Such a unique experience we will remember! The team members were very knowledgeable and helpful! read more

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This is a neat experience for beginners interested in forging something small as a token to remember the island. I loved the idea because a working blacksmith fits into the idea of Mackinac Island so well; no cars, old school blacksmithing. Kids need to be 6 and up to participate. Our 5 year old son was big enough to wield the hammer, but not of age. We signed our kids up not knowing this and ended up doing it ourselves while our kids watched. We each made their arrowhead necklace. You get to pound the metal but the forgers do the actual forging and sharpening and cleaning. The necklace then gets strung and beads added. I can see this experience being very cool for a teen or kid making a knife. It was fast paced and well run, although the forge itself is small and if you get a few big guys or girls in there, there isn't a lot of room to move about. read more

What a wonderful memory for my two teens! My 15yr old son has watched every episode of Forged in Fire. Hot metal, knives, shop-work. What's not to love? Upon arrival to the Forge, we realized that our calendar app had changed our appointment time with the time change when we flew in to MI. We were an hour late! After speaking with the staff, they were able to still squeeze my kids in. I couldn't thank them enough for being so gracious! I was hoping the experience wasn't going to be too young/simple for a 14 & 15yr old, but my concerns were quickly assuaged. The staff adapted well to each person's age, fitting the experience to their level. My teens learned so much just by watching and listening. They also enjoyed flattening their blades and assisting in making their blade handle. My daughter did the smallest blade, and my son did the largest. Both are very happy with their choices! I highly recommend this experience for anyone who has never forged before. These were unforgettable moments for my teens! read more

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Great experience! 2 guys in our group forged a knife from a railroad spike and had an amazing time! Chad was a humble guy and talked to us like we'd known him for years. His team took the time to explain all the steps and were very patient. They made sure those knives came out perfect and took the extra time to fine tune them and focus on the details. A very warm and welcoming experience. Don't pass up this experience in Mackinac Island and be sure to call in advance and reserve your spot! read more

Forge A Memory - Metal Fabricators Near Me - Mackinac Island, Michigan

Awesome experience with great people! This was fun and a learning experience, ending up with a great take home memory. read more

Forge A Memory - Metal Fabricators Near Me - Mackinac Island, Michigan

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Reserved about five days in advance by texting Chad on the number provided-- very convenient. I remembered him from "Forged in Fire," and was looking forward to bringing my kids, 11, 13, and 15 to make knives. Three spots reserved. Asked when we got there if two more could be squeezed in (me and my wife) and thought we got the OK for that, but this was a miscommunication. Anyway, my kids forged knives out of half horseshoes doing 90% of the hammering themselves, then Chad finishes the basic profile and tip, and assistants grind and polish. All three done in one hour. My kids had fun doing it and their knives made great souvenirs. To get there really requires a taxi ride as it's up the hill behind the carriage stables, a good way past the Grand Hotel and golf course. Taxi ride for five was only $24 from the Island House Hotel. Recommended activity for families with tween/teen kids. read more

Forge A Memory - Forging with Chad Osborne. - Metal Fabricators Near Me - Mackinac Island, Michigan

So amazing!! We watched Chad on Forged in Fire and loved him! This was a super great experience! My husband, myself and our 2 daughters (11 and 12) all did knives. Chad and staff were super friendly, knowledgeable, patient and really seemed to enjoy their job! We were able to count our time there as both history and science time for home school. Would TOTALLY recommend and now, both of my girls can say "I forged a knife with a celebrity on an island" when they play 2 truths and a Lie. read more

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Everyone that works here is AMAZING!!!! We planned to "forge a memory," (where you make your choice of knife) and at every step these guys were AWESOME! Very helpful, very knowledgeable, kept us safe at all times, and made sure we were happy with our end result. I HIGHLY recommend scheduling an appointment to "forge a memory" there before you get to the island, or even just stop by and purchase one they've already made. I would recommend to check out their website as well before you go. I will DEFINITELY recommend this to everyone I know, and I plan to go back the next time I'm on the island. read more

Forge A Memory - More photos of the building they're in. - Metal Fabricators Near Me - Mackinac Island, Michigan

Neat experience, especially if you watch the show "forged in fire". My husband made the horseshoe knife and I made the pony knife. Basically all we did was pound the steel and the staff did the rest-which I was ok with, but my husband wanted to do a bit more. The location of this was definitely rustic...dirt floors in a tiny cabin. I enjoyed the actual experience, but was disappointed in the owner and staff. They were rude in my opinion and barely talked to us the entire time. The owner did not even greet us, all he said was "that's my 3 o'clock". I was excited to meet the owner since he was famous from the show, but he was arrogant and was more interested in looking at his phone than interacting with us. The knives turned out good, but was disappointed by the customer service. read more

Forge A Memory - Forging a knife - Metal Fabricators Near Me - Mackinac Island, Michigan

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Great time great product great quality full of knowledge on entire aspect of their knives. Definitely a must do!! read more

Forge A Memory - Metal Fabricators Near Me - Mackinac Island, Michigan

A fun time! My dad, wife, and I all made knives. The guy running the show was nice and patient, and we all had fun. They even managed to turn my monstrosity into something that looks surprisingly good! read more

Forge A Memory - A knife I made out of a railroad spike - Metal Fabricators Near Me - Mackinac Island, Michigan

These guys are great and definitley worth it!! Super responsive, very nice and definitley cool!! I will definitely be back. read more

Forge A Memory - Knife looks cool and sharp - Metal Fabricators Near Me - Mackinac Island, Michigan

Such a fun time. Ken is clearly is passionate about the art of forging and inspired our kids during their lesson. Ken was awesome! Great experience! read more

The thing I didn't know I wanted to do. Great time making a knife from a railroad spike. All the guys were very personable and fun to talk to. Truly fun and educational experience and I now have a sweet knife ! Your arms will feel like jello if you do it right! read more

Was really fun. They help you make something uniquely your own. It is something I will never forget. read more

Forge A Memory - Metal Fabricators Near Me - Mackinac Island, Michigan

We had called the week prior and made appointments for our group of 6. Even though it rained a lot in the morning, we arrived 15 minutes early and we're happy to see everything up and running. Chad even accommodated adding another person to our group. The kids and adults were both happy with the process and their knives read more

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Great activity for the family. Ken was very friendly. This is very interesting. We made 3 of the 4 types and had a fantastic time.

My son and I each forged a knife. The guys are great - very friendly and knowledgeable and walk you through everything. Mostly you do the hammering of the hot metal - it's really cool to pound it into a knife. Then the guys do the grinding into a sharp blade for you. If you do a railroad spike knife, you also get to twist the handle into a spiral. It was a lot of fun and a unique experience. read more

I missed our session because my calendar on my phone changed the appointment time because of the time zone change. These guys squeezed us in after hours with some family members of one of the smiths and completely saved the day. All my boys talked about doing on this trip was making knives. They left extremely happy. read more

Really cool experience! The staff really takes the time to go into detail and give each customer an individually unique visit. Fun for families. I'd recommend 10/10 for anyone looking for a once in a lifetime see it in the movies thrill. read more

Overall it was a cool experience, especially as a fan of Forged in Fire. This was the one reason I stopped in, to "forge a blade with Chad". The problem is...Chad is not usually on Mackinac Island anymore. Ken was the saving grace for the entire experience. Ken was personable, explained the science behind hardening, temperatures, how to test, and helped us through every step. Ken might be on Forged in Fire in a year or so also...Which I will watch for! He sharpened my blade, whereas the other guys sharpened my sons blade...the other did a decent job...Ken is AWESOME as sharpening and polishing. I was going to give a 2 star review because Chad wasn't there, but Ken MORE than made up for it! Ken...Keep up the great work! My family and I saw Ken the next day on the road as we were leaving the island, and he remembered us. I told him I was a little disappointed Shad wasn't there, and he apologized and said he is opening a shop in Mackinaw City, and was there most of the time. He suggested stop there, and said "Chad is a good dude" and likes to meet fans. We stopped over there, and was able to meet Chad, and get our picture with him. Overall Chad seemed like a decent guy. I definitely would NOT say he was stand offish or rude...But he seemed to have some trouble navigating having "fans" from the show. Although it might not be a big show, there are fans, and he is still getting used to that it seems. I would try it again, but try to see which Location Chad will be at, and see what he is like when forging a blade. If Chad and Ken read this...still a nice job...Ken is AWESOME...Hope to try to actually forge a blade with Chad next time we are up there. read more