David Knight Woodland Crafts reviews

21 May 21'

Sophie Cotmore reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"A great introduction to green wood carving at a beautiful outdoor venue (with an indoor option and roaring fire to warm up if need be !). The day was friendly and relaxed, but packed full of demonstrations, instruction, advice and tips, history of the craft, inspiration, and of course, lots of hands on practice on a piece of wood we could select ourselves from hazel, apple or birch (amongst others). The tutors were attentive, friendly, and clearly very skilled and passionate about their craft. The tools we used were really in fabulous condition, and beautiful in themselves. I was very impressed and am keen to get my own set of tools. The group was small enough to get plenty of 121 time with the tutors, who clearly have a vast knowledge of working with wood. This day is a great experience, and great value for money. Highly recommend it!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Sophie Thank you so much for your thoughtful and considered review! I’m so pleased you enjoyed your day and are ready for a journey into woodcarving and spoon making. Teaching is such a reciprocal activity so thanks also for being such an attentive and engaged student. Keep making shavings."

18 May 21'

Tom Dale reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"This is a brilliant course. All four of us came away with our own spoons and with big smiles on our faces. David and Mike are the perfect mix of hands-on and hands-off, giving help where needed while always encouraging you to try the techniques and the tools yourself. I highly recommend the course!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thanks so much for your positive review, Tom. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you over the day and I do hope you’ll be able to continue to carve and continue to smile!"

17 May 21'

William Locke reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"This was a great course that my 22 year old son and I really enjoyed - lots of really useful instruction on the basics, from tree to (nearly) completed spoon. David and Mike were extremely helpful and friendly - showing us many useful techniques, but giving us plenty of hands-on experience too. The setting was perfect."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Bill, I’m so glad you and your son enjoyed the day. Despite the weather Mike and I had a great time tutoring you and it was gratifying to see your spoons emerge from a chunk of wood over the course of a day. I hope you feel inspired to continue carving and invest in a toolset to keep making shavings!"

23 Apr 21'

Lux reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"This is a fantastic course! David and Mike are experienced tutors. They are passionate about woodcraft, they are knowledgeable and professional. They paid attention to each student in the class. My boyfriend and I are absolute beginners for woodcraft, we learnt a lot on the day, with the help from the tutors, we both managed to get a spoon done. It was a happy learning experience and a great fun day! The workshop is located at Hill End such a beautiful place in Oxford. Thank you so much, David and Mike! :) All the best!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Lux it was a real pleasure to introduce you and Eccles to the joys of wood carving. I’m so glad you enjoyed the day and I do hope it has triggered a continuing interest in wood crafts. I look forward to seeing you on further courses, perhaps?"

20 Apr 21'

Evgenia Woodward reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I really enjoyed the day. It was a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere. David and his assistant Mike are both wonderful teachers, passionate about green woodworking and ready to share their knowledge and experience. Their teaching manner is very encouraging and inspiring, helping their students to discover a talent for spoon carving."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thanks so much for the review, Evgenia. It is really helpful to get positive feedback to keep us motivated for the next course and group of students. Take care, David"

19 Apr 21'

Andrew Woodward reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"This course was a gift from my wife and it was a very enjoyable day. David and Mike are knowledgeable, friendly and are never far away when you need help or advice. The spoon making experience involves a set of skills few of us possess from log splitting to carving with both axe and knives. These skills keep you busy all day and are well demonstrated and explained. There is also a good array of tools to try to suit individual preferences for weights, blade lengths etc. The follow up notes are also excellent for anyone who wants to put the finishing touches to their creation or for those who are inspired to pick up a new hobby. Highly recommended."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thanks so much for your review, Andrew. It was rather exciting that you didn’t know quite what your birthday present was- I’m so pleased that your wife chose something you enjoyed. I look forward to hearing how your new-found craft skills progress."

15 Dec 20'

Tom Dixon reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I really enjoyed myself on this course, it was everything I had expected and more. David and Mike were great teachers and demonstrators, always on hand to answer a question or to demonstrate a technique or give advice on the evolving spoon design. The day was informal but well run. Safety was a high priority given the sharp tools being used. There was plenty of opportunity to try out a variety of tools to help with deciding what you will want to buy afterwards when you get hooked in to spoon carving I have asked Santa for a set of spoon knives for Christmas so hopefully I will be able to pursue my new found interest, I just need to listen out for any chain saws so that I can go and get some freshly cut wood to practice on. Highly recommended!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Tom, thanks so much for this positive feedback. It was an absolute pleasure to tutor you and your fellow spoon carvers on Saturday and I’m so pleased we could spend much of the day outdoors. You’ll need a second mortgage for some of Mike’s axe recommendations, but they are beautiful heirloom tools made by very talented makers! I do hope Santa isn’t grounded by covid and brings you some nice sharp things to play with in the months ahead. Do stay in touch and let me know if you need a supply of green wood- I’m sure we can help! All best David"

13 Dec 20'

Bogdan Iovanovici reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"What i can say....really grate course, beautiful location, David it is such a great teacher...highly recommended."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Bogdan, you now hold the record for the furthest anyone has travelled to join one of my classes! I’m so pleased that you felt that the journey was worthwhile and thanks so much for your kind words. Keep those knives sharp and keep making shavings!"

13 Dec 20'

Helen McCuaig-Finlay reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Great course. It was a cold day but I barely even noticed! Engaged from start to finish. Experienced and helpful instructors. Would highly recommended."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Helen, high praise that we managed to get you to forget the winter weather, but we were blessed with some sunshine and blue skies! I’m so pleased you had a good day and I hope that we’ve planted a seed of working green wood that will stay with you. A simple set of tools and bountiful raw materials in the natural world around us! Do stay in touch and let us know how your carving journey proceeds."

12 Dec 20'

Otto Frohmader reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Really nice day, well worth the trip up from Brighton. When you've done the course you will want to carve another spoon, which means you will want spend some extra cash on a couple of tools. So be careful! However, If you can't get your own tools then David and Mike offer a regular membership where they kindly provide quality tools for you to use. 100% recommend"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Otto, thanks so much for your review. I really appreciate the effort you took to join us from Brighton in the middle of a pandemic. You are right that carving spoons can become addictive, but it beats alcohol or tobacco, right? I wish you well on your spooncarving and green woodwork journey and please do stay in touch."

29 Oct 20'

Elen Wade-Martins reviewed: Family carving and whittling - morning

"I took my two sons (10 and 13) to this workshop for a half term treat. We were all new to woodworking and wanted to learn some basic safety and techniques. David and Caroline made it relaxed, accessible and fun; we had a lovely morning and are now hooked. We hope to attend more of David's courses in future. Many thanks."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Elen, thanks so much for your review. I’m so glad you and your sons enjoyed the course. It is so helpful to get feedback. I’ll send out some post course materials in a day or two to help keep those knives sharp and with follow-up project ideas. Keep making shavings!"

24 Sep 20'

Andrew Braund reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I've now been a spoon carver for just over 2 years. It all started when I went on one of David's courses. I had no idea what would be involved. I started with log of field maple and by the end of the day I walked away with a very presentable spoon. David is for starters a really nice, approachable guy. He's a great teacher, makes sure that you know what you're doing, and supports you throughout the day. The atmosphere was fun and relaxed and there is a great sense of achievement in turning a log into a spoon! David runs our local group which meets monthly in a local wood where we all sit around a log fire, carving spoons, chatting, drinking tea and sharing experiences. So in 2 years I've become part of the spoon carving community! I'm sure you'll enjoy the course!"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Andy, I really appreciate this review and your kind words. You remind me that learning to carve a wooden spoon isn’t just about learning a new craft skill but is a route through to a wider green woodworking community which is so friendly, welcoming and happy to share skills, experience and supplies of green wood!"

14 Sep 20'

Ruth Stavris reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"An excellent and very enjoyable introductory day course in green woodworking, from the welcoming wood-fired kettle right through to comprehensive follow-up email and opportunities for further progress. The whole day was very well-structured and equipped, with superbly clear demonstrations and explanations from David and Mike, which enabled us to make spoon design choices, get plenty of practice with axe and knives, and produce an item of use and individual beauty. The day was one of care and attention, in a very safety-conscious environment and wonderfully peaceful surroundings, with David enabling us all to get properly to grips with the revelation that the axe is our friend! Thoroughly recommended, as well as a spoon I ended the day with a great sense of accomplishment, and a deeper appreciation of the artistry involved in the craft."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thanks so much for the review, Ruth, it is much appreciated, and thanks to you and your fellow participants for being such an engaged and enthused group. I do hope the day has sparked your interest in spooncarving and green woodworking- it’s a rabbit hole that’s not easy to escape from!"

13 Sep 20'

adrian bird reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"A great Introduction to Spooncarving excellently delivered by David and his lovely assistant ?. The whole day was relaxed and informative we learned so much and the concentration built as our spoons took shape, I highly recommend it."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Adrian, I really appreciate your comments, as does Mike! If enjoyment is measured by the amount of shaving around your chopping block then you definitely won hands down- congratulations on managing to carve two spoons in the day and being part of such a wonderful group to tutor. I couldn’t ask for a better way to spend a Saturday!"

13 Sep 20'

Linda W reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Excellent course. I had a really enjoyable day in a superb location. David is an excellent teacher and clearly is very passionate about his craft. He explained and demonstrated every step in a very easy to understand way and inspired confidence in using the tools needed to carve a spoon. He also covered safety issues at the beginning of the day and how to look after and sharpen your tools. I'd definitely recommend this course."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Linda, thanks so much for your feedback, it is really appreciated. Thank you for being part of a such an engaged and involved group of participants. I look forward to watching your skills in wood carving develop and grow."

13 Sep 20'

Hannah Hart-George reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"David was excellent. I had never done anything like this before and he taught in a very clear manner. Whilst I felt I learnt heaps it was never overwhelming. I loved the vibe of the class, crafting around a fire with a pot of hot water constantly on the go. I would definitely recommend it."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Hannah, I really appreciate your feedback. Hill End did us proud as a venue and I loved the dappled shade from the birch trees at our site. Thank you for being so receptive to new ideas in developing your craft skills and I hope you’ve now caught the spooncarving bug and will be whittling away in future months and years!"

13 Sep 20'

Philip Hodsdon reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Great introduction to spoon carving by David, helped by Mike. Both very knowledgeable and helpful. Ended up with spoon which actually looked like a spoon! Learnt a great deal about cuts needed and orientation of the grain etc. Also safe use of tools and sharpening. An enjoyable day in a fantastic location."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Phil it was great to meet a fellow Eynsham resident! Thank you for throwing yourself into the deep end of working green wood. I do hope I can provide continuing support as you develop your interest in spooncarving and green woodworking"

13 Sep 20'

Rachel reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"A lovely way to have spend my Saturday, in such a calm, relaxed and naturally beautiful environment. David was very informative and his calm friendly approach gave me to the confidence to use tools and equipment that I'd never used before. I was so absorbed in making my spoon that I lost all sense time! I look forward to making more things out of wood in the future. Thank you David"

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thanks so much Rachel, yes the time did fly didn’t it? Thanks for being such a great group to tutor. I very much hope that you’ll develop your skills further and I’d be honoured to help you make more shavings and spoons!"

13 Sep 20'

Angela Edward reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"It was great to learn the whole process from log to spoon. David’s tuition was excellent and I felt safe and confident using the techniques he showed us. Highly recommend this course."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Thanks so much Angela- you were a great group to teach and as always I learned something new from the day too. Hope you’ve found the follow-up notes useful. All best David"

4 Sep 20'

Lucie reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"I did one of David's courses last January, and it was absolutely great! I was an absolute beginner, and I am not even particularly good at crafts, but David explained everything from the very start (a log of green wood) to the end (oiling the spoon, sharpening tools etc). Each student carved their very own spoon, and there were a number of different tools to try out. David demonstrated many different techniques to use the sharp tools safely (for you and others around), while still leaving you room to figure out things on your own. David is an excellent teacher, absolutely passionate about wood carving, I had an amazing day! After just this one class I am carving spoons on my own, and this part is particularly important to me as I very much expected that after the class I would never dare to carve anything at all ; the exact opposite happened. David even helped me afterwards with advice on tools to get, sharpening techniques and more. I absolutely wholeheartedly recommend this class, and I am definitely considering taking another one myself."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"Hi Lucie Thanks so much for the review. The course I taught with you will be unforgettable, not so much for Storm Brendan that hit us, nor feeding the goats in the rain but because you were a great group of students! Keep making shavings!"

25 Aug 20'

Roger H reviewed: Introduction to spooncarving at Hill End

"Having no experience of working with wood, let alone carving using sharp tools and knives I was rather hesitant about this course; but the thought of creating, through my own efforts, a useful and beautiful wooden object spurred me on to apply for a place on David's spoon-carving course in 2018. How wrong I was to be so uncertain, from the word GO It was a most enjoyable day. There were about eight in the group and we met outdoors in very pleasant surroundings, we were all new to spoon-carving and very impressed with the examples that David had laid out before us. David himself is an inspirational teacher, it was clear from the start that not only is he a superb craftsman, but that he is also driven to share his knowledge and talents with others. The first part of the day, much to my pleasure, dealt with safety, then armed with the knowledge of how to keep ourselves and others safe we were taken step by step through the process of carving a spoon. I tasted an experience that day that has lasted and will last me a lifetime and that experience, quite simply, is the pleasure of working with wood by hand. The feel, the texture, the smell of freshly cut wood and the work involved to produce something so personal and individual and functional as a spoon was and still is quite wonderful. Since that course I have joined the Oxfordshire Bodgers which is organised by David and continued to develop my skills and interest in green woodworking. All in all, I can thoroughly recommend this course it is useful, practical and above all creative as well as being me back to nature. David, as I have said, is an inspirational teacher and mentor. Through his passion, knowledge and enthusiasm I have learned new skills and developed a new and enjoyable interest."

David Knight Woodland Crafts responded:

"I’m blushing! Thanks so much for the review Roger and it is wonderful to see how you’ve developed yourself as a woodcarver, exploring the properties of different wood species and incorporating that into your designs."