Friargate Forge Ltd reviews

Brett Gibson reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"Fantastic Course with Gary & Josh, highly recommended."

Ross B reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"I attended this session with my eleven year old son and we had a great time. The tutors were excellent and helped just the right amount. We were responsible for attending to our own piece of metal, heating in the furnace, hammering and shaping. At each phase of the project (a blacksmiths knife) the tutor explained clearly the actions required to form the next part, including creating edges, quenching, tempering, sharpening and polishing. All in all a great parent/child experience!"

Jack reviewed: 2 day knife making course

"Absolutely exceptional experience, even better than I hoped. Friargate Forge is a genuine working forge, immersing you in the authentic blacksmith's environment, rather than a condescending arts and crafts workshop. Gary and Joss are great guys who taught me a lot in just two days. I would highly recommend this course to anyone!"

Mikkel reviewed: 2 Day Axe Making Courses

"Having finished first day of the 2 day axe making course and it's been brilliant. Now in my hotel room and can't wait to get back there tomorrow to finish my axe. Highly recommended."

Ben Clay reviewed: 3 Day Damascus Knife or Axe Making Class

"After watching Blacksmiths on YouTube for years, I've always wanted to try, but never had the confidence to try it alone. We searched for a few weeks looking at reviews and pictures of students' finished knives and axes, and also looked at what was and wasn't included and finally found this course. I'm so happy I waited and found this place; I had a great time, stayed a couple of nights at a local golfing hotel and got to get my hands dirty. They made the process straightforward and helped me make a beautiful raindrop Damascus patterned knife, if you're looking for somewhere, I'd definitely recommend Friargate forge! Thanks again chaps for a great experience!"

Gary reviewed: Basic blacksmithing course

"I don't normally write reviews but the one-day blacksmithing course was fantastic. Really good pace to the course. Fun! Rewarding! Would do more stuff like this in a blink of an eye. Thank you for a great day experience."

Kristin reviewed: 2 day knife making course

"Amazing time with Gary and Joss making an axe and knife for my partner's birthday celebration in April. Gary and Joss were extremely patient and knowledgeable during the whole process. The work was tough on the hands but well worth it, we came away with a great axe and knife. Highly recommend for anyone who loves blacksmithing or wants to learn."

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 making course

"Joss was fantastic. Highly recommended. "

Mike (Chester) reviewed: 3 Day Damascus Knife or Axe Making Class

"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 making course

"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: 3 Day Damascus Knife or Axe Making Class

"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: 3 Day Damascus Knife or Axe Making Class

"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 Courses

"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 Ltd responded:

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

Richard reviewed: 2 day knife making course

"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 Courses

"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 Courses

"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 Courses

"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!!!"