What people say about Bridgetown Forge
We are humbled by the great things people say about Bridgetown Forge Knives, Tools and Classes.
About Bridgetown Forge Classes…
I like the lighthearted atmosphere without fear of making mistakes in this class. The concepts taught are relatable and interesting plus you get a sweet knife. I feel like I made the knife, not like it was made while I watched. This makes the learning and final product so much better. I learned a lot more than I expected.
I would recommend this class. The small class size and individual instruction made the basics easy to understand. No pressure of students if mistakes are made. Learning all the possibilities one can do with metal, your only limits are in your mind. I had a great time and my wife loves the smaller knife I made.
Arnon was able to put forth an achievable set of techniques, yet tailor the instruction to the students’ skill level and experience. I would recommend this class. It exceeded my expectations.
I cannot think of a way to improve this class. I enjoyed seeing a set up blacksmith shop and was also grateful for the step-by-step directions. This class covers all the basic techniques used in basics basics smithing. I would recommend this class.
Absolutely great fun, experiential learning at its best. I would recommend this class. Now I know something about the magic of steel.
I’ve taken three classes (Basic Blacksmithing, Tool Making and recently Tong Making) from Arnon and I can say there is something for everyone here, students in attendance come from all levels. From interested barely touched a hammer, to professional blacksmiths, highly educated metallurgical engineers, and general hobbyists. At no time is anyone left behind or allowed to flounder, the instruction is thorough and no nonsense. More over that you’re there to produce some things it’s more about the theory and practice. Things pace with the students and he does a great job of adjusting the pace so that everyone feels like they’re getting what they came for and coming away with the foundations to take with you to your future work. I will be back, and if you’re even remotely interested in blacksmithing and want to get your hands in it without having to fully invest in your own facilities, it’s definitely worth the time and money. As a side benefit you generally get to meet some interesting and cool people (the other students) while you’re there.
Great time! Fun, really informative instructor. Highly recommend.
I took one class with Arnon earlier this year, kitchen knife making and had a great time. Very knowledgeable great tools to work with and a fun atmosphere. I will definitely be coming back for more classes in the future.
If you are serious about learning blacksmithing, Bridgetown Forge is the place to go. Arnon is the best!
Arnon’s class was fun, informative and friendly. Having no prior experience I took his knife making class and walked away not only with a beautiful night but the joy and self-confidence of having accomplish something I thought I’d never be able to do. I have since taken his tool making class and would only reiterate everything from the knife class. Can’t wait to take another class.
I just used my dandelion digging tool I made at your class and it works like a dream! That little dog-leg bend is not on similar tools I have previously used. That design element along with the strength of the steel allows for some great leverage and the dandelions come out root and all! In addition, it is long enough that I can force it into the ground at a comfortable angle for my back. So, I had a fun weekend learning to forge… and now I have garden tools that look pretty and work great! So happy with my products from the class!
Arnon is a gem in the rough. With years of experience and a keen eye for design and detail he has remarkable skill as both a smith and a teacher. For those of you out there looking to learn how to blacksmith you can do no better than finding your way out to Bridgetown Forge and taking courses under Arnon at his phenomenal space tucked away into the industrial side of Kenton.
I attended the “forge your own chef knife” class and it was great. A great class for the beginner. The course covers a variety of techniques and theory about smiting with Steel. It is an intense three days of work but you learn a lot and get to take home a very nice knife you made yourself. I would readily recommend it to anyone interested.
About Bridgetown Forge Knives…
Upon my retirement after 34 years as a chef at Maryland’s Governors Mansion, my dear friend gave me one of Arnon’s knives. For all of those years I had used mostly Wusthoff and Henkel knives to cut, slice and dice thousands of pounds of food. I always enjoyed using these fine tools. However, after holding and using Arnon’s knife I had an epiphany. This knife felt like an extension of my arm. The impossibly light weight, the sharpness, the ability to hold an edge and the overall feel won me over after just one use. While I no longer have to cut and prepare huge amounts of food I use Arnon’s knife every day when I cook for my wife and myself. This beautifully crafted tool is one of my most treasured possessions.
HOLY CRAP MAN this thing is a beast. Thank you so much for making it. I love it. I love the size because I can use it as a utility knife as well. It goes without saying that you’re a beast my friend. Thank you again for everything. Very satisfied customer.
A number of years ago I was gifted a unique hand forged knife no larger than four inches long, including the handle and blade! Having spent the better of 40 years in the restaurant industry, I was somewhat skeptical about its practical use. Well, my suspicions were quickly quelled by its comfort and excellent cutting ability. This “mini chefs knife” from Bridgetown Forge has the weight and balance of its larger cousins and works well butchering quail or game hen, in addition to being used as a paring knife. I am grateful for this gift and will use it forever.
About Bridgetown Forge Tools…
I recently purchased and received the 2.75 pound Japanese hammer, made by Arnon at Bridgetown Forge. And I have to say that it is quite amazing. The way it moves and feels in the hand is very nice (for me that is). And being someone who has long, thin fingers, the hammer fits well. As far as finish goes, it is a very rustic looking piece. Which I quite appreciate.
I just wanted to say I feel I haven’t adequately sung the praises of the hammer you made me. It is, without a doubt, my favorite forging hammer. You often say about your knives that you want yours to be the one a person’s hand automatically moves to. Well, that is certainly true for me and this hammer. I find I can get much more power with it than I can with heavier hammers, and it is the most comfortable hammer I have by far.