Firebird Forge reviews

10 Mar 16'

Dave Dobson reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Fantastic day and top marks to Mort. One day is not much time to brief a student on the safe management of a forge, display blacksmith techniques & skills and allow you the freedom to design an item(s) of your desire - then make said item(s). Mort achieved this with ease, whilst keeping you entertained with anecdotes, tea/coffee, biscuits and cake! Mort is a master craftsman but also a very skilled teacher - which do not always go together! He effortlessly smoothed over my areas of 'stupid moments' which enabled me to leave feeling very satisfied with my achievemnets. The day was well paced, it is a practical 'hands on' learning experience, based on individual ability and I guarantee you will leave with a renewed admiration for skill levels of the blacksmith."

14 Feb 16'

Sarah Dawe reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Mort is the complete Renaissance Man. He is not just a skilled craftsman, his interests range far and wide across history, archeology, art - just about everything - and he will keep you entertained with an endless stream of anecdotes and fascinating snippets. He was patient and supportive throughout the day, and tactfully protected me from the full consequences of my weak woman's arms. I came away having achieved far more than I thought I could, and enjoyed every minute the day. Highly recommended."

18 Jan 16'

William E reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"My Girlfriend bought me this as a birthday present and i was thoroughly looking forward to the day once she told me! So the long awaited day came, I had been going on about trying my hand at Blacksmithing for a couple of months and now i was going to do it! Once i had arrived i was warmly welcomed by Mort and he proceeded to show me, and the other trainee, around giving us ideas of what to make. I decided to be boring and make a knife for my self but Mort was more than happy to accommodate this frequent request. Mort started by showing the techniques that would be required to make my knife, and was very supportive through out the entire process even being kind enough to jump in and help when my arm could no longer lift the hammer. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Firebird Forge and would recommend it to anyone looking to try there hand at Blacksmithing. I had a really nice time and working with Mort was both fun and educating! Top day!! I will definitely give it another go! Thanks Mort!"

19 Dec 15'

James Fitzsimmons reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I have to apologise to Mort, after such a great day we promised him that we would write this review and yet it has taken me far too long to get around to penning it. Anyway, I organised a day's course for my father and I for his birthday as he has a keen interest in archery and medieval warfare. The day could hardly have been better, despite being complete novices we made some bodkin arrow heads and progressed onto viking domestic knives, which I have to admit both my father and are are insufferably smug about to this day. Mort was a very thorough and friendly teacher and I honestly can't endorse this course enough. Mort will tailor the day to your skill level and tastes, if you have any interest in black smithing whatsoever Mort can help you make the most of it. Great day!"

15 Dec 15'

Richard Furniss reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"My son and I enjoyed a day of tuition from Mort in December 2015. Both complete novices, under his supervision (and with his assistance) we learned about the traditional techniques of blacksmithing and made arrowheads, knives and leafs. Mort is very informative and friendly and the whole day is a pleasure. Highly recommended."

28 Nov 15'

Mark Streeter reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I had a warm welcome with a cup of tea, a quick intro and H&S covered and we were off . I found mort very knowledgeable and very easy to get on with . He easily explained each process and let me explore each process , only stepping in to nudge me back on track. A fab day and can't wait to have another go! Highly recommended!"

9 Nov 15'

Chris Pulsford reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"A brilliant day with an amazing teacher and a master at his craft. I've always entertained the notion of being a blacksmith and Mort has really helped me take steps towards that goal. His patience, ability to see when mistakes are about to made and to subsequently help correct them all the while letting you stay in control (or at least seem to), all help build confidence in what it possible. As he says the skill can be learnt in minutes but takes a lifetime to master. I can't wait to get back in the forge and improve my skills, might need to strengthen the wrists first though Overall a fantastic experience that I would highly recommend to all. Beautiful area and a superb course. Thanks a bunch Mort."

30 Oct 15'

Stephen reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I spent an absolutely enthralling and priceless day with David. One enhanced by an unending flow of tea and biscuits. The piece of work that I had set my sights on was not a trivial one. David ensured that the work was seen through to completion without regard to the official finish time. David spared no time ensuring that all of the steps were explained in detail and that every question was answered in detail. The day’s practical facets were augmented by an every broadening historical discourse. Our lunch break was, for example, enriched by tales of the Mortimer family’s medieval adventures in the Welsh Marches."

3 Oct 15'

Gemma reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Wow what a fab day. I have never done any metal working before and under morts excellent tuition and immense patience I made 3bowl hooks for wood turning and a gift for my dad. Mort has a very relaxed persona which helped make the day a success. Thank you"

29 Sep 15'

Chris Eakins reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I just would like to thank Mort for an utterly enjoyable experience. I came away with a wonderful insight into the world of blacksmithing and, with his guidance, a product that I am thoroughly proud of. He was patient and knowledgeable, as well as being a gifted blacksmith."

10 Sep 15'

Edward ingham reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I've had a great day learning lots and making some great things. Including knives and arrow heads. This experience was brought for me by my better half and she also came along for the day and made some lovely metal leaves. All of the teaching was great and resulted in me booking another day with mort to work on a project. Can't recommend enough"

25 Aug 15'

Hadrien Cortade reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Mort is an excellent blacksmith and a friendly person. I spent a whole day expecting to make only one item but ended up with three! Mort will teach you all you need to know about blacksmithing and make it enjoyable at the same time. I spent the day making cool stuff, having great conversations and watching a true master, don't regret a single moment and thoroughly enjoyed myself."

5 Aug 15'

Josh Smith reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Highly recommend! I used to work in the wilkinson sword factory making knives and swords and I learnt loads with Mort, I found the forge well equiped and the day was brilliant fun, can't wait to go back."

4 Aug 15'

Tate reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"A great blacksmith at work in this forge and a great teacher. I would do it again this course showed me how fun and interesting blacksmithing is even if there is a bit of waiting"

20 Jul 15'

Scott Cowan reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"I didn't expect how much I loved blacksmithing. I was a complete beginner and Mort showed us how to work the forge and showed us some different designs. He offered hands on help even though we were a large group. Highly recommended."

14 Jul 15'

Connor Groves Waters reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Took a day course last weekend and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was very pleased with how the day played out and it has left me wanting to come back and continue with blacksmithing."

5 Jul 15'

Richard Jones reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Firstly I'm not the first person to be a fan of one day courses. I have been interested in blacksmithing for a while and as a panel beater have a good sound knowledge of metal. My other half bought me a days training with Mort at the firebird forge for Christmas and I finally attended on Saturday. All I can say is I had the best time I've had for a long while. I learnt so much more than I anticipated. Mort is a great guy, brilliant laugh, patient and very knowledgeable. I can't recommend him enough. There is no set pieces to make, you turn up with ideas of what YOU want to make and off you go. Mort will incorporate as many blacksmithing methods in your design as possible so you get to learn so much more than you think you will in a day. I will be going back for sure. Don't delay, if your interested then choose Mort, it will be one of the best things you've done."

24 Jun 15'

Nick Barnaby reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Wow what a top day and what a top bloke Mort is. Fantastic fun learning blacksmithing and making a piece of ancient military history (roman pilum) for me to use. We share a passion for history, his medieval (and so much more...), mine roman (and so much smaller...) and I came away with a lot more knowledge than I went in with that's for sure. Very relaxed, skillful and entertaining tuition with great attention to detail and more than happy to go the extra mile to make my piece authentic and highly accurate. If your a historical reenactor or enthusiast don't hesitate, get yourself some pictures/drawings to work with and a big packet of Jaffa cakes and Mort will most likely be able to help realise your ideas. Equally if your just interested in trying out blacksmithing don't hesitate, you'll come away with an amazing piece, a huge smile and great memories too, just don't forget the Jaffa cakes. Cannot recommend this course enough and I will return as soon as I can research new projects, Mort beware!"

21 Jun 15'

Ben Westaway reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"A fantastic day out in a beautiful setting. Wasn't too sure what I was getting into, but couldn't have enjoyed it more. Came away with a great piece of work and a big smile on my face. Will definitely be coming back for more!"

18 Jun 15'

David Munn reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"A fantastic day - possibly the best birthday present I have ever had. With no previous experience, Mort was an excellent and very tolerant teacher. Watching him demonstrate techniques makes it clear that he is a very talented blacksmith - lots to live up to but no pressure when it comes to your turn! I was surprised, and very pleased, with what it is possible for a complete novice to achieve and I would recommend that anyone who has even vaguely thought about having a go to do so. My billhook will become a treasured family heirloom :-/"

16 Jun 15'

Ray Forester reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"What a fantastic day spent with Mort who had such knowledge and enthusiasm. Gentle and enjoyable tuition and good value for money. As the day progressed so did my skills and confidence progressing to the makingof a drawknife. I would thoroughly recommend this course and can't wait to return for another workshop and take my wife along to enjoy the day. I would advise all those who do one of these workshops to go along with plans and ideas of what you would like to create. Have a fantastic time.....I certainly did! Ray"

8 Jun 15'

Naomi reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"My husband and myself went on this course together and had such a fantastic day. I was not the greatest at bashing the metal, but Mort was very patient and helped us make our coat hooks without taking over and made us feel like we had achieved a lot by the end of the day. I can highly recommend it as an activity to do with your spouse because we were in fits of giggles at how useless we were with the machinery and have something fantastic to take home and remind us of a good day spend together."

26 Apr 15'

Mark V reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"My best friend and I spent the weekend learning from Mort and we both learned a lot. We are both going back for more and as both Mort and the course were great."

16 Apr 15'

nigel reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"absolutely brilliant day, I would strongly recommend it. Mort is a great guy and an excellent teacher - I learnt alot and he helped me to forge things I would never have dreamed I could make !"

16 Apr 15'

Jackie reviewed: Firebird Forge Blacksmithing School

"Mort is a wonderful and very knowledgeable teacher and we are hugely proud of the beautiful things we made. I am especially delighted with a dagger/ knife with a tempered blade and elegant handle, very Game of Thrones, and I didn't expect to be able to make anything so impressive. It is also therapeutic to bash metal into shape! Highly recommended."