Stone Wood & Steel
Stone Wood & Steel
5
About
Stone Wood & Steel - traditional blacksmithing experiences in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies Located on an organic garlic farm bordering Kananaskis Country in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, Stone Wood & Steel is a family-run blacksmith studio offering hands-on experiences to forge contemporary and traditional pieces with steel and fire.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
57 reviews
Excellent
55
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
2
Amanda G
Red Deer, Canada3 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
I purchased 2 tickets for a blacksmithing course at Stone, Wood and Steel for my husband and father. I live in Red Deer, AB. A few days before the scheduled event, I received an email stating they would be doing 'open farm days' that weekend and we needed to reschedule to another date. Unfortunately, my father is from out of town and as this was a special birthday present and we could no longer use the tickets for that weekend and had chosen the date to line up specifically with his arrival/birthday, I asked for a refund.
Initially, James just sent me a copy of his refund policy that states if YOU cancel, it is non refundable. I questioned this as James cancelled on us. James was very adamant there was no refund available. We went back and forth on email and he told me if I wanted my money back, I should complain to my credit card company to reimburse me! There was no way, he said, that he was hunting through all the transactions to find ours (despite being given date and transaction details) when he didn't want to give us a refund. I tried my credit card company, but because I purchased the tickets so far in advance (to get a specific date), the waiting period had passed and the credit card company could no longer do anything.
After sending many unanswered emails and leaving phone messages, I got lucky and James answered. Again, he told me to go through my credit card company and when I said I could not do that and it was his responsibility anyway, he started getting angry and giving me all the reasons under the sun why he wouldn't refund me. Eventually, on this call, my husband wanted to talk to him. It turned into an angry phone call with shouting on both sides (I think my husband swore as I had been dealing with this for so long and he was frustrated) and James stating he would absolutely not refund us. The call got us nowhere, but I did not stop phoning, leaving messages and emailing every few months. He does not call back or reply to my email.
If this had been a gift for me, I would have walked away by now, but we are not an affluent family and this was an expensive special gift. This has been going on for a minimum of 3 years and we are getting nowhere. I spoke to a lawyer who said that we would spend more than the cost of the 2 tickets if we got into a legal battle and we cannot afford that.
All I want is my money back.
In my experience with James, he is very rude, fools you into thinking he is going to do the right thing, lies and just fobs you off with excuses after excuse as to why he cannot refund our money. I would advise you to DEFINITELY NOT support this business or James Grainger. if anyone has any ideas on how we can get a refund from James, I would be happy to hear it.
Amanda Gould
Initially, James just sent me a copy of his refund policy that states if YOU cancel, it is non refundable. I questioned this as James cancelled on us. James was very adamant there was no refund available. We went back and forth on email and he told me if I wanted my money back, I should complain to my credit card company to reimburse me! There was no way, he said, that he was hunting through all the transactions to find ours (despite being given date and transaction details) when he didn't want to give us a refund. I tried my credit card company, but because I purchased the tickets so far in advance (to get a specific date), the waiting period had passed and the credit card company could no longer do anything.
After sending many unanswered emails and leaving phone messages, I got lucky and James answered. Again, he told me to go through my credit card company and when I said I could not do that and it was his responsibility anyway, he started getting angry and giving me all the reasons under the sun why he wouldn't refund me. Eventually, on this call, my husband wanted to talk to him. It turned into an angry phone call with shouting on both sides (I think my husband swore as I had been dealing with this for so long and he was frustrated) and James stating he would absolutely not refund us. The call got us nowhere, but I did not stop phoning, leaving messages and emailing every few months. He does not call back or reply to my email.
If this had been a gift for me, I would have walked away by now, but we are not an affluent family and this was an expensive special gift. This has been going on for a minimum of 3 years and we are getting nowhere. I spoke to a lawyer who said that we would spend more than the cost of the 2 tickets if we got into a legal battle and we cannot afford that.
All I want is my money back.
In my experience with James, he is very rude, fools you into thinking he is going to do the right thing, lies and just fobs you off with excuses after excuse as to why he cannot refund our money. I would advise you to DEFINITELY NOT support this business or James Grainger. if anyone has any ideas on how we can get a refund from James, I would be happy to hear it.
Amanda Gould
Written April 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul R
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • Friends
35 years ago I met James, back then he taught me how to snow board and last weekend he gave me a intro lesson on Blacksmithing at Stone Wood & Steel. It’s in his heart and soul to be a teacher with his wise and seasoned approach. He is truly a craftsman in the art of instruction and coaching. As student of his in a class at Stone Wood & Steel I felt truly honored to witness his mastery of the Blacksmithing craft. His style of instruction is comfortable, focused, well paced and very engaging. His shop was well stocked with all the tools necessary to fill out your experience. The days lesson had the perfect amount of structure and flexibility to accommodate everyone in our group at their own individual pace. I would recommend to everyone take a class and the experience will be one that you will enjoy and never forget. Later this summer I will be back with my son to learn more from this great contributor to our community.
Written April 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tanya K
2 contributions
Jul 2024 • Solo
It seriously breaks my heart to have to resort to this but they have left me no other options.
Forge and Farm took $1701.00 from me for a booking Cheryl both suggested and encouraged. I saved up for months to give my boys one special event this summer. I booked three days for my boys on her recommendation and as soon as I paid her, my booking vanished. She had zero recollection of my booking until I phoned to remind her of it. She then said she had never sold us these classes and they are inappropriate for kids. I have black and white emails of our correspondence leading up to my purchase that 100% proves otherwise! She is refusing to refund our money 😞 They did not advise of any cancellation policy before booking.
Cheryl Greisinger show some integrity, do the right thing, admit the mistake was yours and refund our money immediately!!!!
Forge and Farm took $1701.00 from me for a booking Cheryl both suggested and encouraged. I saved up for months to give my boys one special event this summer. I booked three days for my boys on her recommendation and as soon as I paid her, my booking vanished. She had zero recollection of my booking until I phoned to remind her of it. She then said she had never sold us these classes and they are inappropriate for kids. I have black and white emails of our correspondence leading up to my purchase that 100% proves otherwise! She is refusing to refund our money 😞 They did not advise of any cancellation policy before booking.
Cheryl Greisinger show some integrity, do the right thing, admit the mistake was yours and refund our money immediately!!!!
Written July 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris Y
1 contribution
Sep 2021
I am sad I didn't do this sooner. This was by far one of the most incredible experiences I have done. If you haven't booked your session yet what are you waiting for? The instruction was amazing and James is very attentive and helpful. He welcomes you into his forge and will give you an experience you will remember for ever. Once the hammer hits the iron you will be hooked and will have a smile on your face for the entire day.
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cory G
1 contribution
Nov 2021
This is something I had always wanted to try but had no idea how amazing it would actually be. James is a fantastic host and teacher. He provides enough guidance to allow you to be successful but also pushes you to explore and learn on your own. When you need him he is there but allows you the space needed to truly experience a forging environment and the mental piece found in such places and activities.
Written December 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TylerR
St. Albert, Canada2 contributions
Jul 2020
I took "Intro to Blacksmithing" this past July and it was, by far, the highlight of my summer. I had been wanting to do this for a long time and I was not disappointed. James is an incredible teacher who not only takes the time to teach skills but explains the history and concepts around his craft, making this a fully immersive experience. I plan on going back as soon as I can to learn more and practice more - this time perhaps with a group of friends to do a private class.
Written September 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lesley M
Calgary, Canada11 contributions
Sep 2022
My husband and I took the introduction to blacksmithing workshop on September 30th and had the best day. The setting is spectacular, at James' and Cheryl's farm. James is a patient master and guided us and the rest of the group (a total of 5 of us) through the safety and technique basics. He made it look easy, like an art, though it is much tougher than it looks. By noon, I was ready for a break and had lunch overlooking the Foothills watching the beautiful fall colours from the front yard. The afternoon was spent finishing two projects and I was exhausted by the end. I don't think I will master the art of blacksmith, but this was a fantastic way to spend a day, bending and hammering steel. I also got to cuddle a friendly chicken. If you like garlic, James' wife, Cheryl, cultivates garlic and sells all kinds of garlic products in the farm store. I highly recommend spending at least one day at Stone Wood & Steel.
Written October 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rene L
2 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
What an incredible family experience for my son and I as well as my brother and his son. James was patient, understanding and an excellent teacher as we forged amazing things. He guided and helped us gently reconsider when our ambitions were too big. My son walked away with the most incredible sword as well as cherished memories. Thanks again James, I highly recommend this experience to anyone humble enough to be schooled by steel.
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dave N
Alberta, Canada24 contributions
Feb 2021 • Solo
My experience I had was exactly what I wanted. Beat my expectations! I traveled to be part of the introduction to blacksmithing course (highly recommend for those first timers). I learned so much and had tons of fun doing it! Worth the time for sure! You gain so much knowledge in so little time in comparison! James Is both a skilled blacksmith and a good technical teacher!
Written March 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ryan C.
Calgary, Canada17 contributions
Nov 2020 • Friends
It’s hard to write down the experience that I had when I went out to visit James. Having gone with someone who had been already I felt slightly intimidated being the new guy. However, James was amazing and his shop allows for such a great experience whether new to Blacksmithing or returning your second time.
The pace was slow, conversations relaxed. It really was a time to connect is so many aspects from the ring of the metal as your hammer hits it to the environment that surrounds you. Give Blacksmithing a chance and head out to see James.
The pace was slow, conversations relaxed. It really was a time to connect is so many aspects from the ring of the metal as your hammer hits it to the environment that surrounds you. Give Blacksmithing a chance and head out to see James.
Written November 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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