Highfield forge reviews

John Milik reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"I'd not been in a fabrication workshop since the 90s, Andy even knew the company I used to work for. He's very knowledgeable and easy going with a great teaching style. It's a great introduction course."

George Brooks reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Really enjoyed the knife forging course. Andy was really helpful and great at teaching us, lots of patience. Would highly recommend the course! "

Samantha Baker reviewed: Axe making course

"Bought as gift for my partner. He came home grinning from ear to ear. Had a wonderful time, learnt lots and has a beautiful axe to show for it."

Pete Clifford reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"This was a lot of fun. Having no experience since 5th form metalwork 45 years ago, I didn't expect to be much good at this.....and I wasn't!! I really enjoyed it though, and I made a serviceable knife. Andy was a huge help and his teaching style is both effective and engaging. Recommended "

Laura Pilkington reviewed: Axe making course

"My husband and father-in-law thoroughly enjoyed this axe making course together. Perfect for a father/son bonding activity. Tempted to book them onto the knife making course as their next treat :) Thanks Andy for giving them an opportunity to make fantastic memories! "

Kane reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"My Son and I had a fantastic day with Andy at the workshop. Andy is clearly a very knowledgeable guy and his ability to convey that knowledge to the people attending the course is excellent. I would whole heartedly recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in forging knives and wants to get an idea of how to start. We learnt a lot. I think we will definitely be going back for another of Andy's courses at some point. "

Highfield forge responded:

"Thank you for your kind words, I'm really glad you enjoyed the experience and look forward to seeing you again soon "

Neal reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Andy was great, he not only talked us all through the right practices and methods, but he also demonstrated how to do everything (more than once when needed). We had a larger group (6) but we didn’t feel rushed at all throughout. Overall a great and unique experience, I’d recommend. "

Abdul reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Really enjoyed my day out forging my knife, Andy was a great teacher and had a great balance of letting you get on with it and only helping and advising where needed to make sure the knife came out good. Would definitely recommend to anyone thinking about a blacksmithing experience."

Andrew Dowling reviewed: Axe making course

"What a day. Thanks Andy for your brilliant instruction. Andy patiently took us through the process and helped the three of us complete our own hand forged axe. "

Michael reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Andy was a knowledgeable and patient instructor. The course was run at a leisurely pace and was great fun . Highly recommend and great value for money. 5* Michael H P.s. will Andy please provide instructions on how to remove knife from my back ? I didn’t buy the missus flowers on my way home 😂😂"

Iain Stewart reviewed: Axe making course

"Fantastic day! Present for my lad who turned 18 and had always wanted to try blacksmithing. We both have an interest in making and although a bit of a drive for us from Liverpool over to Wakefield -well worth it! Andy was a great tutor. Friendly, informative and straight down to making with all the health and safety covered too… very knowledgable and on hand to help, advise and guide us through all the stages of making and open to questions around the whole process. A really good day.. Coming away with our own axes has given my son and I ‘the bug’! Hope to book another course soon!"

Dan Cousins reviewed: Axe making course

"The axe making course is fantastic. Andy is incredibly knowledgeable and really talks you through each step. You get to forge using the hammer and press and then go though grinding, heat treat and sharpening. At the end you get a really nice axe that you made. Be warned though, blacksmithing is highly satisfying and addictive so me and my friend will definitely be booking the knife making course later in the year. Thanks Andy, this was the best thing I've done in ages."

Horatio Hawes reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"A great experience! Andy is very knowledgeable in the area and great at explaining and demonstrating the techniques. Getting to take home a knife you made yourself at the end of the day is a great souvenir and good to show off your experience. The small class size helped keep the focus on individual skill improvements and helped everyone feel like they got time to get help. Would definitely go to another one of these classes!"

Perry Broome reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Fantastic course, Andy is an excellent and entertaining teacher. Was always available to help and advise. Am very pleased with my new knife"

Leah reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"I highly recommend this course. I booked it as a birthday present for my other half and we both ended up having a blast. Great instructions, learnt plenty, friendly atmosphere. I'll be going back again! "

Paula reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Amazing course. This was so much fun trying a new experience. Andy's knowledge and teaching were brilliant and he made the day safe and enjoyable. We will definitely be going back to do some of Andy's other courses. "

Andy Amey reviewed: Axe making course

"Really good axe making course with Andy. We all completed our "axe-shaped" projects successfully. Would recommend unreservedly and listen carefully to Andy's common sense approach. "

Charles Mills reviewed: Axe making course

"Brilliant experience. Andy was an excellent teacher and clearly very passionate about what he does. I urge everyone who is thinking about doing the axe making corse to go do it! You won’t regret it! "

Adam Crowe reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"Really enjoyed this course. I've never done any forging before but with Andy's expert tuition I was able to craft a very passible knife. If you fancy having a go at hammering red hot metal then this is the course for you!"

Chay reviewed: Axe making course

"Excellent way to spend a day"

Peter Newman reviewed: Hand forged rustic knife course

"My wife bought me this for a Christmas present. What a great day it was. Andy takes his time to explain every process so you feel confident to do it yourself. He is always ready to step in and advise you if needed. The pace of the day is perfect and you come away with a decent knife, albeit a first attempt. Definitely keep an eye on further opportunities with Andy as and when I can fit them in. Thank you Andy for a great day. Highly recommend you."

Elliot reviewed: Axe making course

"Completed this on Sunday, had the best day and produced an axe I am proud of! My 2nd visit with more to come - thanks Andy, great day. Really enjoyed the day and would highly recommend it. "

Highfield forge responded:

"Thanks Elliot I'm glad you injoyed your course with me see you again soon. "

Anthony Lupson reviewed: Sword making course

"This course is wonderful. Andy is great teacher. I have a huge respect for blacksmiths, and this course has only deepened that. This three day course is worth every single penny. The one-to-one teaching was excellent."

James McPhillimy reviewed: Damascus Knife making course

"Fantastic experience, I really enjoyed my time working in the forge. Andy & Dave were both amazingly skilled and very approachable ensuring I left the day with a gorgeous Damascus Bush Knife. Thanks to the blacksmith's guidance and support, I was amazed at how beautiful the finished pieces were. The course was so good I'll be looking to do another course as soon as i can. "

Highfield forge responded:

"Look forward to seeing again, I'm really glad you had a good time with us. "

David reviewed: Axe making course

"Was a fun experience. In practice it takes longer than 4 hours to learn how to make an axe. However the course is setup so you get to learn the basics and still end up with a functioning tool. You have to shape the head of the axe whilst heated to 1000 celcius, quickly with a hammer, before it cools down too much. Andy explains everything and guides you through the trickier parts."