Chad Osborne
Bladesmith & Blacksmith


Background and Credentials

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. 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.

Osborne Forge

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.