Fransham Forge reviews

Evonne reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"The course was interesting and enjoyable. The instructor was very knowledgeable and we made several items during the course of the day. I am particularly proud of my spoon... The axes that the second day attendees were making looked fearsome! I would recommend this course to anyone who's looking for a craft experience that is a little bit different."

Trish Barnes reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"From the moment I walked in the door the learning began with experienced anecdotal tales to help reinforce the do’s and don’ts within the forge. Nigel is a little like a waterfall, a force of nature spilling forth all of his experience for others to benefit from. I walked away incredibly fulfilled, proud of what I had achieved and working out how I was going to manage to arrange another day in the future. It is absolutely worth every penny."

william flaherty reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"One of the best learning experiences in years. Did and learnt so much, yet never felt rushed. As result will be looking to do more Smithing in the future. Teacher had a demonstrably large and deep experience which he generously shared. Large amount of machinery onsite so no waiting."

Karina Lee reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I had a truly wonderful day on my blacksmithing 1 day course. Nigel at Fransham Forge, is the most incredible tutor, nothing too much trouble, incredibly patient, and extremely knowledgeable, in almost everything. I came away with more pieces than I thought I could or would make, and a sense of great satisfaction of achievement. All this was possible because of the very relaxed environment. I have already recommended this course and I only completed yesterday, 18/6/21."

Des Waterfall reviewed: Welding with confidence

"I really enjoyed this introduction to welding with MIG. Excellent demonstrations of different methods which we were allowed to practice. Nigel made it look easy and after practicing I managed to get some half decent welds. Like anything practice will improve the results. It has given me confidence to try at home with a MIG welder I bought many years ago when I had a Landrover. The use of the Auto mask made it easier to concentrate on the welding and not worry where the torch was pointing. Thanks Nigel, your sense of humour, stories and advice relieved the worry about striking that first arc."

Dean Newton reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Great day on MIG welding with Nigel. Went from total novice to someone who would be confident tackling projects at home. The majority of the day was hands-on practice, with Nigel setting us various tasks as the day progressed, each supported by a story or two from his past exploits. Very entertaining."

Corease Green reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I bought a day course for my partner and he has just come home very happy and excited to go again. Thank you Nigel!"

John Williamson reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel is a highly experienced teacher and master blacksmith, giving you ample time to work on individual projects or smaller ones to build your confidence. If you have never done any blacksmithing before, this is a great place to start. The hand's on training is well worth it. Best of luck!"

Philip Brodie reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Best Forge ive ever been to and Nigel was a fantastic teacher perfect bslance of hands on experience and smithing knowledge to all levels attending left with some great pieces and a wealth of knowledge. Great teacher Gereat host Fantastic Forge I would Thoughrully recommend a day with Nigel if you want to know all ther is to know about forging and blacksmitjing"

John Williamson reviewed: Welding with confidence

"Nigel is a great teacher with a lot of tips to make welding easier. He demonstrated every step and then you got the chance to learn by doing. I learned a lot from him and I accomplished what I set out to do. That is to give welding a try and see if is something I can do as a hobby when I retire in another year. Thanks Nigel!"

James Clark reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I had two days of forging with my father earlier this month. I had no idea what to expect before I went, except for watching a few videos on Nigel's YouTube channel but, without a doubt, this was a great experience. Nigel is a fantastic teacher and the facilities on offer in the forge are second to none. I came away from the two days with a small collection of tools and sculptures, of which I am very proud. I will definitely return to learn more from Nigel."

Mike Clark reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I came to the forge with my son for a two day course last weekend. Nigel is a great teacher and his life stories inspirational. Having access to all his amazing collection of machines and tools enabled us to make forgings of high quality and we came home with far more than we expected. Thank you Nigel for your patience and encouragement. To be able to do this course at the end of a long lock-down was a breath of fresh air for both of us and I am sure we will be returning soon."

Simon Westwood reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I booked a forging day for my daughter for a birthday treat, she wants to be a blacksmith. From a nervous and anxious morning turned out to be the best day ever. In her words. I have never seen her smile so much. Nigel is a true master of his work. My daughter was filled with enthusiasm. She managed to make a few things that she took home and she will definitely be going back in the near future. I would like to personally thank Nigel for his patience, professionalism and kindness for making her feel welcome and showing her a day she will never forget. Thank you !"

jonathan lacy reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I've done the forging day experience a couple of times. Always excellent tuition from Nigel, plus the excellent stories, very entertaining."

Reg Smith reviewed: Welding with confidence

"A lot of useful tips, hints and instruction in a short time. Got Welding quite quickly so plenty of hands on Mig practice with a touch of stick. Plenty of equipment to use and coffee to drink."

Stuart Pear reviewed: Welding with confidence

"A great course and very cleverly pitched at the more mature student, not one of us less than 50! Admin at the start of the day seemed a bit random but later realised this was part of the scheme to make us feel comfortable and teach old dogs new tricks! learnt a lot from Nigel who is clearly a master craftsman at working metal but without being patronising or condescending, in a real working forge environment. Nigel was full of tips, and hilarious anecdotes about his many years in the welding industry. More informative and fun than I ever anticipated. I hope my next Birthday present is the Blacksmiths course!"

Adam Gutteridge reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Very good experience. He had a plan that he went by for the day giving people experience on making different things but I asked if I could make a knife for work and he got everything sorted for me. Definitely do it again."

Clive chappell reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"I thought it was an excellent course with Nigel who had a great knowledge and was very helpful. Thank you"

Perry reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Fantastic 2 day course, well worth the money. Nigel demonstrates and explains with the ease of a master craftsman, and then gives you the freedom to work independently; within an hour or so you don't feel like a novice. By the second day, you're confident enough to get on the machines and tools without having to ask or be guided, but Nigel is always around to help if needed. When you consider the items you make and the overall experience of the forge, I can't recommend it enough."

Nick Healy reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel is a great teacher and a man with vast knowledge of his craft. He made me feel relaxed and welcome in a new environment. Everything he demonstrated he did in a calm relaxed manner and he told some hilarious stories. Nigel's art work is amazing, such a clever man. I did the two day course and enjoyed every minute of it. l would recommend this course to anyone, l achieved so much in such a short time. Thank you Nigel, l hope to be back soon."

Justin Smith reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Nigel is a great teacher. Everything is demonstrated in a relaxed manner with hilarious stories from his wide ranging experience. I did two days as a complete novice and ended up being hooked! Worth the travel if you are not local. I would find it hard to believe there is a better atmosphere anywhere else in which to start to learn this craft."

Andy Southan reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"A very enjoyable one day course and a great experience. Nigel is a very talented and experienced craftsman, had plenty of stories to keep us amused throughout the day and provided lots of tuition and tips whilst allowing everyone to move at their own pace. Thanks."

John Wallis reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Go on,yes, you can do it! If your curiosity has got you as far as reading this review then you really should book the course. Your reason for hesitating so far could be anything but maybe you are thinking of the cost; it's definitely worth it, you will go back home having learnt something new, with items you've made, and I am sure, a satisfied glow. Maybe you are worried about being judged, Nigel guides you in safe easy steps and is there to help if you ask, but he doesn't judge your work. The only person that might do that is you. I did the 2 day course, the first day is the same for everybody but the second day is really up to you. Taking a thought in my head and managing to turn it into a 3D garden sculpture, was a very satisfying achievement. It's spurred me on to make other things in metal and I will certainly be booking another course with Nigel when I have another project in the future."

David Thomas reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"An excellent course with superb tuition. This was my first time in a forge and over a period of two days I progressed from the basics of forging a taper on the end of a piece of bar to creating a bunch of poppies. The outcome was way above my expectations and has impressed many. I gained hands on experience of a wide range of tools and techniques in a guided and supportive environment. I now have the 'blacksmith bug' and plan to return in the new year. Thoroughly recommended."

Fransham Forge responded:

"Thank you for your comments - we are glad you enjoyed your days with us."

Susan Huskie reviewed: Blacksmithing, bladesmithing and metal craft

"Our daughters bought my husband and I, a one day blacksmithing course. It was a fabulous day, found out a lot about the skills, tools, history - and made 5 brilliant items to take home and show all our friends. Nigel was extremely welcoming and knowledgeable. He was most interesting and supported each of us at the level we needed. Would recommend it as a wonderful day in magnificent surroundings. Thank you Nigel and the other students. Sue Huskie"