Carving Master Class with Ray Mears

  1 of 18

  Very well paced and supported course. I haven't done much in the way of carving so was happy to go at my own pace and have the guidance when/where I needed it. The deep knowledge of Ray was hugely interesting and helpful. His team were fantastic! Thank you to everyone, it was a fab day in the woods.  

  Aengus Shanahan

  2 of 18

  It was a fantastic experience, and a wonderful day spent outdoors in the Sussex countryside with like-minded folk. Ray and all the instructors (Wayne, James & Jamie) were all very helpful, patient, and generous with their time. I'll probably end up going on another one of these at some point in the future, as there's always something more to learn.  

  David B

  3 of 18

  Could you please pass on my thanks to the support team on Saturday, they were excellent. It was one of the best gifts I have ever received. There was plenty of time to talk and understand what we were trying to do and Ray was a true gentleman, very down to earth and chatted away with us all day. It will be a day I will look back on and smile and remember fondly for the rest of my days.  

  G Prior

  4 of 18

  I received the carving course with Ray Mears as a 40th birthday gift and had a great time in the beautiful woods (perfect sunny weather also helped). I’m not a bushcraft enthusiast but am interested in many of the tools and techniques. Ray gave the group an interesting insight into the history of some of the equipment and his intelligence and genuine passion shone through, leaving one feeling inspired to be more in tune with both nature and our historical connection to it. Thanks Ray and team for a brilliant experience.  

  Ken

  5 of 18

  Absolutely brilliant. Special memories created on this one day wood carving course. Somewhat expensive in terms of paying in a foreign currency e.g. NZ dollars but still worth it to hear and learn from a true expert. I dearly hope Ray continues to be an active teacher and keeps publishing material. I look forward to having another experience like this again sometime in the future. Thank you to Ray and his team for enriching so many people's lives.  

  Shawn Mooney

  6 of 18

  I had a fantastic day learning to carve. Who would have known making a spoon would be so tiring! My forearms are still aching so I would recommend some forearm exercises. All in all a great day out. Thanks to Ray and his team.  

  Wai Man

  7 of 18

  This course exceeded my expectations. Ray and his instructors are highly skilled, very knowledgeable and excellent teachers, and the day was organised so that we would learn as much as possible. In fact, the day just flew by and felt like a few hours. There were frequent humorous moments, which made the day even more memorable, and we were all so engrossed in our projects that I witnessed the unique sight of people with a common interest working earnestly in complete silence! The course was run with the attention to detail which is the hallmark of Woodlore, and the camp was permeated with the smell of happiness, woodsmoke. Very highly recommended.  

  Barry Cheadle

  8 of 18

  I've been a fan of Ray Mears' TV programmes for 20-odd years now and aside from Sir David Attenborough I can't think of anyone else who is so inspirational. I booked the course as I wanted some hands-on experience with wood carving but also to meet the man himself. He is everything that he appears to be - patient, welcoming, hugely knowledgeable and passionate about what he does. The day was excellent - I can't say any more - if you're thinking of booking but unsure because of the price or distance then just do it. Life is short and the opportunity to meet and spend time learning with someone like Ray is worth every penny.  

  Andrew Frost

  9 of 18

  Attended the Master Carving Course yesterday and had the privilege of meeting Ray and the other Woodlore team guys. We started with a log and finished with a very passable carved spoon. I thought my knives were sharp until I saw what Ray does with his! An excellent course and thoroughly enjoyed it, although I never realised wood carving was such hard work! An absolute joy to be with Ray for a day.  

  Steve Eggleton

  10 of 18

  What an excellent day! Helped by the weather, by being blisteringly hot, but mainly by the day. The crew were all friendly and helpful whilst also being very professional, they corralled us all from various car parks and shepherded us to the clearing where we were to spend the day. The group were of mixed ability and were pleasantly sorted by Ray himself into groups. Tuition was tailored to the individual and was only given as need or requested. Ray gave an interesting talk on axes, (and as a result I have now resurrected Grandfathers felling axe from 1936!) and there uses and the all-important sharpening thereof. Later we had a similar lesson on knives and the best way to sharpening them (please tell Ray my knives and axes are now so sharp it’s scary!). I left with a spoon of which I am most proud, and use. But more importantly I have expanded not only my skill set but also my confidence. I wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone who has a desire to carve wood, as all of the techniques used on the day are transferable to any and all other projects. The man himself has a presence and bearing that at once makes one feel at home but makes you listen and learn. Testament to his passion and involvement is that six months later I met him again and he remembered me from the day. That either says a lot about him or a lot about me.  

  Rob Carter