk you through a new experience, but that’s what my son and I got at Vlakvark Forge. Forget other forges experiences that ‘play’ at knife making and you leave you with some two-bit effort. Graham, a highly qualified and experienced metallurgist, took us through the whole process of forging, grinding, heat treating, tempering and finishing the blade, explaining every step in minute detail. I can not recommend him highly enough."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Rob, It was a very enjoyable day. Regards, Graham"

Lewis reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Fantastic course with really top notch instruction. Purchased the day as an experience for a family member's birthday, and it was really great fun. I never thought I could possibly create a knife from a hunk of metal, but as the day progressed it gradually took shape. Really satisfying craft!"

Clarke Knives responded:

"We all hope to see you again sometime. Graham, David & Decklan"

Richard reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"A great day and full of learning and fun. The guys supported everyone irrespective of baseline skills and were happy to help and give as much knowledge and insight as requested. Thoroughly enjoyable and cannot recommend highly enough!"

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Richard, It's gratifying to know the day met your expectations, Regards Graham"

Richard Tarran reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Such a good day! Time flew by and you end up with something useable at the end of the day. Excellent tuition and camaraderie"

Clarke Knives responded:

"We're all glad you enjoyed the day with us."