Kerr Forge reviews

Ryan reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Had a superb day with John at Kerr Forge making a beautiful kitchen knife with my dad. Wanted to make something that I could eventually pass on to my daughter, and the whole experience really did not disappoint. After some initial design discussion and the unavoidable health and safety brief (the forge can reach 1,500 Centigrade so understandable), we were let loose on some steel. John will provide as much or as little guidance as you want, so you really will get a lot out of the day either way - we enjoyed a lot of autonomy, and particularly liked John’s explanation of what was happening and why during the hammering, shaping, grinding, normalising, hardening, and tempering stages. Side note - this is an actual, working forge, so please do bear this in mind when you visit - this isn’t an immaculate hobbyists shed, so be prepared for an authentic interior; I felt this really added to the experience to be honest, and reminded me of visiting my grandfather’s workplace when I was a child. The finished product really is stunning (and very sharp, as demonstrated by John shaving a bit of his arm ha!) and has left us with a great day of memories, and a physical reminder that will serve for many years I am sure. Highly recommended!!!"

Jack reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"I've never blacked a smith before, and now I can't wait to do it again! I loved this experience and can't wait to give it another go. Far tougher than I expected, my arms were complaining by the end of the day but I wouldn't have it any other way. The instructor was so helpful and kind and a good teacher to boot. A great experience at a great venue run by great people. I highly recommend."

Colette and Martin Halls reviewed: Couples Date Day- Best Date Ever!- Blacksmithing Experience Day

"We had a great time being blacksmiths for the day. Jon had lots of ideas of what we could make and was friendly and helpful throughout. There were two other couples which was the perfect amount. The forge was easy to find/get to with good parking. We came back with a pretty impressive poker and hook. Brilliant day."

Zachary Tervonen reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"My time with Jon was very enriching for me - I learned a tremendous amount and had a lot of fun. I appreciated the bit of time at the start of the course devoted to deciding what kind of knife you want to make, including stylistic and functional details. I found that there was a good balance between guidance on how to do something while allowing plenty of opportunity for some trial and error to properly learn hands-on. I liked the holistic design of simply starting with a flat bar of steel and doing the whole process to get a proper knife. The course does not require any technical knowledge or prior experience, yet I learned so much. I am a materials science and engineering student in the field of metallurgy and this course was exactly what I wanted it to be in terms of giving me a direct way of connecting the real world with real metals to the science and engineering behind it. But mostly I did it for fun and an interest in blacksmithing. That being said, I recommend this course to virtually anyone. Jon is an absolute gem. His geniality, patience, and skill leaves me grateful for the experience I had with him and his forge. Many great conversations, too!"

Nicola Corfield reviewed: Couples Date Day- Best Date Ever!- Blacksmithing Experience Day

"An interesting and fun day for the two of us. Jon is a great instructor. He took on our slightly off beat project request with real enthusiasm. There is help available whenever you need it and in our case as complete newbie’s plenty of instruction and useful tips. We really did have a fabulous day. "

Kerr Forge responded:

"Thanks Nicola! It was a pleasure."

Graham & Lucas Freestone reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"A great day knife-making for my 15yo son with me ‘assisting’ . Jon and Ryan were very informative and helpful. Highly recommended! 5 stars. "

Desi reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"John was a fabulous instructor; very patient and laid back. It starts with the safety instructions , then choosing what kind of knife you'd like to make (for which John has plenty of examples to help). My son and I had a great time, learning occurred and we have a pair of (two totally different) fantastic knives to show for it! Would heartily recommend this course; my advice would be wear long sleeves (to protect from sparks) and thick socks ( we went in winter, and the forge gets a little chilly when the fire isn't lit!)."

Paul Marchant reviewed: Learn the Basics of Blacksmithing and Forging- Beginner Experience Day

"An excellent course Jon is a good teacher who makes sure you have understood the techniques before moving on. It was a full day's work giving me the opportunity to learn so many skills and techniques to help me set up my own forge I would recommend this course to everyone no matter your skills or experience Amazing day Thanks Jon"

Adam reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"I had the pleasure of taking part in Jon’s knife making course at Kerr Forge. The course was brilliantly presented at a level where everything was hands on, unique to my ideas and full of useful tips and background knowledge. Jon is a true master craftsman, with the level of knowledge of blacksmithing required to be able to guide people of any ability to create something truly unique and made to the highest possible standard. The range of materials, styles and finishing touches was vast and it’s clear that nothing is too much trouble. I would thoroughly recommend the course and may well return to try something different in future. A skilled craftsman and an extremely proficient teacher. Thanks Jon. "

Kerr Forge responded:

"Thanks so much Adam!"

Zack Chileah reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Me and my Brother had a great day at Kerr Fordge. Great teacher and company. 100% would recommend "

Dan reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Quite possibly one of the best experience days I've ever attended! Jon is a top bloke who delivered an amazing session and has now got me wanting to return for another go. I loved learning the techniques required to craft my own knife and it was great to use some new, exciting tools as well as some familiar ones too. It's great to have brought home something truly unique that I have crafted myself - even the blisters from hours of hammering are a treasured reminder! This is an extremely enjoyable course and I would most definitely recommend it and I'm already sketching ideas for my next piece. Thank you, Jon, for an amazing day."

Nicholas Almaas-Jacobsson reviewed: Forge Your Own Wedding Rings- Blacksmithing Experience Day

"Excellent wedding ring making course. Jon was very approachable and helpful, giving all the necessary info, but also let you crack on and do your own work. Lovely setup and very relaxed, but professional atmosphere. Cheers Jon for an awesome day."

Callum Davey reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"A brilliant day all-round. Jon is an excellent teacher and is completely invested in your success. I came in with a rough idea of what I wanted to make and he helped me clarify and then execute it. The forge is a great space and you can have plenty of time to make your knife. Jon stayed late to help me finish and was fantastic throughout. "

Remi Dangerfield reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Had a great day. Jon is very nice and great teacher. You leave the forge wanting to do more and a knife to show for the day! Great experience!"

O. G. reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"I gave this as a gift to my husband and he had a fantastic time making his knife from scratch. He really enjoyed the whole process and found Jon to be a great teacher and very interesting."

Sarah Athol reviewed: Couples Date Day- Best Date Ever!- Blacksmithing Experience Day

"We had a lovely day with Jon. So helpful and calm, nothing was too much trouble. Highly recommend the couples day. Thanks Jon"

Sandra Billham reviewed: Forge Your Own Viking Jewellery- Blacksmithing Experience Day

"I did a Viking jewellery course in June. What a brilliant day! Jon is a fantastic teacher and an interesting man to talk to. He explained all the processes as the day went, and recommended different finishes. In the end I made three bangles, a pendant and a ring. I will definitely be returning "

C Brightwell reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Was a very enjoyable experience, friendly teacher great at explaining everything."

Tim Naik reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Fantastic day from start to finish.. You get properly involved in the whole process and expertly guided through the journey from. A lump of rough Steel and a block of wood to a honed and hardened knife with sculpted handle. Jon is great and makes the whole day a pleasure. "

Dareen Taylor reviewed: Couples Date Day- Best Date Ever!- Blacksmithing Experience Day

"This was a fantastic experience day that my wife and I thoroughly enjoyed. John was a great host, friendly, flexible, supportive (even when I messed up) and in the end I felt like we had a real taste of blacksmithing and the joy of making something with fire and hammers! Would definately recommend to anyone with even a passing interest. John's passion for the subject is clear and will inspire you"

Sian & Stef reviewed: Forge Your Own Wedding Rings- Blacksmithing Experience Day

"Just finished making our wedding rings with Jon at Kerr Forge. We'd previously visited on a knife making course and both times Jon was an excellent host and a great teacher - knowledgeable and patient. We are both so happy with the rings we've made and can't wait for the wedding so we can start wearing them. Thanks Jon! "

Dan reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"We had a fantastic day. It was a great experience. I absolutely love learning new things and Jon is an excellent teacher. His mix of engineering expertise, chemistry and physics knowledge, mastery of the smithing toolset, wonderful personality and friendliness was just great! Also his wife’s sausage rolls are to die for! I have already recommended this course to a load of friends. I will definitely bring my son for a smithing course and will be back to make a Damascus Steele knife. "

Jon Martindale reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Bought a one-day knife making course for my brother and I, as a birthday present for him. Had a great day with Jon at the Kerr Forge. We both made excellent, fully complete, knives by the end of the day and had a real laugh with Jon whilst making them. Jon used just the right level of instruction and intervention for us. Helping when we needed it, and then just letting us get on with it when we were happy. Would definitely recommend"

John Pike reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"I went on a knife making course at Kerr Forge with a friend as a birthday gift from my wife. Jon Kerr is very knowledgeable and passionate about what he does, also fun and easy to get on with. We started the day around 9am and worked almost nonstop until 6.30. Jon was not prepared to let us leave without a finished blade. I enjoyed the day immensely as did my friend and we were both very pleased with what we achieved and the knives we produced. A good introduction into forging techniques and the chemical processes that take place in the metal when heated."

Suzanne Foster reviewed: Forge a Knife- Blacksmithing and Knifemaking Experience Day

"Thanks for Mike's day. He had a great time and is really pleased with his knife. He felt you were very easy to get on with and a good tutor. He would thoroughly recommend the experience. "