Behind The Anvil Podcast – Special Edition Episode 26 Forging the Future: Dustin Rhodes Launches Smoky Mountain Forge Works & Trading Post In this special edition of Behind The Anvil Podcast, host Michael Peterson sits down with bladesmith and educator Dustin Rhodes to discuss an exciting new chapter in his journey. Formerly known as Axes on Main and Dustin Rhodes Forge Works, Dustin shares the story behind his transition to the newly established Smoky Mountain Forge Works & Trading Post in Sevierville, Tennessee. Dustin talks about purchasing property in Tennessee and opening his new forging destination at 2320 Winfield Dunn Parkway, where visitors can experience hands-on blacksmithing and knife-making adventures through the popular Forge a Memory family program. From railroad spike knives and horseshoe knives to family-friendly forging experiences, Dustin explains how his mission remains centered on creating lasting memories for people of all ages. The new location sits near Smoky Mountain Knife Works and is scheduled for its official Grand Opening on July 1st. The investment represents a major step forward for the business and its future growth. Michael and Dustin also dive into the realities of being full-time knife makers, discussing the challenges of running a small business, balancing custom work with production pieces, teaching blacksmithing classes, and managing customer expectations. The conversation covers Dustin's plans to pursue Journeyman Smith status, his recent LASIK surgery, and how teaching forging experiences is helping him further develop his skills. The two craftsmen also discuss custom sheath making, shop safety, dust collection systems, and the importance of creating an efficient workspace. Dustin gives listeners a virtual tour of the new shop, including displays of handmade tomahawks, beadwork, trading post merchandise, and his modular forging setup. The episode wraps up with exciting updates about Dustin's increased involvement with Turtle Island Preserve, upcoming classes, and the future of Smoky Mountain Forge Works & Trading Post. It's an inspiring conversation about taking risks, investing in your dreams, and building a business that creates memories while preserving traditional craftsmanship. A special thank you to Mike's Damascus Knives LLC for sponsoring this episode. Follow Dustin Rhodes and Smoky Mountain Forge Works & Trading Post: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SmokyMountainForgeWorks Learn more about Mike's Damascus Knives: https://www.MikesDamascusKnives.com

On this episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with Mandy Thomas of Dragon City Resort and Mission Phoenix, along with Mission Phoenix founder Josh Gagne, for a powerful conversation about serving those who have served our nation. Mandy shares the incredible journey of acquiring Dragon City Resort along Tennessee's famous Tail of the Dragon and transforming it into more than just a destination for motor enthusiasts. What started as a resort has grown into a vision for helping veterans through community, purpose, and housing initiatives designed to support those struggling with PTSD, homelessness, and the challenges of transitioning back into civilian life. Josh opens up about the personal tragedy that inspired him to create Mission Phoenix after losing his father to undiagnosed post-traumatic stress. He discusses the organization's mission to combat veteran suicide, the development of the Invictus Initiative that trains law enforcement officers to better understand and assist veterans in crisis, and the lives that have already been saved through the program. Together, Mandy and Josh discuss the challenges veterans face after service, including PTSD, homelessness, broken relationships, and the stigma surrounding mental health. They share how Mission Phoenix and the upcoming Bunker 22 housing project aim to provide temporary housing, counseling, job readiness, networking opportunities, and a supportive veteran community to help veterans rebuild their lives. The conversation also explores the therapeutic benefits of craftsmanship, community connections, peer-to-peer support, and innovative ideas such as a future veteran networking app designed to connect veterans with others who understand their struggles. This episode is an inspiring look at what happens when people refuse to stand by and instead dedicate themselves to helping veterans find purpose, healing, and hope. Learn more about Dragon City Resort: https://dragoncityresort.com Learn more about Mission Phoenix: https://missionphoenix.org

.From Navy Flight Engineer to Changing Lives: Rebecca Dawn & T14P In this inspiring episode of Behind The Anvil Podcast, host Michael Peterson sits down with Rebecca Dawn, founder of T14P, a Sevier County-based nonprofit dedicated to helping women battling breast cancer regain a sense of normalcy through custom-fitted, medical-grade wigs. Rebecca shares the incredible story behind T14P, explaining how she and her sister launched the organization after discovering that many hair donation programs still charged recipients for wigs. What began as a passion project has grown into a mission-driven nonprofit that uses donated human hair to create high-quality wigs for cancer patients at no cost. Beyond her nonprofit work, Rebecca discusses her unique journey from growing up in northern Idaho to serving as a U.S. Navy in-flight engineer aboard Boeing 747 aircraft. She shares stories from detachments around the world, including experiences in Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Wake Island. Michael and Rebecca dive into the realities of running a nonprofit, overcoming self-doubt, fundraising challenges, and the overwhelming generosity of local communities. Rebecca also highlights T14P's upcoming motorcycle poker run fundraiser in Joseph, Utah, where every dollar raised goes directly toward providing wigs for women undergoing cancer treatment. The conversation also explores Rebecca's passion for motorcycles, lessons learned from solo rides through Death Valley, future charity ride plans across the country, and an exciting discussion about designing custom knives specifically for female riders. This episode is a powerful reminder that sometimes the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference in someone's fight against cancer. Follow and support T14P on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1CNxsKJw8X/

Forged Minds & Damascus Dreams with RJ “Hitman” Goble

Host Michael Peterson sits down with RJ “Hitman” Goble of Hitman Customz for an in-depth conversation covering everything from Damascus steel and heat treating to mental health, entrepreneurship, and the paranormal. RJ shares his return to full-time bladesmithing after nearly two years away from the forge and discusses the passion behind Hitman Customz, known for Damascus steel work, custom handles, mosaics, and intricate pattern development. Michael and RJ dive deep into steel annealing techniques, discussing everything from thermal cycling and grain structure to unconventional annealing mixtures using perlite, vermiculite, and wood ash. The episode also explores blade heat treatment philosophies, edge quenching versus full quenching, spring steels like 5160 and ADCRV2, and the challenges of working with difficult steels in Damascus billets. The two makers swap shop knowledge, sanding and etching techniques, and discuss the tools and abrasives they trust most in their shops. Beyond bladesmithing, Michael and RJ open up about ADHD, autism, perfectionism, and how forging helps provide focus and purpose. They also discuss the realities of social media restrictions affecting knife makers, the future of their businesses, and ambitions for larger collaborations within the knife community. The conversation takes an unexpected turn into discussions about psychedelic therapies, spirituality, paranormal experiences, Bigfoot, UFOs, and the search for truth beyond mainstream narratives — making this one of the most wide-ranging and thought-provoking episodes yet. Whether you're a bladesmith, knife enthusiast, maker, or just someone fascinated by the forging lifestyle, this episode delivers shop talk, life lessons, and raw conversations from behind the anvil. Follow Hitman Customz: https://www.instagram.com/hitman_customz/ Sponsored By: Combat Abrasives https://combatabrasives.com/ Phoenix Abrasives https://phoenixabrasives.com/

S2 E21 — How God Used Forged in Fire to Forge Redeemed Steel In this powerful episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with bladesmith Billy from Yellow Rose Forge and Redeemed Steel to discuss how a passion for blacksmithing became a worldwide ministry impacting lives across five continents. Billy shares the incredible story of how Yellow Rose Forge began as simple summer projects with his son before growing into a full-time knife-making business and the foundation for Redeemed Steel — a volunteer-driven ministry formed by Christian contestants from Forged in Fire. What started as a small group of craftsmen connecting through faith has expanded into a movement of more than 700 members across multiple countries, using blacksmithing and craftsmanship to serve communities, share the gospel, build homes, dig wells, and create opportunities through trade education. Michael and Billy dive deep into the realities of making a living as a bladesmith, the challenges of burnout in today’s knife-making industry, and the calling that pushed Billy to leave teaching and pursue ministry through craftsmanship full time. The conversation also explores upcoming Redeemed Steel events, including the annual Redeemed Steel Hammer-In in North Carolina and the Blood, Sweat & Steel Weekend in Montana — a four-day men’s retreat centered around forging knives, brotherhood, and spiritual growth. Billy also discusses the future vocational training school in Guatemala that will provide welding, sewing, and leatherworking education alongside biblical discipleship programs designed to help young people build both practical skills and strong foundations for life. This episode is packed with stories of faith, perseverance, knife making, ministry, and the power of using craftsmanship to change lives around the world. Listen now on YouTube and all major podcast platforms every Monday. Redeemed Steel: redeemedsteel.org Yellow Rose Forge: yellowroseforge.com

Episode 20 of Behind The Anvil Podcast features Host Michael Peterson going solo behind the mic for a deep dive into knife making, creativity, AI tools, and the stories that shaped the craft. Michael shares updates from the shop, including new blacksmith knife designs, a spring steel letter opener project, and the ongoing build of a custom friction folder knife with handmade spacers and refined mechanics. Michael also opens up about organizing the upcoming Small Business Fest in the park — a growing community event featuring vendors, music, and food trucks sponsored by KB Business Solutions and BC Custom Rods LLC. From handling insurance to doubling vendor spots, he talks about the challenges and excitement of building something bigger for the local community. The episode takes a nostalgic turn as Michael reflects on legendary knife maker Buster Warenski and the impact he had on the knife-making world. Michael shares personal memories, stories of the famous King Tut Dagger recreation, meteorite projects, and lessons learned from both Buster and his father about craftsmanship, innovation, and problem-solving in the shop. Michael also discusses how he’s been using ChatGPT to help with social media posts, flyers, research, and creative content while balancing the importance of keeping authenticity in the craft. Plus, he talks future plans for documentaries highlighting Utah knife makers and preserving the history behind the blades. Follow Michael and check out his work at Mikes Damascus Knives Listen to Behind The Anvil Podcast on: • Spotify • Apple Podcasts • YouTube

Behind The Anvil Podcast host Michael Peterson sits down for an in-depth roundtable discussion with Shawn Shropshire, Brian J Rognholt, and John C. Thunert for a raw and honest conversation about the realities of the modern knife-making industry. From organizing knife shows and small business events to surviving changing market trends after the boom sparked by Forged in Fire, the crew breaks down the hard lessons behind building a successful bladesmithing business without drowning in debt. The conversation dives deep into steel choices, forging techniques, Damascus combinations, heat treating philosophies, and why trusted steels like 1084 and 5160 still hold their place in the forge despite the rise of “super steels.” Shawn, Brian, John, and Michael also tackle the future of the craft, discussing CNC machining, plasma cutting, 3D printing, AI tools, and the balance between embracing technology while preserving the soul of handcrafted work. Along the way, the group shares stories from the forge floor, lessons learned from years of experience, unusual customer requests, creative inspiration through dreams and sketchbooks, and the importance of knowing when to say no in business and craftsmanship. Whether you’re a seasoned bladesmith, a beginner blacksmith, or simply fascinated by the culture behind handmade knives, this episode delivers insight, humor, and real-world advice straight from the anvil. Follow the guests online: • Shawn Shropshire / SDS Knifeworks — https://sdsknifeworks.com • Brian J Rognholt / Odin Forge — https://odinforge.com • John C. Thunert / JCT Knife Works — https://www.facebook.com/JCTKnifeWorks • SDS Knifeworks Social Links — https://linktr.ee/sdsknifeworks • Behind The Anvil Podcast on Amazon Music — https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/669448bd-f04d-403b-a81b-991ebbc1c0c1/behind-the-anvil

In this episode, host Michael Peterson sits down with Richard Kaufman, known as “The Comeback Kid,” for a real and inspiring conversation about resilience, business, and finding purpose after setbacks. Richard shares how his military experience shaped his approach to entrepreneurship, including using structured planning like the “9-line” in business. He also opens up about overcoming major personal challenges—including a period of blindness—and his mission to help veterans transition into civilian life with purpose. The two dive into podcast burnout, with Richard reflecting on producing six episodes a week for years before hitting a breaking point. He explains how he rebuilt by focusing on balance and a clear audience. Michael connects this to his own journey, discussing struggles in his knife-making business and the push toward higher-end work and meaningful products. They also talk strategy—landing sponsors, using tools like ChatGPT, and growing a podcast the right way. Faith, priorities, and staying grounded in what matters most round out this powerful episode. Check out Richard Kaufman: Podcast: Vertical Momentum Podcast Listen here Books on Amazon A must-listen for anyone building a business, brand, or better life.