"There is a moment for every student when everything clicks and they just get it."
Do you want to have a go at blacksmithing?
Come and visit me at my forge. I have everything you could possibly wish for, including as much tea or coffee as you can drink.
The class is completely tailored to you and your skill level. Whether it's your first time holding a hammer or you want to develop your current skills, we can work it out.
All materials are included and you keep what you make.
WAIT WAIT WAIT, what about dates Andy?
Unfortunately I don't do this full time and I work offshore primarily. As such I can be away for up to three weeks at a time. This is usually regular and predictable but things can change at short notice.
Vouchers
A gift voucher is emailed over for all classes.
Damascus Chef's
Knife Class
A three day class where we weld up our very own 120-240 layer billet of Damascus steel, then forge an 8" chef's knife.
This is not a class for the fainthearted, it's a gruelling three days of hard work but the finished piece is utterly stunning.
There may even be enough billet left to make a couple of small Sgian Dubh style blades.
This class is currently for a maximum of two people at a time.
"Had a fantastic few days with Andy at his forge. Made a gorgeous Damascus Bowie knife in a few days. Andy was great and very knowledgeable.
5 star experience, would recommend to anyone." ~ Joe Coughlin
Beginner Blacksmithing Class
This one day class is a perfect introduction to blacksmithing for complete beginners.
We start with all the basics in the morning and forge a hook and a bottle opener. Then in the afternoon we forge a bigger item such as, but not limited to; a poker, fire rake or toasting fork. All materials, tea and biscuits included.
"Fantastic day Blacksmithing with Andy at Feather Forge.
Great teacher, informative and gives you a great sense that you have really created something yourself!
will definitely be back. Thanks Andy!" ~ Paul Young
"We attended the bottle opener class today and after a few failed attempts we done it! Andy was so patient with us and a really friendly, knowledgeable guy whose passion for the craft shined. We couldn't stop admiring our creations on the journey home. Hopefully we will be back for a bladesmithing class in the near future! Highly recommend." ~ Caitlin Mooney
Group Beginner Blacksmithing Class
A one day class for a minimum of two and maximum of three people.
Just like the beginners course, we start with all the basics and then forge a selection of items. Typically students will walk away with hook, a bottle opener and a poker, fire rake or toasting fork. All materials, tea and biscuits included.
"Chris and I thoroughly enjoyed our beginner blacksmithing day with Andy! He is a great teacher with great patience. Loved the items we made and would definitely recommend to others!" ~ Linda Paxton
Sgian Dubh class
This is a one day class where you will make your very own Sgian Dubh from start to finish.
This class involves a combination of forging and a lot of grinding, sanding and polishing.
Due to equipment limitations this class is for a maximum of two people.
NB: Unless you specifically want to make a knife or you're more interested in the forging side of things I suggest taking the beginners class above.
"I've been really looking forward to this for so long. It was an incredible experience with Andy who was an excellent teacher and a great laugh. My fiancé and I had a fun filled day and really achieved something making Sgian Dubh's. I would fully recommend this as an experience or as a gateway into hobby smithing or those looking to make this a career. Also Andy has the coolest forge dog called Finn!" ~ Daryl Haynes
"I highly recommend the Tool Making Class to anyone who has learned some of the basics of blacksmithing and wants to take it further. Andy not only knows his subject well, but can also explain it clearly and is happy to share his knowledge and experience. His relaxed and approachable teaching style helps to put you at your ease and makes a day at Feather Forge fun as well as instructive.
Even though I was very much a beginner (having only completed a Beginner Blacksmithing Class a couple of months earlier), Andy's expert guidance saw me forging two different types of punch, a slitting chisel and a pair of tongs. These tools - and the skills I learned - are still serving me well a couple of years later." ~ Adrian Waterworth
