Friargate Forge reviews

Sarah & Alan reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"Brilliant day, Gary & Josh are great teachers with a lot of patience and knowledge. Very pleased with the items we made (with expert help). Josh took extra effort demonstrating how to do things with his non-dominant hand for the left hander :) "

Scott Ashton reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"I booked this for my best mates birthday and honestly one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and I would recommend to anyone this is the place to go. It was worth any penny and me and my mate are already planning our next visit. Don’t even think twice it’s worth it and the laughs you will have while you're there make it even better."

Alistair reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"Attended this course for a friend's birthday and had a great time. Jos and Gary were both polite, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. They managed to guide the four of us through making some simple but great-looking blacksmith's knives in the time we had. The instructions were very clear and both Gary and Jos were very patient and took the time to explain what was happening, as well as helping with all the equipment and stopping us making any mistakes. I can't recommend this course and location enough if you have any interest in blacksmithing, its a great day out, really fun, and you get the satisfaction of taking home something you've made yourself!"

Nicole reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"I booked this experience for my husband for a present and he came home last night, bubbling over at how wonderful it was. Honestly, I've never seen him this happy with something and he said he loved every single minute. So thank you, for giving him a day to remember and giving him a much needed boost. "

Gareth B reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"Fantastic day with Gary and Jos at Friargate Forge. I have absolutely no experience and am usually rubbish at being creative, but the experts got me stuck straight in, helping to show me the ropes and allowing me to create a tomahawk axe within the day! Both were really knowledgable about how to do everything I needed to do and I was delighted with the end result! If you're trying to decide, book this course! You won't regret it."

Alison B reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

" Being Forged in Fire fans, I was disappointed that though many reviews said they created knives etc on the 1 day basic course, Gary said that was not possible. However, Gary was kind and reassuring in our emails regarding my daughters special needs and I was able to assure her the tutor was also on the spectrum so would understand and help her through the course. Sadly, on the day he called in to his assistant to say he was too tired to attend and so left us unexpectedly with his assistant Joss. Joss was very patient and we had a lovely day and my daughter created a fabulous letter opener but it was upsetting that we had to explain the issues again and we also had some language barrier issues but as I say Joss was very patient and a great teacher, especially given that he had not expected to be teaching the course that day. He was kind enough to let us parents stay to watch all day and we really appreciated that opportunity. The forge was very cold and facilities extremely basic but overall it was a fascinating day and great experience and my daughter created an amazing piece thanks to his patient instruction. "

Andrew reviewed: 2 day knife/axe making courses

"Joss was fantastic. Highly recommended. "

Mike (Chester) reviewed: 60 layer damascus knife/axe making course.

"I asked my family to buy the Damascus axe course for a significant birthday. I love Damascus steel, but have never done any metalwork. This was the perfect course. Gary and Jos strike exactly the right balance between instruction, support and enabling you to be hands-on. I couldn't be happier with the end result. Many thanks guys. It was an excellent introduction to the world of the forge"

Ruth reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"I booked this for my husband and his Dad as a birthday celebration. They had a brilliant day and came back with a beautiful garden ornament and knife. They’re both keen to get back and do more courses in the forge!"

Jon reviewed: 2 day knife/axe making courses

"A really fun and enjoyable 2 days spent making an axe. Gary and Joss were both great throughout, providing support and advice to make a good quality piece even with no prior knowledge. They also give you enough flexibility to make it feel like you've made something truly unique and bespoke at the same time. Would recommend to anyone who wants to experience being a blacksmith"

John Maloney reviewed: 60 layer damascus knife/axe making course.

"Wow! Thoroughly enjoyed this course. The tutors were knowledgeable skilled and attentive to the needs and various levels of experience of their customers. Gary and Jos are obviously skilled artisans and their patience and skill base lend themselves to a very enjoying and fulfilling experience. What needs to be said, it’s super fun realising a dream. Hot metal, hammers noise and something tangible to take away. If you don’t take the opportunity to do something like this then you will regret it for ever. It’s an experience I will treasure. Keep it up guys. Happy bunnies are miserable compared to doing this!"

Danny reviewed: 60 layer damascus knife/axe making course.

"I signed up for the 3 day Damascus and chose a kitchen knife to forge , more of a cleaver knife! The instruction was spot on , each step was clearly explained as well as how to operate the equipment . It was a really good experience and I ended up with a beautiful knife at the end."

Al. reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"Had a great time at the forge - I’m a complete beginner and didn’t know exactly what I wanted to make at the start of the day (thought it would be either an axe or a crafting knife) but Gary and Jos helped massively in working out what could be done in the time and helped make it possible!! They’re super skilled and I only had to show them a couple of ideas that I googled in the morning and by the end of the day its there in your hand! Gary’s clearly really passionate about this work and making sure you have a great experience as well. If you’re a novice it’s definitely a great place to take your first steps with working with metal - I learnt loads, from the processes to different metals you can work with to all the different things you can make. I’m definitely going to be going again!! If you are brand new to this, here’s a couple of things I’d suggest: Do have a think about what you want to make in advance (maybe draw some sketches?) - I’m delighted with what I made, but if you’ve got a plan to work to it’s always that little bit easier right? Do wear boots if you’ve got them - I wore converse and whilst I didn’t have any issues, it is a workshop and so you wanna be wearing something workshop-y you know? Overall I thought it was great! Can’t wait to get back and get making the next thing."

Jack reviewed: 2 day axe making course

"It was an awesome weekend. Joss is a great teacher. He let me do the majority of the work with helpful input all the way through, especially on some of the trickier grinding and polishing parts. I'd definitely come back and do it again. Thanks Joss and Gary!"

Friargate Forge responded:

"Was a pleasure meeting you you did really well thanks for coming. Gary+Joss"

Richard reviewed: 2 day knife/axe making courses

"Spent three days with Gary and Joss turning lumps of grey metal into something special. These guys know everything about their subject and no question goes unanswered. You can check out what my partner and I made : https://goo.gl/maps/dNVBU3mzZoUDorn69 Thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience, even a last minute change in handle materials wasn't too much trouble. Thanks guys, truly brilliant. Rick & Carmel"

Michael McCarthy reviewed: 2 day axe making course

"Had an absolutely brilliant time up at the forge a couple weeks ago making a Damascus steel axe. The axe came out beautifully and it’s really clear Joss and Gary are absolute professionals. I’d have paid the money just to watch them work but they were excellent and showing you how to get stuck in and do as much of the work as u can even as a beginner. Would definitely recommend this to anyone from one person interested in learning the skills or bigger groups looking for a fun few days. Will definitely be going back at some point in the future."

Owen reviewed: 2 day axe making course

"We had a great time on the 2 day axe-making course. The guys were great teachers, being patient, supportive and encouraging and always happy to help. And most importantly fun - we were all friends within hours. A really good experience!"

James McCubbin reviewed: 2 day axe making course

"I did this course for my stag do with 9 other mates. The team at Friargate forge were no less than excellent, we all made our own individual axes and alongside good banter and generally the friargate team being a group of really cool guys we all got some truly excellent 1:1 coaching on blacksmithing. We all feel like we've come away with a news skills, something to keep and experience we'll all cherish. A number of us are already looking at times we can return for more. I cannot reccomenend Friargate forge, Gary and the team enough. Huge thanks Gary!!!"

Fred reviewed: 2 day axe making course

"This course is definitely worth your time and money, for reasons you might not think... Gary and his team were attentive, enthusiastic and positive throughout the pandemic. Our booking was kept and moved, never was it suggested we cancel. As soon as it was possible, we (group of 10) had been fit in. I felt I knew him well before even meeting him. The course is absolutely brilliant value. The feeling of learning anything new is a lovely one. The feeling of learning something totally new whilst creating a beautiful, practical tool is the best. You are paying less than £20 an hour for direct coaching and tuition to achieve a goal with instant, tangible results. Machines that at first seem alien, dangerous and intimidating will soon become familiar, dangerous and intimidating. You will take a piece of metal about the size of a snickers and turn it into a beautiful axe over two days. The result will be a unique representation of two days of hard work and learning. Whilst you concentrate on how to step down, fuller, flatten, fire weld, power hammer, temper, grind and hang your axe, the most amazing thing happens - you think about NOTHING else. I forgot about covid, the state of the world, my dog, my son, my partner, my family, work, possessions, obligations etc. You focus 100% on a glowing, growing orange piece of metal that turns into a glistening axe for 2 days. In doing so, you focus on yourself. It is almost meditative. You make a sharp thing to play with when you get home but the process was, for me at least, really valuable and special. Gary and his team are clearly very close, almost telepathic. They know what needs doing next, they have a sense of who needs help next. In a place that looks like a hot, dirty, intimidating torture chamber, there is an organised harmony that is a pleasure to see. Better still, is that you instantly feel a welcomed, valued and important member of this team. The instruction is clear, very clear: "I'll stop drawing and hit stuff with a hammer; I'm better at that!" The combination of theory, demonstration, coaching, humour, seriousness and letting you loose is perfect. At no point did I feel like I would be allowed to ruin my axe yet I also felt I had a good amount of unsupervised autonomy. Odd though it is to say, even if I had ruined my axe, the weekend would still have been completely worthwhile to spend time with Gary and his team - they are that good! The course was part of a stag weekend. I can highly recommend it. If you are fed up of liver damage and being banned from whichever country you visit, try this. Once the noise and the heat of the day abate, nobody really has time, energy or ego to want to get drunk and stupid. You'll want to eat, rehydrate and process what you've been doing. Despite being hot and tired, you probably won't even want to leave. Whether for a stag, a treat, a mega corporate weekend or your mental health, this weekend will be some of the best money you ever spend. Do it."

Olly Kinsey reviewed: 2 day axe making course

"Spent 2 days creating a tomahawk axe with Gary and his team as part of a stag weekend. To say it was excellent is an understatement! Gary and his team were such a great bunch, they allowed us to just crack on with a great balance of minimal supervision whilst also ensuring that as a complete novice i didn’t end up with an awful axe. They were so knowledgable and the skill they have is just unreal! Other than the actual axe making and fantastic team, they kept us all entertained put on some great food and there was never a moment you felt that you couldn’t be doing something. Would highly recommend!"

Mike reviewed: 60 layer damascus knife/axe making course.

"A great 3 days making a Damascus knife. Joss was very helpful and always willing to lend a hand, but also was comfortable to let me get on with tasks myself. Ended up with a beautifully patterned blade and even had enough material left out of my billet to make a bottle opener as well. I learnt a lot and would definitely recommend taking a course here."

Dave Biggins reviewed: 60 layer damascus knife/axe making course.

"An unforgettable 3 days making a Damascus knife. Having made the Damascus billet on the first day, you then discuss what shape and type of knife you want. The two guys Gary and Joss give you clear instructions and show you what needs doing. You are left to get on with the processes by your self but they always appear at your shoulder if you appear to be struggling, to nudge you in the right direction. They are also patience personified at making little errors disappear. ( Thanks Joss, that grinding belt and I had a few arguments) I left with a knife that exceeded my expectation and made my friends very jealous. The gentleman on the course with me also left with a stunning Bearded axe"

Laura McBride reviewed: 2 day knife/axe making courses

"I booked the axe/knife making course for my partner Owen's birthday. He loves Damascus so I contacted Gary to ask to pay to upgrade it and he had no problems. Gary and Joss were absolutely brilliant. To say that Owen had absolutely no experience in a forge they gave clear and accurate instructions. I would recommend this course to any of my friends or family. And to have come away with such a stunning axe is amazing. Thank you Gary and Joss for such an awesome course. Owen and Laura xx"

Dan Hipkiss reviewed: 2 day knife/axe making courses

"Absolutely brilliant experience from start to finish, and the final product is way beyond anything I could have expected. Having seen what other people have made with different courses, I'm totally pleased that we made the right decision here. I cannot recommend this highly enough."

Gareth McMann reviewed: 2 day knife/axe making courses

"This course is fantastic! Gary and Joss really know their craft and have a great ability to pass this knowledge on in such a way that in just two days you can take plain stock material and fully forge, grind, heat treat an finish a quality knife. After the two days I now have a beautiful and functional kitchen knife that I have the pride in knowing that I made, every time I use it."

Friargate Forge responded:

"Thanks so much glad you like your knife! Gary + Joss"