Chad Osborne, a talented blacksmith, leads a unique life split between the seasons. From May until the end of October, he resides on Mackinac Island, where he works at Jack’s Livery Stable and Cindy’s Riding Stable. However, during the off-season winter months, Chad dedicates his time to crafting hand-forged knives for customers seeking a one-of-a-kind blade, sword, or weapon.
In March of 2016, Chad's smithing talent was highlighted on History Channel's Forged in Fire. In March of 2017, Chad was voted as a "Fan Favorite" and made a 2nd appearance on Forged in Fire. Chad is now known for making his "#ForgeALicious" blades and "#AreYouForgingKiddingMe?".
The judges of Forged in Fire evaluate the weapons crafted by the contestants.
Forged in Fire: The Competition
Forged in Fire is a program that places four competitors in three elimination rounds to forge bladed weapons. Each weapon is tested and evaluated by a panel of three (sometimes four) judges. As the host for seasons one through seven, Wil Willis introduced the parameters for each episode. Grady Powell replaced Willis for season eight onward.
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The program places four competitors in three elimination rounds to forge bladed weapons. One competitor is eliminated after the blade is forged. The final two contestants are sent back to their home forges to make a historical weapon within a 45-hour time frame. The competitor with the best weapon is crowned “Forged in Fire Champion”. The winner is awarded $10,000.
Forged in Fire: Where bladesmiths compete to create the ultimate weapon.
The season premiere of Forged in Fire is Tuesday, Feb.
Challenges and Aspirations
Although Chad was a finalist in the competition, he was not satisfied with his overall performance. He had barriers that affected his performance--his home forge did not have electricity forcing him to use an unfamiliar shop and his wife was receiving chemotherapy for cancer treatment.
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If Chad wins, he said he would like to use the money to take Susan on a Hawaiian trip after her cancer treatment is finished.
A Family of Blacksmiths
Chad Osborne has been a farrier for 28 years. There are four generations of blacksmiths in his family. Chad has enjoyed making weapons since he was a child and made his first sword when he was 10 years old. Shortly after that, he made a cross bow that was quickly confiscated by his parents! During his teen years, Chad studied martial arts which lead to an interest in Asian weapons. He received his Farrier certification from the Michigan School of Horseshoeing in 1995 and went on to teach at the school until 1998. Over the years he has continually refined his skills in blacksmithing and is a Journeyman Bladesmith, certified from Phoenix State University.
Osborne Forge and Forge a Memory
Chad lives in Saline or north Milan, Michigan during the fall and winter months forging custom made items, teaching bladesmithing and blacksmithing classes, and lives in Mackinaw City during the spring and summer months. He owns businesses on Mackinac Island and Mackinaw City that allow patrons to forge a knife with his guidance . Chad continues to improve his bladesmithing skills by attending conferences and competing in bladesmithing competitions throughout the year.
On June 29, 2018, Chad started an exciting chapter in his career by opening Forge a Memory, a blacksmithing shop, on Mackinac Island in Michigan. Mackinac Island is located between the lower and upper peninsulas and can only be accessed by a ferry service.
Visitors, vacationers, family members and friends can stop into Forge a Memory, step into the forge, pick-up the hammer, hit some hot steel and leave with a handforged knife and sheath. There are 3 different knife sizes to choose from and a blade will take between 20 minutes and one hour to heat, forge, sand and buff. The price of the experience will depend on the size of the knife.
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Forge a Memory on Mackinac Island
Forge a Memory will officially open on, Saturday, May 7, 2022. You can schedule your forging experience now by contacting Forge a Memory at 734-680-6689. It is highly recommended that you schedule an appointment weeks, and no less than 5-7 days in advance as slots fill-up quickly! Once you have reserved an appointment, be sure to give yourself 20-30 minutes to walk, bike or take a taxi to Forge a Memory to complete paperwork before your forging experience. Unfortunately, if you are late to your scheduled appointment, we will offer your time slot to someone hoping to "drop-in". All forging experiences start at the top of the hour and due to time constraints we cannot wait for your arrival.
You can also stop-in to Forge a Memory to puchase merchandise and check for walk-in availability. It is located on Surrey Hill on Mackinac Island. Visitors can get to Surrey Hill by horse taxi, biking, or walking "up the hill" past The Grand.
If you contact Forge a Memory and cannot get an appointment, don't worry! Chad has opened a second location called "The Forge" in Mackinaw City. This store is located in Mackinaw Crossings just off the main shopping strip in Mackinaw City near Mackinaw Outfitters. The Forge will offer the same forging experiences that Forge a Memory offers, including several handmade items that can be purchased. Call today to make your reservations. The Forge phone number is 734-740-8847.
Chad creates personalized hand-forged knives, weapons and unique items during the fall and winter months (when he is not working on Mackinac Island). Do you have an old piece of steel that you would like to transform into a family heirloom? Chad can make many different items. Contact him to discuss your specific idea.
Chad also teaches adults and kids how to forge. He is a merit badge counselor for Boy Scouts of America awarding Metalwork, Leather Working and Welding badges. Chad opened Osborne Forge, a school that teaches Blacksmithing and Bladesmithing. If you are interested in learning this lost art, take a look on the "Classes" page for courses that are offered.
Braden, his son, has learned how to forge and can make specialty items and trinkets. Susan, his wife and cancer survivor, has learned how to forge and makes items that are donated to a charity organization that supports breast cancer awareness and research.
Original Mackinac Bridge Pieces
Finally, in 2017 the Mackinac Bridge Authority started replacing the original Mackinac Bridge. Chad secured original pieces of the Mackinac Bridge and is making items with the ACTUAL, ORIGINAL MACKINAC BRIDGE! You can secure a piece of history by purchaing handmade items made from the original Mackinac Bridge at both stores.
Due to customer demand, handmade knives, Mackinac Bridge pieces and other items will be available to purchase at our retail only stores. Visit "The Bridge Store" located in downtown Mackinac Island OR next to The Forge in Mackinaw City.
The iconic Mackinac Bridge
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