Clarke Knives reviews

Peter Quayle reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"The course from start to finish was fantastic. A great bunch of passionate, professional and down to earth guys at the top of their profession. Lunch was great, the banter and brew flowed throughout the day and the expert training and support to give everyone attending an end product of a working knife is testimony to the way the course was run. Brilliant, thank you."

Clarke Knives responded:

"It was a really good day Peter. We all hope to see you again in the future"

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

"The course from start to finish was fantastic. A great bunch of passionate, professional and down to earth guys at the top of their profession. Lunch was great, the banter and brew flowed throughout the day and the expert training and support to give everyone attending an end product of a working knife is testimony to the way the course was run. Brilliant, thank you."

Clarke Knives responded:

"It was a really good day Peter. We all hope to see you again in the future"

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

"I had spoken to Graham at their stand at the Newbury County Fair in 2019 and my girlfriend decided to surprise me by booking a course for my birthday. Graham, David and Declan (3 generations of Clarkes') were all excellent instructors and very knowledgeable in their craft. After getting the initial obligatory COVID-19 / safety talk out of the way, Graham gave a brief overview of what we would be doing during the day through each stage of the process. The course was very hands on which I enjoyed though Graham was there keeping his expert eye on things and offering guidance on improving technique to better the outcome and explained why certain things done at that stage affected the process at a later stage. Each stage was carefully explained and I left feeling greater awe at the skills of these master craftsmen. It was a most enjoyable experience and the time literally flew by. I have to recommend the guys at Vlakvark Forge and I shall definitely be back to do more."

Wayne Scheepers reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"I had spoken to Graham at their stand at the Newbury County Fair in 2019 and my girlfriend decided to surprise me by booking a course for my birthday. Graham, David and Declan (3 generations of Clarkes') were all excellent instructors and very knowledgeable in their craft. After getting the initial obligatory COVID-19 / safety talk out of the way, Graham gave a brief overview of what we would be doing during the day through each stage of the process. The course was very hands on which I enjoyed though Graham was there keeping his expert eye on things and offering guidance on improving technique to better the outcome and explained why certain things done at that stage affected the process at a later stage. Each stage was carefully explained and I left feeling greater awe at the skills of these master craftsmen. It was a most enjoyable experience and the time literally flew by. I have to recommend the guys at Vlakvark Forge and I shall definitely be back to do more."

Colin Wicks reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"A birthday gift from my partner. And what a great day it was. Thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. Came away with a knife I can use in a bit of bushcraft. Nothing fancy but function is more important. I've used it and am well happy. Definitely recommend."

Clarke Knives responded:

"Thanks Colin, I hope we'll see you again soon."

Robbie reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Having had Bladesmithing as a new hobby/side project on my mind for quite a while I decided to take the one day course to get a feel for what exactly's involved. Graham, David & Declan (great kid) were all really engaging and made the day fun, enjoyable and really informative. You can tell they all have a lot of knowledge about the blacksmithing world. It's definitely made me realise I want to pursue Bladesmithing beyond this one off experience. I'll be back for more. Cheers."

Clarke Knives responded:

"And we look forward to seeing you again Robbie."

Gavin Simmonite reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Had a fantastic day with Graham, David and Deklan. Really enjoyed my day learning about bladesmithing. Would highly recommend this course."

Simon Morford reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Superb weekend spent making a great knife. Really pleased I went for the two day option and ended up with a completed knife and hand made sheath. Graham, David and Declan were the fun side of professional throughout and clearly knew what what they were talking about. Already saving up for the axe course."

Clarke Knives responded:

"It was a great Weekend Experience and we all look forward to seeing you again"

Simon bennett reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Great course covering all aspects of making a knife from start to finish. Good staff to attendee ratios enabling prompt attention to each stage of the process with clear guidance and explanations not only what to do but why the step is necessary. Good natured conversation throughout made the day highly enjoyable. Very pleased to get a finished product at the end of the day, and with the parachute cord option for the handle allowed the knife to be usable immediately."

Clarke Knives responded:

"An enjoyable day indeed Simon with a great result."

Harry Brian King reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"A great hands on experience day, enjoyed learning how to craft metal at a proper forge. Enjoyed every minute with Graham and his family great people and very knowledgeable in their skills."

Clarke Knives responded:

"It was great to have you with us Harry - I hope we'll see you again soon"

Kevin Bates reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Amazing day at the forge with Graeme, David and Declan. Highly recommended."

Clarke Knives responded:

"It was great to have you with us Kevin - I hope we'll see you again soon"

John Swanborough reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"What a day, Graham and his Team were excellent from start to finish. Everything was explained at the beginning of what we wanted to achieve, you then go into the forge and Declan his Grandson (14) gives you a practical demonstration of Knife forging. It is then your turn to repeat, this happens at every stage of the experience. No question is stupid, if you do something wrong Graham or the team can fix it. I went from someone with a bit of knowledge to making a knife. It is a day I did with my son I will not forget. We are trying to work out when we can do the two day course. Thank you Graham and Team"

Stephen Farebrother reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Had an amazing day! All the team were super knowledgeable, helpful and friendly! Group size was ideal and made the day sociable. Cannot recommend highly enough!"

Stuart Crawford reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"My wife got me this experience as a Christmas present due to my Forged in fire addiction (beats Love Island). I had a properly ace day being taught an unknown skill by really friendly and truly talented smiths. You;ll keep all fingers and thumbs, don't worry they've got you covered ?. The blade I came away with is now pride of place on my cheese board. I will definitely be going back for the two day course at some point!"

Andrew Shapland reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"It was great to be instructed not only on what needed to be done but on how the various stages were developing towards a beautiful shiny and unique knife."

Sarah McCairns reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Absolutely brilliant day. Really loved it. My husband son and teenage daughter came and loved it so much they want their own forge!! Can't wait to go back."

Matt reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Wow, what a fantastic day!! A terrific experience that I would whole-heartedly recommend to all. Graham had expert knowledge and experience of both the theory and the practicality of working steel and matched this with a wonderful personable manner that really conveyed his enthusiasm and passion, which made for a terrific learning experience."

Derek Chapman reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Fantastic 2 day weekend knife making course. Graham, David and Decklan know their stuff, plenty of equipment and patience so no waiting around. Left on Sunday with a knife with handle and sheath. Also booked in for the following Wednesday and Thursday for one to one course with Graham. Graham is a fountain of knowledge on metallurgy, furnace work, quenching and just about any thing to to with bladesmithing. I have been collecting knives for years and have a small forge at home and have attempted to make a few knives to be fair they were rubbish and ended up in the bin, the knife I made on Thursday I would be proud to add to my collection. I'm sure I will be going back to Vlakvark Forge to learn more at a later date. If you have any interest in knives or knife making, book yourself on to this course, you will not be disappointed."

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

"Brilliant day, lovely people. The guys were so patient and great teachers. Laid back to the point where the two power cuts due to the storm didn't phase them, they were happy to bring us back another day suitable for all but luckily power was restored. Amazing craftsmen, so skilled and clearly love what they do."

Beth Morrell reviewed: Bladesmithing Experience Day

"Brilliant day, lovely people. The guys were so patient and great teachers. Laid back to the point where the two power cuts due to the storm didn't phase them, they were happy to bring us back another day suitable for all but luckily power was restored. Amazing craftsmen, so skilled and clearly love what they do."

Clint milton reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"These guys absolutely know their craft inside out. Fantastic atmosphere and suitable for any level. You will learn a new skill and have a great time doing it. Stop reading the reviews and just book it. You won't be disappointed! You'll also come home with a knife that will make all your friends jealous!"

Spencer Robbins reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"I had a fantastic weekend blade smithing. The guys have so much knowledge of their craft you can’t help but learn. They make you feel very welcome and supply you with food, snacks and drinks. It’s the second time that I have visited the forge and I don’t think it’ll be my last. Many thanks guys, hope to see you all again."

Chris Atkey reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Graham and Dave are great couple of guys who know their business, I came out with a knife and the urge to make my own forge. Will effeminately do it again."

Bill Young reviewed: Bladesmithing Weekend

"Sent on the course by my wife for some bonding with our teenaged son, I was apprehensive as I'd not been in a workshop since middle school woodwork and avoid DIY, both of which I hated. However I was amazed by the product we were all able to produce after the two days thanks to some brilliant encouragement and step-by-step coaching from Graham and David. The pace was just right and broken down into understandable and achievable steps. We were never hanging around waiting for stuff to happen or tools to become free. From hammering hot steel to angle-grinding to using bandsaws and grinders, we were allowed to get on with it with a light touch but a watchful eye from the instructors. There was plenty of refreshment and chances to chat while building some camaraderie over cups of tea. The atmosphere was fun and friendly with a serious undertone of wanting to do a good job. I've been recommending it to all my friends and showing off the best knife I'll ever own ever since I got back. My son and I can't wait for the axe course."

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

"This was an amazing course, I can’t recommend it highly enough."