The Bethel Forge was conceived in 1976 by Mike Freeman. Having been a hobby Blacksmith for many years he decided to get serious about metalsmithing and began splitting his time between his Farrier business and the ornamental iron work.

Although Mr. Freeman is an A.F.A. Certified Journeyman Farrier, and proud of it, he spends more time in his blacksmith shop these days instead of on the road shoeing horses, "I won't give up shoeing completely," he says,
"it is an art in itself, much like blacksmithing."

Located in the historic community of Farmington, NC in heart of North Carolina the Bethel Forge is conveniently located to Winston-Salem, Greensboro, Charlotte, Statesville and Mocksville.

The Bethel Forge is an acronym from the last syllables of his daughters names; Elizabeth and Rachel. When they where younger, they were always helping Dad by getting burned or stepped on and enduring long hot summer days. So the Bethel Forge is named for them.

Mike at the Anvil

Mike at the Powerhammer