Hammer and Hound Forge reviews

28 May 25'

Alan Dowling reviewed: Damascus Steel Knife forging

"The Damascus Steel Knife Forging course I attended this weekend was excellent. Alex is a really accomplished blacksmith and teacher, explaining every step of the process, giving background and historical information. I was extremely pleased with the resulting knife and feel I better understand what is involved in making the knife and will probably attend another course with Alex."

27 May 25'

Craig Martini reviewed: Damascus Steel Knife forging

"My wife and daughter gave me this course for Christmas. I had an absolutely fantastic weekend, Alex has a huge amount of knowledge and skill to pass on to the class, and made this a fun weekend. Would highly recommend..."

25 May 25'

Steve Winson reviewed: Damascus Steel Knife forging

"Fantastic weekend, very happy with the whole experience. Alex knows his trade and is careful to explain every step of the process. Safety first is his first priority. There was 4 of us on the course, myself, Alan, Craig and Martin. We all made slightly different blades and with Alex's help they turned out beautiful. I will definitely be doing another course, probably the Axe making later this year."

19 May 25'

Bob Pass reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"A really enjoyable course, that I highly recommend. Alex is an excellent teacher, highly skilled, friendly and generous. He shows exactly what is needed and explains techniques well. He has a skill in not intervening and helping when not needed but is also very good in assisting when necessary. Participants therefore have possession and pride in their own creations. A useful number of items were made during the day (3 each) and had been selected as examples of the wide range of skills and techniques used. The work was totally absorbing and focussed all one's attention. An excellent antidote to the cares and worries of everyday living both mentally stimulating and therapeutic. You leave with a great sense of achievement and genuine satisfaction. Facilities were good with ample tea/coffee available, toilets and a space to have lunch. Course numbers are small with usually 4/5 members. Safety briefings and care during the day was excellent, with attention to detail that was sensible but not oppressive. I hope to go back, as it was thoroughly enjoyable with good company."

18 May 25'

Mike Ryans reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"A great day. I bought this for my husband’s birthday. This what Mike has to say: ‘Alex is a superb teacher. He spent necessary time going through health and safety and then throughout the day he provided us with clear instructions every step of the way. He made the day so fun and enjoyable that it was 5.30pm before we knew it. He has great knowledge and abundant enthusiasm - he loves his job, actually a way of life! We all came away with great memories of the day and 3 useful blacksmithed implements- a door hook, a bottle opener and a fire poker. If life’s stressing you out do this day! You’ll come away de-stressed!"

18 May 25'

Odin Taylor reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"I had a brilliant day with Alex on the Blacksmithing Beginners Day. The day started with a nice cup of coffee and introductions from Alex and the other three participants on the course. This was followed by a comprehensive safety brief and explanation of the facilities. The course started with Alex demonstrating step by step what we would be undertaking (which is great to observe a master at his art), followed by us diving in and having a go. We created three objects on the day, starting with basic skills and then culminating into a finely crafted bottle opener (complete with decorative leaf!). Alex demonstrated and explained the steps with great proficiency and clarity, and stepped in to help when required by us. Overall the day was excellent and very enjoyable with Alex being the perfect mentor and host. The other participants on the day were also friendly and welcoming, making it something I would definitely recommend to those who are interested in giving it a go!"

14 May 25'

Graeme Young reviewed: Axe / Hammer Forging Day

"Excellent day immersed in forging axe head from a billet of steel with Alex. Superb instruction at just the right tempo in a small group of 5. He explained everything (with safety in mind) and was very hands on with us all. Great technical knowledge throughout the process of raw steel, to finished axe to take home. Thoroughly enjoyed and would like to come back to make a Damascus steel knife. Well worth travelling to, you won't be disappointed. In a word 'elemental'."

12 May 25'

James baggott reviewed: Axe / Hammer Forging Day

"Thoroughly enjoyed the day and took home a hand forged axe that I made. If you get the chance to go you definitely should."

11 May 25'

Martin S reviewed: Axe / Hammer Forging Day

"Absolutely great day. Excellent instruction by tutor Alex. Good to get down to some basic graft and and end up with a tangible useful object at the end of the day. Great company too. A recommended experience."

8 May 25'

JAMAS reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"What an amazing day, bought this as a gift fir husband and son and they had a great time. Alex is a genuinely nice person, highly skilled and knowledgeable. Will be back to make horseshoe fish."

7 May 25'

Steven F reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"Attended this course with my son. We both learned so much. Alex is a true craftsman whose passion shone throughout the day and really made the day for us. Huge thanks and highly recommend."

7 May 25'

Gilly reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"An incredible experience with Hound and Hammer. The forging day with Hound and Hammer was absolutely fantastic. James was brilliant with my 13-year-old son—he struck the perfect balance between instruction and letting him get hands-on, explore, and be creative. The day was packed with new skills and techniques that you simply don’t come across every day, keeping him fully engaged from start to finish. It was a mixed-age group, which added a great dynamic. Since my son was too young to attend alone, I stayed to observe and really enjoyed watching the group share ideas and support each other. It made the experience even richer. I would highly recommend a forging course to anyone looking to try something unique and rewarding. It made for a fantastic Christmas present, and my son has already asked when he can go again!"

1 May 25'

Ian reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"Really enjoyable course, Alex is an excellent teacher, and really encouraged and supported the group to make some really interesting, unique and useful knives. I now have a kitchen knife that I'm both proud of and has a story behind it."

29 Apr 25'

Lucy reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"Great experience. Partner and I both attended the course, a little nervous at first but Alex provided clear instructions/ demo and was on hand to jump in and give guidance where needed. We both walked away feeling accomplished, having learnt new skills and with a unique knife in tow! Would highly recommend and likely to book onto more courses in the future. Thank You "

27 Apr 25'

Marc reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"Beginners Knife Forging Day This was a birthday present from my partner - and an excellent present it was too. The day was well structured, ensuring everyone was able to complete their knife in time. Alex is a very knowledgeable and attentive teacher who intervenes only when needed, to keep things on the straight and narrow - literally! A great experience. Thank you Alex. "

20 Apr 25'

Rachael reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"We had an amazing day!!. I was surprised how much we made and how much we learnt. Alex is a great teacher, always attentive and stepping in with guidance where needed. I have already recommended to my friends."

20 Apr 25'

Todd Lawrence reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"Amazing day for my 13 year old. Very engaged and teaching was excellent. Alex was very welcoming and knowledgeable. Brilliant, just brilliant. "

14 Apr 25'

Nathan reviewed: Damascus Steel Knife forging

"Came here for a Father-Son forging experience. The guidance was immaculate, the final product was exactly what we wanted, and we still use the Knives we made every day. We'll be back again to forge some more!"

7 Apr 25'

Carl Grundy reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"Absolutely fantastic day. This session was bought for me and my son as a Christmas present. Neither of us have done anything like this before. Alex greeted us warmly when we arrived and was always very approachable throughout the day. Alex would take his time with each person and never rush around. You got quality time with him and he only intervened when you were about to make a mess of the knife. We both thoroughly enjoyed the day and we are looking forward to booking on to another session later in the year. I honestly can not recommend this enough. Great fun for all ages (within reason)"

6 Apr 25'

Adam reviewed: Axe / Hammer Forging Day

"Great activity day. Took my dad to the Axe forging workshop as a Christmas gift and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Alex is a very knowledgeable, enthusiastic- and patient- instructor! Clearly loves his craft. Definitely a worthwhile experience!"

23 Mar 25'

June Downes reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"My first experience of blacksmithing was great. Alex is very welcoming, helpful and supportive. He guides you through each stage of the process but allows each person to create their own pieces. It was physically manageable although we were all quite tired by 5 o’clock. I learned a lot and am encouraged to do more. Highly recommend this experience."

9 Mar 25'

Stephen Marr reviewed: Beginners Knife Forging Day

"Alex the class leader was fantastic. He made everyone feel comfortable and confident and created a very friendly atmosphere. Made sure everyone knew what they were doing and was managing his help between everyone. Super happy with the final product and I will be back for more knife classes among other ones!!!"

8 Mar 25'

Gill Woodward reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"My sons and I had an absolutely fabulous day with Alex on his beginners course. Alex is a great tutor and we learnt loads, as well as really enjoying ourselves! The course was very practical and well paced and Alex knew just when to intervene (mainly to help me along!) or explain things a bit more to deepen understanding. We all enjoyed the experience of making a coat hook, bottle opener and a poker so much that we are going back and do the knife day ..and then maybe the sword day! Thank you for a very memorable day, Alex. Can't recommend this course highly enough! "

23 Feb 25'

Tina Pringle reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"Excellent introduction to Blacksmithing course. Alex was brilliant at explaining the skills and taking us at pace that suited us all. A really and knowledgeable day , where not only did I feel I had achieved something with the items I made but also that I had learned new skills. I would definitely recommend "

23 Feb 25'

George reviewed: Blacksmithing Beginners Day

"An absolutely fantastic day and a brilliant introduction to blacksmithing! Alex’s expertise and guidance are first class!!! Thank you! "