Pioneer Farms Blacksmith Shop — Local services in Austin

I do not want this to reflect negatively on the entire operation, but I hope this will start a conversation about maintaining a professional and respectful environment in the blacksmithing class, so all guests feel comfortable. This review is to warn anyone who is looking into taking this class.

My best friend bought us the Blacksmithing date night that we had been really looking forward to. Unfortunately, the instructor quickly began making incredibly personal and politically charged comments. I contemplated leaving within the first 2 minutes of him speaking due to the impressive amount misogynistic, homophobic and sexist opinions* he was able to pack into his introduction speech. If you don't mind these comments, I am sure you will have a great time. We kept ourselves and responses very neutral, but my friend and I were pretty disappointed that our night turned into 4 straight hours of fielding uncomfortable and crude comments*. I am happy we stayed and finished the class, but all we could talk about on the way home were the comments we heard from the instructor. I am not sure if he said these things to get a reaction or if he is unaware of what topics should be discussed with 8 complete strangers at a blacksmithing class, but it was extremely weird, regardless.

**Topics included: His daughters sexual orientation, his opinion on past and current Presidents, stories of going to gay bars in Austin and ending it with negative comments about the people in the men’s restroom, saying “It is a man’s place to provide” in response to a guest being a stay-at-home Dad, telling my friend and I (we are both women) about his ex-girlfriends and saying “Women are good for one thing, you know what that is”, and about 50 more unsavory and weird...

I’d honestly give them no stars if I could. My husbands birthday is coming up and I wanted to get him signed up for a blacksmithing class. The link on the website isn’t working so I called them. They were closed that day so I left a message. Gave them a few days to get back to me and heard nothing. So I called again. I spoke to someone and they took my information and that the link wasn’t working. Said my info would be given to the person who could help me. I let another week pass. Not a word from them. I called again. This time the person I spoke to gave me an email address for the woman I’m supposed to speak to. Said she was out of the office. I got off the phone and immediately sent an email. Gave it a few days. Again, nothing. I call one last time and get the woman who gave me the email before. Says once again that woman is not there. She takes my name and number saying she will call the other woman to see what’s going on and call me back before the end of the day. That was 3 days ago. Surprise surprise, no word. I’ve attempted many times to give them my money for a class and yet everytime they seem uninterested in my business. I’ve not been snotty any of the times I’ve called or demanding in my email to them. I simply wanted to reserve his spot as a birthday gift. But I’m taking my money elsewhere and telling everyone I can not to waste time going here. I gave them plenty of chances to keep...

Recently did a class called Make Sparks Fly — it’s couples blacksmithing. No experience necessary. It was a blast. Our instructor (Ken) was great and guided us through the entire process. Super fun date night, even if the “hearts” we made didn’t quite resemble the intent. Bring lots of water (1.5L / person) and maybe some bandaids for afterwards. I had a blister on my had from pounding with the hammer. I regret nothing....