Chris The Smith reviews

26 May 18'

Angela Steatham reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"As an avid viewer of the series Forged In Fire, I yearned to make my own knife and was fortunate enough to receive a day with Chris for a Christmas gift. The whole day surpassed my expectations! Chris put me at ease immediately and explained each part of the process clearly and patiently. I was beyond thrilled to end the day with a fully-hardened knife, which is not only beautiful, but also fully functional. Like others who have submitted reviews, I would like to keep Chris's workshops a secret as I can't wait to book for another, but that would be mean....if you or a friend have any interest in spending a day as a blacksmith, then book soon - you will have a day to remember!"

25 May 18'

Angela & Scott reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"We had a day with Chris at his forge recently. We didn't know what to expect and we were not disappointed. Complete beginners but we came away with a keyring each and a team effort created a heart. Chris is patient, knowledgeable and happy to talk about his craft and answer any questions. We had a fantastic day and it has sparked an interest. Would love to do another one at some point in the future"

15 Apr 18'

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

"Always wanted to have a go at Blacksmithing and glad to say I had the chance on Chris's beginner course to do this. Had a fantastic if energising day at Chris's forge making keyings, hooks, metal poker and the like learning all aspects of blacksmithing. Chris's friendly tuition and guidance makes you feel totally at ease and he makes sure you are doing the work rather than him. You will not be disappointed."

23 Mar 18'

Jude Mahoney reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I had a fantastic time learning about blacksmithing and actually having a really good go at it. Chris is a superb teacher, calm patient and expert in his knowledge. I can't recommend him and his course highly enough. Thanks Chris for an amazing day!"

13 Mar 18'

Caleb Allen reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Chris is an excellent blacksmith and a brilliant teacher, he knows his craft well and shares his skills in an easy to follow and friendly manner. We spent any time we weren’t smithing talking about the history of metalwork. I would recommend this course to anyone with an interest or curiosity in the heritage crafts. Chris is a young and enthusiastic guy with a wealth of experience."

22 Nov 17'

Mark Cox reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I wasn't sure what to expect as this was a Birthday gift. I'd always wanted to try my hand at Smithing and this turned out to be an excellent way of being introduced to this craft. That we (my mate came along too) managed to produce something that was so special and well finished was really great and largely down to Chris' skill at guiding us through the many processes that were involved. As expected, it's so much more than just bashing a piece of hot metal and I now begin to understand more about this art. A really great day in a brilliant setting. If you're thinking about this, I'd certainly suggest you go for it. A wonderful Birthday present."

5 Sep 17'

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

"I spent a day with Chris learning not only blacksmithing techniques and producing two pieces that I am extremely happy with, but also learning some of the history behind it. Chris is a very patient and encouraging teacher complimented by his knowledge. I throughly recommend Chris' course (even though I want to keep it to myself because he is already very popular and I can't wait to go back!) Thanks for a great day, Chris"

4 Jul 17'

Bob Lowe reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"A truly great experience from start to finish, Chris is very patient and knowledgeable and has a passion for his art. It is crazy how you can manipulate a pice of steel from a straight bar into a finished piece. I would highly recommend a day in Chris's forge."

1 Jul 17'

Hazel Barnard reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I bought the two person experience for myself and my husband for his birthday as it was something he'd always wanted to try. The forge was in an idyllic location and easy to find and thankfully the weather wasn't too hot. I was initially worried that I wouldn't have the strength needed for it as I suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, but Chris was so helpful, he let us go at our own pace as well as suggesting different tools and techniques I could use to make the task easier. If you want to start to learn what is a very skilled craft I can't recommend Chris enough. He is friendly, knowledgeable and even though your arm might ache the next day (mine did!) it is worth it, just to see what you can produce under the supervision of a professional."

5 Jun 17'

gretel emerton reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"My husband and I were given this experience as a present by our youngest daughter. I must admit we didn't have it on our wish list, but we consider ourselves to be very hands on, having spent the last 5 years enjoying updating our property, so were intrigued. The location of Chris' workshop, although just a few minutes off the motorway, was beautiful. Lovely countryside and based on an idyllic little farm (now used as a cattery). Kind of just what you would expect a Blacksmiths Forge to look like. Chris was so welcoming and within minutes it was obvious that he knew his craft inside out and had a real passion, not only for his art, but for teaching novices like us. After a thorough health and safety brief and an introduction to the workshop we were off. I had no idea just how involved turning a piece of metal into a leaf key-ring could be, but between the fire and hammer blows we managed it, although it took most of the day! Chris was so obliging and helped us create some additional hooks for my husbands' workshop, plus some lamp holders for the garden, which we are both thrilled with. It was a full and enjoyable day, which flew by. Chris is a really personable and patient instructor and we came away with a real insight and respect for this wonderful traditional craft and the skills required. Forget the mass produced - stick with the real thing!! I'm looking forward to seeing Chris at the 3 counties showground and would highly recommend this experience - give it a go, or treat someone - you/they won't regret it!! Thanks again Chris."

2 May 17'

Andrew Hazlewood reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I went on this course with my son and had a really enjoyable day. We both got a lot out of the course and Chris was a great teacher, explaining and demonstrating as we went. Would recommend."

9 Apr 17'

Paul Mayer reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Chris is an excellent tutor who goes at your pace. He demonstrates and immediately lets you copy the process. I had an excellent day at the forge and was thrilled to be able to strike hot metal and learn many processes. Highly recommended"

28 Mar 17'

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

"The day with Chris was even better than I had hoped for. I had no prior smithing experience, but within minutes of arriving Chris got me started on making the first item and we hardly stopped all day. Chris is a top teacher, very friendly and patient, and his style of demonstrating the technique and then getting you to put it into practice on your own piece suited me perfectly. By the end of the day I had made three very different pieces using a variety of techniques. I highly recommend Chris and his course."

26 Mar 17'

Mick wright reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I spent the day with my Dad at Chris 's forge last week and had an absolutely brilliant day. We learnt so much and were able to make handles for a project we were doing at home so a double whammy for us. We would recommend anyone to try their hand with Chris. You won't be disappointed"

19 Mar 17'

Sandra Grey reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"My husband and I spent a day with Chris in his forge and what a super time we had. This is a hands on, full day with patient expert instruction from a really friendly guy who is passionate about his craft. The course is good value for money and you come away with your hand crafted items. You are instructed through a number of elements safely and learn all about different techniques. This is a course I highly recomend, you will definitely enjoy it and go home satisfied."

22 Feb 17'

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

"My husband and son have spent a pleasant day with Chris and are very happy with their creations"

20 Feb 17'

Angus Hammersley reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"An absolutely fantastic day. My fiancé bought me a day session with Chris for my birthday - turned up at 9 and was swinging a hammer about 10 minutes later. Chris supported and kept me challenged throughout the day. All in all we managed to finish 3 items - a key ring, knife and dragon head. Chris was patient, thoughtful and great company - he even gave me plenty of tips about how to set up my own forge. Thoroughly recommended!"

11 Feb 17'

simon corden reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Never bashed hot metal before and Chris took me from a cold (it was chilly) standing start from 'toolbox talk' to making three forge welded chain links in no time. Had enough time after to make the leaf key ring too - all in a morning session. Excellent tutor, hugely knowledgeable and experienced blacksmith. No hesitation recommending him. I had a thoroughly brilliant time!"

3 Feb 17'

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

"Had a brilliant day learning how manipulate metal. Chris is a great teacher and me and my dad both managed to make a leaf key ring and a fire poker. I would recommend this course to anyone!!! i cant stress how enjoyable it was. *****"

25 Jan 17'

ian taylor reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"After a previous day with Chris, i asked for another day as a christmas pressie.......well worth it, pushed my limited skills to the limit. Chris has the ability to bring the best out in his students.....an excellent tutor. Can't recommend this course enough."

15 Jan 17'

Oliver Sharpe reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I was bought a beginners day with Chris by my girlfriend and had an amazing day. Chris is an excellent teacher with the right balance of instruction/showing you how and letting you loose on your own (with a helpful eye and tips). His passion for smithing is very apparent and adds to the experience through his stories about smithing and generous enthusiasm. He is a very friendly and knowledgeable tutor. I can't recommend this course enough. I came away with some handmade items, a whole new love of metal and a burning (no pun intended) desire to do some more. Blacksmithing is such a rewarding and interesting art and Chris gives a perfect introduction to it. I shall be going back for a more advanced day soon I am sure. Hold it, Heat it, Hit it!"

20 Dec 16'

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

"What a terrific day! We enjoyed ourselves and learnt so much. Chris is a great teacher - patient, practical and inspirational and very much recommended for anyone who has even thought of trying blacksmithing. Chris takes you through step-by-step with no pressure and we are delighted with our beginners' efforts. We are definitely booking again.5"

18 Dec 16'

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

"What a fantastic experience. I finally plucked up the courage to book myself on to a half day experience with Chris and wasn't disappointed. Patient and extremely knowledgable Chris made sure that this was a thoroughly enjoyable half day. I'd highly recommend this and am hoping to return for s full day next time - although knowing how busy and popular he is this might not be for some time!"

9 Dec 16'

Garry Harris reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"Had a fantastic day learning basic blacksmithing from Chris and would recommend anyone to book a lesson. Chris is happy to answer any questions about smithing and gives a choice of things to make in the afternoon. Time permitting. Couldnt ask for a better teacher. Will book again in the future."

16 Nov 16'

Mary Halbert & Ian Taylor reviewed: Blacksmithing for Beginners - Full Day Forging for One

"I booked this course as a gift for my boyfriend Ian. Chris is an extremely gifted blacksmith combined with excellent teaching skills - this rare combination makes working with him not only instructive but also a pleasure. His love for his craft is obvious and he worked with us really well so that we got even more than we expected out of the day. Thank you so much - Ian is going back in January for another dose!"