The Experience, Their Words!
Forged experiences, told by those who stood at the anvil.
"Learn to Forge" Experience Reviews
Medina
Sacramento, CA
June 2025
The guys absolutely loved this experience. Could not stop thanking me for setting this up for them. The hooks they made were beautiful and they were on his website as soon as they got home checking out all the other experiences offered and items to purchase. Looking forward to making knives next visit! Mike was an amazing host, went above and beyond and is very talented.
Show more
Amy
United States
August 2025
We took my 15 year old and his friend and we all loved it! It was a great experience!!! Mike did a great job!
Brian
United States
September 2025
Fantastic experience! The instructor was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and friendly, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. I left with new skills and a deeper appreciation for the craft. Highly recommend
Iris
South Bend, IN
February 2025
Making the hook was great fun! Loved that our dog could run around and play too! Mike was a great teacher!
Laurie
United States
December 2024
We had a great experience and Mike was a great instructor.
Brian
United States
September 2024
Mike is a great guy with lots of skill and I would return anytime. I would probably bring my 2 sons next time if we come back to michigan. Beautiful location too.
Elizabeth
Atlanta, GA
August 2024
Amazing experience for mother/daughter; Mike was so patient and helpful. We learned so much - and had a wonderful afternoon!
Jamie
Martinsville, IN
July 2024
Surprised my husband and son with this experience and they both have raved about it all week. Mike was incredibly kind and helpful and they both had an amazing time, definitely a highlight of our vacation! We are already planning another trip to north Michigan just so we can revisit Mike’s forge.
Diane
Nunica, MI
July 2024
What a great experience, Mike's a great teacher, and explains the process well, love the hands on time and the wall hooks we made. They are complete with a coat of clear lacquer, ready to screw to the wall and hang my hat on. Thank you Mike.
Steve
United States
July 2024
I took my 8 year old grandson for the learning how to forge. We had a great time and he loved every minute of it! Mike was very knowledgeable and helpful and very good with teaching his trade! We had a great experience would highly recommend!!
Heather
Holland, MI
April 2024
This was a great experience for my 16 year old. Mike did a fantastic job with the instructions and teaching. Definitely recommend booking with him.
Jonathan
United States
February 2024
Mike is great! Very hospitable and friendly; and a great blend of teacher and partner.
Heading 3
"Create a Knife" Experience Reviews
Peter
United States
December 2025
LL Forge exceeded my expectations. I made a great knife, I would recommend for anyone.
Stephanie
United States
December 2025
I booked this for my husband for his birthday gift and he loved it. He works around metal all day, but I loved watching him really enjoy it and doing something "different" that you can't do anywhere else. Even if you don't have any experience with this kind of thing, Mike helps you every step! He's fun and a great personality! The class was more than 4 hours, but we did not care. This is a project you want to take your time on, plus Mike makes sure you leave with an excellent piece!
Caity
Ann Arbor, MI
March 2022
Mike was so nice and personable. He really guides you through each step while making sure you're the one actually making the knife.
Rick
Michigan, United States
February 2022
We reserved a day with Mike of LLForge to forge and fabricate a knife and also create a great memory. Mike with his forging knowledge and ability to teach with a passion for perfection has exceeded my expectations. We had a great time and went home with quality knives - thanks Mike
Ashley
Lake Geneva, WI
February 2022
Great experience, learned so much and greatful having someone willing to teach my husband and I about making a knife.
Alexis
Grand Rapids, MI
January 2022
Great experience! Mike is very open and chill, he will make sure you get what you came for and be happy with your end results. I do recommend!
Sue
Mason, MI
December 2021
Mike took his time with me and allowed me to improve until the knife was just right. ( not just good enough) The small details really made a difference. I was able to do the work while he coached. It was a great experience, I would like to go back.
David
Sterling Heights, MI
November 2021
Mike was great. Well worth the money. Would do it again.
Hannah
Luther, MI
November 2025
Mike ran the class very well! He was able to answer any question and walked you through the whole process. The facility is top notch and was a great environment for learning the craft. I will definitely be back for his other classes!
Emily
United States
October 2025
Gave this experience to my husband for his birthday. And I went along to take pictures. What a fun experience! You can walk in knowing absolutely nothing about how to make your own knife and you walk out with a cool looking knife of your own design that you can feel proud of. Would highly recommend if this is something that interests you.
Emily
Topeka, KS
July 2025
We had a great time! If you’re considering booking this experience - do it!
Todd
Bloomingdale, GA
July 2025
Mike was a terrific host and teacher. He is incredibly knowledgeable about his craft and his passion runs deep. He takes his time with clients to ensure they understand the what and why they are doing a task. He helped me make a one of a kind knife. I only wish I could stay longer and spend more time with him. His workshop is well laid out and very clean. It was a pleasure to spend time with him and learn his craft.
Cheryl
Dundee, MI
July 2025
My 16-year-old took the create a knife class and had the experience of his life. He thoroughly enjoyed the vibe of the forge, the teaching and the conversation with Mike. Highly recommend this for anyone interested in forging.
Summer
Grand Rapids, MI
June 2025
Definitely would recommend! My husband had never done a forging experience prior, but had wanted to for years. He had a great time and we were grateful for Mike for working us into his schedule. Well worth the price and the experience is so cool and unique! Thanks for all the knowledge and working with us, Mike!
Melissa
Milford, IN
May 2025
I sent my husband in to make a knife for his birthday present. He loved the experience. Mike was very knowledgeable and enjoyed teaching about his craft. while Mike took the time to walk through each step, my husband performed every detail. He would like to go back and take another class. He said I did real good picking out this gift. I am thinking I will join him for the next class.
Cathy
United States
January 2025
Great experience. Mike was a n amazing person and gave me a great knife making experience. I would really impressed. Thank you, Mike.
Garry
United States
December 2024
What an amazing experience. I would HIGHLY suggest Mike and this experience.
Brian
Leonard, MI
December 2024
Great experience with my 3 sons. Level of detail, product completion, perfect.
David
United States
August 2024
I had a great time working with Mike making the knife and the sheath. Mike is clearly an expert and he led me through the process with patience and clear instructions. At the same time, my wife enjoyed walking through their gardens, sitting by the pond, and picking berries. Even their dog Brodi made us feel welcome.
Donald
United States
July 2024
Mike created an exceptional setting to create a personalized knife. His instruction was masterful and empowered me to learn numerous knife-making skills. A memorable experience!
Kenneth
New Port Richey, FL
July 2024
Amazing experience! We are excited to use our knives for many years to come. We went in with no experience and were able to follow all the steps (note you will be standing all day but can take breaks as needed). Mike is a great instructor; he makes sure you leave with a quality piece you're proud of making. He'll explain what you need to do and guide you so you can do it yourself. The workshop area is clean and organized.
Meagan
Chelsea, MI
April 2024
Mike was great! My fiancé and I both made knives and had a great time. Our knives turned out awesome! Mike explained things well and guided us through what we were doing. I highly recommend the knife making experience at LLForge!
Kris
United States
June 2022
Mike was a great host. He explained to you what needed to be done shows you the technique and hands it over. If you have questions he takes the time to make sure you understand before turning it over. If it doesn’t look right Mike will help you correct it. He makes sure you like how it turned out before moving on to the next step
Katie
Batavia, IL
May 2022
My husband had an amazing time! Mike was kind enough to let me tag a long although I wasn’t making a knife. Mike had great music, a fun personality and the perfect amount of instructions during the entire process!
Kathyrn
United States
May 2022
Mike was great. He helped me create an exceptional piece! Could never have accomplished this without him.
Jessica
Saline, MI
April 2022
It was an exceptional experience that my husband thoroughly enjoyed and will remember forever!
Sabrina
Grand Rapids, MI
April 2022
I went in thinking this was mainly going to be a special anniversary gift to my husband. We both ended up loving the experience. Mike was a great guide and very encouraging. This is a memory we will never forget and we have amazing knives to show for it. Would definitely recommend.
Nicole
Brandon Township, MI
April 2022
Mike is excellent at guiding all levels of individuals through the forging process. He is extremely knowledgeable and skilled at demonstration/instruction. I couldn’t have picked a better instructor for my husband and myself!
Brent
Frederick, MD
March 2022
My son and I made knives together. Mike was so accommodating and made the entire process fun. The finished product was something my son and I will cherish forever. Thanks Mike!!
Gordon
United States
November 2021
ON A SCALE OF 1 - 10 IT DESERVED AN 11
Amanda
Brandon Township, MI
November 2021
This experience was purchased for my husband’s birthday. I was surprised that only one other student was booked in the class allowing for a lot of one on one attention. Mike is very knowledgeable and a great host. From start to finish my husband loved the class. Highly recommend!
Justine
Frankfort, IL
October 2021
This was such a fun and interesting experience. This trio to was a bday gift to my boyfriend and I loved it as much as he did. Mike is a great teacher, was fun, efficient with time, played damn good music while we made our knives. We made some beautuful knives there and have some great memories. A great experience even for a total beginner- well be going back again!!!
Robert
Fraser, MI
October 2021
Fantastic experience. Lots of hard work and Mike's experience makes for a great final product. Would definitely highly recommend and will do again.
Matthew
United States
September 2021
My son and I left with a new appreciation for his craft, special knives, and memories for a lifetime. Thank you sir.
Christine
United States
September 2021
This experience was awesome. Mike has great attention to detail and helped our knife turn out amazing. Would recommend this to anyone!
Brent
Frederick, MD
March 2022
My son and I made knives together. Mike was so accommodating and made the entire process fun. The finished product was something my son and I will cherish forever. Thanks Mike!!
"Forge Damascus" Experience Reviews
Donna
United States
September 2025
Awesome, hands-on-every-step-of-the-way experience! 70(M), 35(F), 2 1/2 long hardworking days with Mike guiding every step. Rare opportunity to learn from a real craftsman, and a good value considering the materials, machines and instruction time. Come prepared to work. Our Damascus steel knives are works of art and we are proud of them!
Karen
South Bend, IN
September 2025
As a Harvest Host member we stayed on the property with our camper while my husband made a beautiful Damascus chef's knife. He thought Mike Bailey was a great teacher and easy to work with. The property is inviting and well maintained. I spent a few hours reading by their pond, lulled by the sound of the waterfall. His dog is darling.
Rob & Tammy
Fort Wayne, IN
July 2024
I really enjoyed the knife making class. I was surprised that we got the knife done so quickly. I ended up with a 90 layer damascus chef's knife. It was sharpened at 17° edge and is perfect for meal prep. I brought a knife from home to show Mike. Mike tailored the class to match my expectations. I am not new to bladesmithing but I was new to making damascus. The knife is beautiful and perfectly functional. Thanks Mike for your patients with me. I know I can get distracted and you kept me on course.
Karen
Portage, MI
June 2022
We had such a great time!! If you’re looking for a fun and unique experience-this is it! Mike’s incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, and our knife turned out great! Highly recommend!
"Forge a Railroad Spike Knife" Experience Reviews
Luke
Ada, MI
4 days ago
My son and I had a wonderful time with Mike making a knife out of a railroad spike. He was very efficient with the time and a wonderful teacher and host. I would definitely recommend the experience for anyone wanting to develop their skills.
Madison
Martinez, GA
3 weeks ago
Mike was so knowledgeable and did a great job balancing my lack of knowledge/confidence with my husband’s comfort to make sure we both know what we were doing. The location was great, we loved the personalized experience, and the greeting committee (Brodie) was TOP notch. Thanks again!
Lori
Alpena, MI
October 2025
It was great! Our host was friendly, patient, and knowledgeable. Took 4 hours to make a railroad-spike knife and sheath. Small cozy workshop. Bring warm clothing if not in the summer. Bring water and snacks. The experience takes a minimum of 4 hours, but AirBnb doesn't allow it to show that way. Please message host about length of time as some knives take longer.
Attila
United States
October 2025
Getting out of comfort zone is a challenge for everyone. Mike made it safe and comfortable to us. He is a great host sharing his knowledge and offering a truly unique experience in today's world!
Amy
Henderson, MI
September 2025
I bought 2 packages for my husband and son for their milestone birthdays and they both thoroughly enjoyed it and would definitely go back.
Drake
Gainesville, GA
September 2025
Super fun, I really enjoyed it, I got a good idea of how blacksmithing is, and help me decide if I want to make it a hobby for myself. Which I will now after this.
Laura
United States
August 2025
Such a unique, hands on experience. Took my 17 and 20 year old sons to make the railroad spike knife. Forge was clean, well equipped. My sons did 99% of the work on their knife and absolutely loved the experience. Adorable little dog and a peaceful, out of the way location. Worth every penny!
Kelby
Cass City, MI
June 2025
Awesome time! Mike busted his butt for our group of 6! We all walked away with an awesome knife that we are all proud of! None of us had ever done anything like this before. Great experience!
Scott
Ludington, MI
May 2025
Great experience and mike is very knowledgeable and personable
Brooklyn
United States
October 2024
10/10 experience. Mike is super knowledgeable and always willing to help. Through every step he was with me making sure I made the best product possible. The knife and experience I will cherish for a lifetime. As someone who has never done anything like this Mike is the perfect person to help you.
Jon
Port Angeles, WA
August 2024
I had a great time forging a knife from a railroad spike. Learned a lot from Mike. I would do it again for sure!
Daniel
Washington, DC
June 2024
This experience was a blast! I booked it last minute, and Mike was extremely accommodating. He guided me through the entire forging process, yet also gave me room to do almost everything myself. Highly recommend for a fun and unique activity!!
Kelsey
United States
June 2024
We had a fantastic experience at Mike’s forge! My 12-year old son took the railroad spike class and Mike was an incredible teacher, modeling and explaining what to do and allowing my son to have an unforgettable hands on experience. Mike was very friendly and had a ton of stories to share, and his sweet dog Brody kept us company. This was a truly awesome experience and my son left with a beautiful hand forged knife and memories that he will have for a lifetime. Thanks Mike, we hope to be back soon!
Carla
Fountain Hills, AZ
June 2024
What a fantastic experience! We made railroad spike knives and thanks to Mike they are not only functional but also beautiful. He was amazing- highly skilled and also patient and personable. We'll be back!
Sarah
Clintonville, WI
March 2024
My husband and I have nothing but good things to say about Mike and our experience with him. He is an excellent teacher. He was patient with us and troubleshot when something wasn't quite right. He made sure we were happy with our knives and with the experience every step of the way. We would highly recommend one of his experiences he offers.
Karen
Portage, MI
June 2022
We had such a great time!! If you’re looking for a fun and unique experience-this is it! Mike’s incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, and our knife turned out great! Highly recommend!
Jen
Hart, MI
May 2022
We purchased this experience as a Christmas gift for our dad. He (we) loved it! Mike was very knowledgeable and did a great job explaining everything to us. We really enjoyed creating a railroad spike knife. It is an experience that we will never forget!!
Lorissa
United States
May 2022
My son and I both created the knife from the railroad tie. It was an outstanding experience ! Mike is very personable. He provided the right amount of guidance and would step in when support was needed. It felt great to see the end product !
Nick
Red Hook, NY
May 2022
This was excellent! My wife and I were true beginners, but Mike taught us what we needed to know so we could do each and every part of the process “hands on”. This is true learn by doing. It was one of the most interesting experiences we have done. Mike is a great host with a wealth of knowledge and patience. His experience on the show adds another level of great conversation. This was a great way to spend a day! I highly recommend this when coming to Michigan.
Ann
Bear Lake, MI
February 2022
This was a gift for my husband and son. They both raved about what a great time they had and both are actually wanting to go again.
Scott
Indianapolis, IN
December 2021
Mike’s forging experience was incredible. He is a gifted blacksmith and teacher. I was looking for a truly unique experience to kick off a ”Man Maker” year for my son, and forging a knife together was the perfect fit. Mike was generous with his time. He is a fantastic person. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 NIV https://proverbs.bible/proverbs-27-17
Curtis
Fishers, IN
October 2021
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to forge a knife, this is for you! My adult son and I had a blast learning how to work a coal forge and turn a railroad spike into a knife. Mike is knowledgeable, friendly and just a little mischievous, which keeps things light and relaxed. . He enjoys teaching novices (who make a lot of mistakes) how to create something unique. We’re already talking about what class we’re booking next at the Leprechaun Lair Forge!
Molly
Naperville, IL
October 2021
Mike's place was absolutely awesome and he is such a cool, down to earth person. This experience is really something everyone should try. I will never forget this it was so much fun forging my own knife and making the sheath. Thank you Mike for a great time and memory!
Frank
United States
September 2021
What an experience! Worth every penny! Mike is a great teacher! I had so much fun & would definitely recommend this to anyone!
Andrew
Big Rapids, MI
September 2021
Loved the hands on experience. I did 90% of the forging, Mike did 10%. ... the 10% he did was super critical (and welcome).
"Forge a Rolled" Rose & "Hand Hammer a Copper Calla Lily" Experience Reviews
Caroline
Michigan, United States
April 2022
Mike did an amazing job of explaining how to create the rose. He was patient and kind while instructing us on how to forge the rose. The rose turned out beautiful and we learned a lot about the art of forging. We would highly recommend this experience to others.
Show more
Doug
Cincinnati, OH
March 2025
Second time we attended Mike’s forge. That should tell you enough. Mike has crafted unique one of a kind experiences. This one left us with a coffee table decoration that will stay with us for our lifetimes. Highest recommendation we can give.
Show more
Karen
Portage, MI
June 2022
We had such a great time!! If you’re looking for a fun and unique experience-this is it! Mike’s incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, and our knife turned out great! Highly recommend!
Google Reviews
Local Guide • 61 reviews • 7 photos
starstarstarstarstar 14 weeks ago
If you want a knife duplicated or an original beauty, check out LLForge. Mike can do just about anything. And if you're into arts and craft bottles, etc his wife Kathy is awesome. You can't go wrong.
Paul Lammers
Local Guide • 146 reviews • 337 photos
starstarstarstarstar 30 weeks ago
Mike is a really cool guy. He has a lot of knowledge and a talent its a very cool place.
Local Guide • 15 reviews • 7 photos
starstarstarstarstar Apr 27, 2024
Mike made the experience awesome and we made a wedding ring that means so much more to me than anything you can buy. Will always treasure this experience and ring. Thanks mike!
Local Guide • 31 reviews • 41 photos
starstarstarstarstar Feb 27, 2024
Unique experience! And Mike is great, he was a great teacher and helper with my kids!
6 reviews • 2 photos
starstarstarstarstar Apr 10, 2022
I went in thinking this was mainly going to be a special anniversary gift to my husband. We both ended up loving the experience. Mike was a great guide and very encouraging. This is a memory we will never forget and we have amazing knives to show for it. Would definitely recommend.
9 reviews • 1 photo
starstarstarstarstar Mar 27, 2022
It was very cool. Guy there was super helpful, got to pick own knife, everything was extremely fun. If I could I'd go there again. I'd recommend this to everyone who's interested in blacksmithing.
Local Guide • 21 reviews • 20 photos
starstarstarstarstar Jan 29, 2022
Awe experience! Made a knife out of a railroad nail!
3 reviews • 1 photo
starstarstarstarstar Dec 12, 2021
Mike was beyond a pleasure to learn from and collaborate with during his Forge A Railroad Spike Knife experience. He held fast to his guarantee that no one leaves until a stunning product has been created. My knife is always out and on display (in the sheath I made at that time, as well).
3 reviews • 0 photos
starstarstarstarstar Apr 29, 2021
The instructor, Mike, is such a great teacher and is able to help with any skill levels. My bachelor party was held here with all different types of skills. We all had a blast and can't wait to come back. A must do.
8 reviews • 6 photos
starstarstarstarstar Jan 5, 2021
I really loved my experience here. I made a pair of tongs to help me get started in my own forge. I also learned a lot about forging. I am very grateful for all the help I got from LLF
5 reviews • 0 photos
starstarstarstarstar Jan 3, 2021
Mike does an excellent job teaching you about knife making and really lets you make it your knife by doing almost all the learning and hands on experience yourself. Highly recommend checking out his classes.
8 reviews • 1 photo
starstarstarstarstar Nov 27, 2020
My friends and I spent the day with Mike the owner, we each made a knife and are so pleased with the results. Mike is a great instructor, but I would caution you must be a good student since you are working with heavy, sharp, and hot equipment. This was a wonderful experience and I would recommend it to everyone!
1 review • 0 photos
starstarstarstarstar Oct 2, 2020
I have been a LLForge customer for over a year and a half now. The weapons are beautiful and have always been made to my specifications. Great work( only because I can't think of a better way to describe it). I was just there on Sept 18th and had a great day learning.
1 review • 0 photos
starstarstarstarstar Aug 9, 2020
If you want a full on forge experience this is your place! Nestled back in the quiet woods of Shelby Mikes forge is a home away from home. We took our Saturday to create our own knife and sheath through Mikes directives. Be ready for a full on immersion experience because he wants to make sure this knife you make is YOUR creation and what a honor it was. 10/10 would recommend this to anyone looking for a unique experience and learn some cool skills along the way.
7 reviews • 0 photos
starstarstarstarstar Nov 27, 2020
Mike is an amazing teacher. Under his instruction I was able to make a beautiful Damascus knife with ebony handle. From billet to finished knife and sheath is an experience I'll never forget, and keep going back for. If you want to know if blacksmithing is right for you, the LLForge is the best place in Michigan to find out.
8 reviews • 0 photos
starstarstarstarstar Oct 2, 2020
I met Mike at an event up in Hart, Mi...very nice and personal guy...enjoyed talking forging with him, hope to do a forge 101 class with him within the next year
2 reviews • 0 photos
starstarstarstarstar Aug 4, 2020
At the end of the rainbow there is the Leprechaun Lair Forge. Mike offers a complete forging experience that fits all skill levels. From start to finish Mike is a true professional that exhibits the patience needed to guide folks through the whole knife making process. Contact Mike and make that reservation. The pot of gold at the end is a knife that you truly call you own.
Local Guide • 30 reviews • 11 photos
starstarstarstarstar Jul 22, 2019
I had a great time working with Mike. I learned some basic metal working skills, which has made me more interested in blacksmithing. I look forward to returning to work on some other projects. The property where Mike's forge is located is a picturesque bit of nature, which was enjoyable as well.