Blacksmith Experience Day

My wife booked me a full-day experience with Matt at Skeggox Forge, and from start to finish, it was outstanding. She said Matt was incredibly helpful throughout the booking process—giving clear information and advice that made her confident in choosing this for me.

On the day, we were warmly welcomed into the fully operational forge workshop. Matt took time to explain everything I needed to know and asked what I wanted to get out of the day. We began with smaller technical projects such as a coat hook and a bottle opener, to practice the core techniques. I was genuinely surprised by how well they turned out!

Matt demonstrated each step on his own pieces, explaining what to look for in the metal and the fire, then let me work through the processes myself, stepping in with guidance exactly when needed. Because we made good progress and still had time, we even got to tackle a piece I’d mentioned I was keen to try if the schedule allowed.

I enjoy experiences like this, but I didn’t realise just how much I’d love the actual forging process and the satisfaction of creating functional items. Matt is easy-going, hugely knowledgeable, and genuinely generous with his skills, he clearly loves teaching people who want to learn.

Overall, it was an excellent day, immersed in a historic craft in a proper, working forge. Highly recommended.

I bought a full days experience for our family of four (mum, dad and two boys , 18 and 15year olds). Matt responded quickly to my emails, answered my questions and booking was easy. We had the best day. We each made a hook in the morning to get used to the techniques and got to choose another item to make in the afternoon, each of us chose a different one. Matt was a fantastic teacher and encouraged us to make each item ourselves but was happy to help when needed teaching us each stage as we went along. Was great to do something so unique as a family and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend.

Our son now has confidence in metal forgery and after seeing metalwork items recently, has pointed out that he knows how they are made.

Would recommend.

This is a proper working forge! Matt is an excellent teacher. He keeps it safe, hands-on, and hugely enjoyable, guiding you one-to-one while letting you hammer away on your forged items. There’s something great about learning this ancient craft in Staffordshire, once the very heartland of Anglo Saxon Mercia. I left with a handmade piece and real respect for how much work even the simplest metal item is when forged using the traditional techniques (can't imagine how long it must take to make a full size sword, given the amount of time a bottle opener took!)

This was the best introduction to forging I could have asked for. Given to me as a gift, and I'm super grateful for the experience. Matt made sure that I was using the right techniques at all times, and helped put things right when it didn't go exactly as planned. I'm very happy with my end products and my new appreciation for the hard work that goes into making them. Every step was explained, and demonstrated first. All the knowledge you need to understand why you're taking the steps you are, was passed on freely.
Matt even brought his gf and pooch along to make sure as a lone female, there was no discomfort. Although I'd have definitely felt comfortable alone with him anyway. Thank you for all the cups of tea/coffee and the company!!so thoughtful. Fantastic experience!