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.

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.

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.

COMING SOON! 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.