Bear And Thistle Forge

An amazing experience with a great guy. Fraser was a great teacher and extremely knowlegble with blade smithing. He made me feel right at ease straight off the bat. would definitely recommend him to anyone trying to get into forging and I'll definitely be back to learn more.

Fantastic experience in the forge making a chef's knife, Fraser is absolutely brilliant with the instructions and takes more of an oversight approach so you're really getting the full experience of making the knife.Would highly recommend to anyone who wants to do something different and then walk away with a tangible item that'll last!

Was at Bear and Thistle Forge this morning taking part in the high carbon sgian dubh course. This was, hands down, one of the best things I've done and made even more enjoyable under Fraser's tuition. At the end of the session, I was beaming with pride at having turned some steel and wood into a recognisable sgian dubh.Fraser was excellent, going through everything in enough detail that a complete novice like myself would understand, and keeping me right along the way.If you're considering giving blacksmithing a go, I can't recommend Bear and Thistle highly enough, and I will certainly be booking back on to do it again

This was the most incredible anniversay experience! Working with Fraser was great. He's so kind and didn't make me feel like a whimp when I couldn't quite grip the steel. I felt very safe and capable the whole time. I would absolutely go back for a blade smithing experience!!

You want to see what it feels like to be a blacksmith? You want to know how to bend metal to your will? Perhaps you'd like to make a knife you can use and look proudly upon as your own creation? Enter: Bear and Thistle Forge.I had the great pleasure of being taught how to forge the classic sgian-dubh by the resident smith at Bear and Thistle and it was just a lovely experience all around. He was the perfect balance of attentive to my needs" vs giving me space to process what he has taught me. It was the ideal teaching style for me and I bet others would feel the same. And I walked away with THIS [see photo]!If you have even a passing interest in learning about smithing or how to get started smithing

Fraser is an absolute legend. He gives excellent instructions, and his teaching style is very patient and clear. He will make sure you know what you’re doing and tell you how to do it better. The pre-class instructions and guidance available on the website were well laid out and gave valuable insight on how to show up prepared and what to expect. The forge is pleasant to work in, well organised and easy for beginners to navigate. I highly recommend Bear and Thistle Forge to anyone who wants to give blacksmithing a try.

We had such a great time, Fraser's blacksmithing knowledge is incredible and he's an excellent teacher, adapting to the individuals capability really made a difference ☺️ will definitely be back! Thanks a bunch - Lucy & Martin

I've been to two classes here and I cannot recommend it enough. Fraser gives clear instructions and makes sure to make the class fun. Always cares about health and safety first. I made a bottle opener and a dagger that I love.

My friend and I had an awesome time learning from Fraser undertaking the bladesmithing course. Despite being complete beginners, the fantastic teaching style had us jumping straight into the deep end. A couple of sessions later, we both left with some more knowledge in the craft and some blades we are proud of.