Chris The Smith reviews

17 Mar 19'

Wei-Zhong reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Chris runs a fantastic blacksmithing course. His experience and knowledge of the craft is immense and he is able to pass on appreciation of it in an extremely friendly and engaging manner. He is really easy to talk to and we had a lot of fun discussing plenty of other topics throughout the day as we were forging our keyrings. The pacing was excellent, and we always felt welcome to ask any questions we had. Would recommend this to anyone!"

16 Mar 19'

Tim Warren reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Me and my Dad had a full day course! It was a very interesting and fulfilling day! Chris was very knowledgeable and his teaching methods were great. Taking you through everything step by step! I loved it! Will definitely be booking in again!"

16 Mar 19'

Tim Warren reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

13 Mar 19'

Steve Hall reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Booked a day for my son and I for his 17th birthday. I had used a forge many years ago in metalwork classes at school (is that even still something that happens?) but I really did have no expectations going in as to what we were in for. I guess I expected we'd be making horseshoes or a plough or something similar. When first shown what we'd be doing, my initial reaction was "is that it?", but then as we went through the process step-by-step I was really amazed at how beautifully simple and yet how demanding the process was of turning a small lump of steel into an actual piece of art. What I had not appreciated is that Chris is an artist, not just a blacksmith, and his portfolio of work is really very impressive. Put a whole new light on the world of smithing in my mind. As for Chris himself, he really was a most splendid teacher. Calm and patient with us beginners and really friendly and easy-going which made the whole day a thorough joy. He also has a most excellent taste in music and it was easy to forget we were their to learn, rather than while the day away chatting with a friend - which is how he came across. Overall, we really did have a great day and I do recommend Chris' course to anyone who fancies trying their hand at Blacksmithing. He makes it look easy, but it really isn't - it's harder and more tiring that you'd expect and utterly worth it."

13 Mar 19'

Wei-Xi Tan reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Chris is an excellent teacher, being both thorough and patient, and incredibly friendly to boot. Had a great time and absolutely would recommend to anyone considering it."

2 Mar 19'

D Turner reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Booked as a solo attendee, expected to be part of a larger class but was impressed to find I'd be getting 1-to-1 tuition for the entire day. From a starting point of zero experience, Chris' blend of experience, patience and clear teaching technique helped my to create the ubiquitous key ring and an elegant 'Game of Thrones' styled letter opener. You don't need to be a bear-sized medeival smith either - effort is akin to hammering nails into a wooden board rather than weilding something Thor would struggle to loft. Exellent day with a nice and knowlegable guy - the fact he's booked up so far into 2019 pays testiment to his skills and passion."

28 Feb 19'

Ruth Clinch reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Bought a day course for my partner and 15yr old son as part of their Christmas present. My son had expressed an interest in blacksmithing back in September and after talking to Chris at the Christmas fair in Worcester went home and booked them in. Possibly the best present I could have bought them!! Chris was patient and personable and answered all the questions thrown at him. I had gone along as a spectator and enjoyed it as much as the other two! They got to make and finish a leaf key ring and as they had time left Chris showed my son some other techniques to use and he made a decorative dragoness (definitely a she)! We were expecting to be in a class with other people but it was so nice as it was only the three of us. A definite selling point!! Would recommend this highly and my son has an interview in a couple of weeks for a place on a smithing course- testimony to Chris’s skills!"

20 Feb 19'

Tim Kirby reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"What an brilliant day. Chris was an excellent tutor, helping me build on my very limited skills and memories from 50years ago at school. With key ring completed in the morning, together we designed and forged a small garden table during the afternoon! Great fun. Thank you Chris"

15 Feb 19'

Carl Roberts reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Cannot put into words how good this experience is! Chris is extremely passionate and knowledgeable about his craft and this only enhances the experience! His enthusiasm is infectious and has certainly given me the bug. Cant wait to go back!"

6 Dec 18'

Mike reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"It's my third time Blacksmithing with Chris. It is always a relaxed, fun and very rewarding day. Chris is a very patient, engaging teacher who is always keen to share his expertise. Always a fantastic day."

21 Nov 18'

Ed Green reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"What a fantastic day! Chris is an outstanding teacher, passionate about his craft and amazing at sharing his knowledge and helping to develop skills - and a really nice guy! Chris has clearly put a lot of work into making the course fun, productive and safe. I had a great time, learned loads and have mementos to remind me of it. I can see why he is booked up so far in advance, and it is totally worth the wait. Thanks so much Chris, I had a brilliant time. Ed"

17 Nov 18'

Les Hadlington reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Booked a half a day course wanted to try something different, the venue was just a few miles away in a nice quiet area just away from the busy rat race. Chris was very welcoming and after a short induction we were away making a keyring which involved many different ways of shaping the hot steel. Chris took his time to work with me at my pace and was very informative all through the course. We had a good chat while we working and it made a very enjoyable morning. I was very happy with the finished keyring and amazed how many different stages we went through including waxing the final stage. I would recommend Chris to everyone good friendly knowledgeably instructor. Give it a go you won't be disappointed. Les"

29 Oct 18'

Dave Hudson reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Absolutely cracking day....... I was given this as a birthday gift by some of my friends and I was not sure what to expect but I needn't have worried as Chris is fantastic teacher and great company as well, and the fact that I was able to make and take a couple of pieces was a real bonus. Well done Chris you are a credit to your profession."

22 Oct 18'

John Holman reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Just come back from a very informative and enjoyable day,with Christopher my son, on a day course with Chris Smith learning some of the basic arts of blacksmithing. Chris was very patient with us, explaining the reasons for working in a certain way. The day culminated in us both taking away a piece of work that was recognisable by our wives. All in all an enjoyable day."

7 Oct 18'

Fleur Porter reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"After thoroughly enjoying a day course with Chris in 2017, my partner bought me a return visit as a birthday present; I was over the moon! Chris was patient as ever, and building on the techniques from last time, taught me some additional ones and I came away extremely happy with the piece I made. I cannot recommend this course more highly; Chris is a great teacher, with a really good knowledge of his industry and a lovely guy. Sorry Chris - but I loved it so much, I will be back again!!"

3 Oct 18'

Martin Rae reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"What an absolutely fantastic day I had with Chris. I received this day as a birthday gift and what a great gift it was. Chris was an absolute inspiration and a thoroughly excellent instructor, it’s hard not to feed off his enthusiasm. Time was spent explaining the do’s and don’ts along with the forge design etc. then it was down to work. Chris explains every step through example and makes sure you understand completely before handing over the tongs and hammer. I can not recommend this enough, a real must do. I will certainly be back."

25 Aug 18'

Ellie Bromage reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Chris was an excellent teacher, hands on when we needed help but also let us get on and practice what we’d just learnt. We finished our key rings early so was able to apply what we’d just learnt to making a poker for our fire and put a scroll and twist into it. Chris had great communication with us prior to our course, I would highly recommend him! Well worth the wait!"

17 Aug 18'

Paul Brook-Nolan reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"A very enjoyable and useful day. I was bought the day by my partner as a christmas present but due to popularity could only get a date in August. Well worth the wait ! Chris was very organised in his teaching technique and went at a pace to suit me. I made the standard piece by lunch time so then went on to make a part required for my horse plough. All in all excellent value. Thankyou Paul"

5 Aug 18'

Samantha George reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"My husband & I recently attended this course. It was brilliant!!! Chris achieved the right balance between explaining the techniques & history behind the craft & the practical experience. We would thoroughly recommend anyone who has even a slight interest in this art form to go ahead and get booked up with Chris!"

1 Aug 18'

Mark & Katharine reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"We had a fantastic day with Chris, trying many of the different blacksmithing techniques. Chris is a great teacher, explaining everything clearly, demonstrating & gently correcting, so that we both made a lovely keyring. It was a thoroughly enjoyable day which I would highly recommend."

24 Jul 18'

Carol Bladon reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Enjoyed a wonderful day learning some of the basics of forging and came away having learnt a larger variety of skills than I might have expected. Chris explained each step of the process before demonstrating and then advising my attempts, as necessary. With such expert tuition it was then very satisfying to know that I had completed all the work myself. Thank you very much, Chris for your time and patience and a very enjoyable day."

22 Jul 18'

Adam newell reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Cant reccomend this course highly enough. Chris is passionate about his craft and generally a cracking bloke. This is not just a stp by step build, you come away with a great understanding of the processes needed for sucessful blacksmithing. Chris is also very forthcoming in offering advice for how to continue at home. Book early, as there is a waiting list for a reason."

21 Jun 18'

Chris jackson reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I had a fantastic day with chris. Chris was able to suit my days lesson to my own skill set, i made a pair of tongs which was a lot of work and chris taught me a lot of tips and tricks and is very knowledgeable about his craft. I will definitely be booking another class. Thanks chris your a badass!!"

7 Jun 18'

Penny Trinder reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Booked a course for myself and my husband way back in October last year. As Chris is so popular we had to wait till June this year for our days training. We were not disappointed. The forge is in an idyllic countryside setting near to Birmingham and looked just how you would expect a Blacksmith’s workshop to look. Chris is very welcoming with a quiet assured manner. He is young and enthusiastic but also very knowledgeable and patient with newbies. Having never lifted a hammer in anger, let alone held onto red hot metal, under his tutelage I managed to turn out a hand forged keyring that was suprisingly like the example shown. My husband went on to also produce a poker of which he is extremely proud. We would definitely recommend Chris’ course to anyone who wants to have a go at this fascinating craft. You would be amazed at what you can make out of metal and fire."

3 Jun 18'

Darren Powell reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Got bought this course as a birthday present and can honestly say best present ever. Coming from the country and having an interest in historical weaponry I have always held an interest in how things are made. I found this highly informative and Chris's knowledge of the historical side of blacksmithing is amazing. He was also a lovely bloke, very good at teaching and very, very patient with someone as slow as myself. Would love to do this again!"