Behind The Anvil — Best Of: Brian J. Rognholt Well… Mike has lost his voice yet again! So rather than leave you without an episode, we’re digging back into the archives for a Best Of featuring Brian J. Rognholt. This was a great conversation packed with bladesmithing, craftsmanship, and some good old-fashioned Behind The Anvil conversation. Hopefully Mike will have found his voice again by next week! Until then, sit back and enjoy this Best Of episode.

I’m Done Taking Custom Knife Orders — Here’s Why Welcome back to Behind The Anvil with your host, Michael Peterson! In this episode, Mike goes solo and gets real about the current state of Mike’s Damascus Knives and why he has made the decision to step away from custom knife orders. Mike starts off by reading a Facebook post he came across asking fellow bladesmiths why they stopped taking custom orders. The responses from other makers got him thinking about his own experiences and ultimately led into a bigger conversation about why custom work can sometimes take the fun out of the craft. Between working full-time driving truck, dealing with the demands of running a knife business, social media headaches, and recovering from a nasty two-week illness that has left his voice a little rough, Mike has been doing some serious thinking about what he actually wants from the craft. Mike talks about the good, the bad, and the downright frustrating parts of taking custom orders — from deposits and customer expectations to progress pictures, deadlines, and trying to make someone else's vision while still keeping the passion alive. After years of dealing with an overflowing order book and the pressure that comes with it, Mike explains why making knives for customers started feeling more like a job than something he loved. So what's the plan now? Instead of taking custom orders, Mike wants to make what he wants to make — one-off knives, inventory pieces, experimenting with designs, and eventually playing around with some mosaic Damascus. With six knives currently available and progress updates being posted on Facebook, the focus is shifting toward making knives on his own schedule and enjoying the craft again. Mike also talks about the challenges knife makers face getting their work seen on social media, the restrictions surrounding knife-related content, the economics of batch production versus custom work, and some advice he's picked up from other makers along the way. Plus, there's talk about potential guests, possibly having a fill-in or occasional guest host, and maybe getting Spicy Mikey involved somewhere down the road. Sometimes stepping back isn't giving up — sometimes it's how you get the passion back. Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and join Mike Behind The Anvil! Check out 3rd Day Coffee – Seguin: https://third-day-coffee.square.site/

Blades, Bucks, Gas & Nuclear Power: From Blade Show West to Utah’s Energy Future In this episode of Behind The Anvil, Michael Peterson and Brad sit down for another wide-ranging conversation that goes from knives and hunting to fuel prices, technology, military security, and the future of energy in Utah. Michael talks about his recent trip to Blade Show West, meeting industry contacts, checking out other makers, and gathering plenty of inspiration. They also discuss the upcoming move of the show to Indiana while the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City undergoes its massive renovation. From there, the conversation takes a turn toward the economy and the price of fuel. With gas pushing nearly $5 a gallon and diesel even higher, Michael and Brad discuss refinery closures in California, refining capacity, storage, regulations, and what may really be driving fuel prices. And because this is Behind The Anvil, the conversation doesn't stay on one subject for long! They get into California politics and investigations, Iran, military security in Britain, warning labels and safety regulations, technology's effect on dating and relationships, and the differences they're seeing between generations. Brad also shares the story of his recent pronghorn hunt, including a heart-stopping moment when his bow limb delaminated during the shot. The guys talk hunting techniques, exotic hunts, whitetails, and even the debate over introducing modern technology to indigenous communities. Finally, they turn their attention to something hitting close to home: Utah's energy future. Michael and Brad discuss Valor Atomics' plans for small modular nuclear reactors near Price, Utah, the decline of Utah's coal industry, solar manufacturing, and whether nuclear power could be part of the solution to America's growing energy needs. It's another episode where you truly never know where the conversation is going to go! Listen in as Michael and Brad talk blades, bucks, gas prices, technology, politics, and nuclear power—all from the perspective of two guys just trying to make sense of what's happening around them. Behind The Anvil with Michael Peterson From blades to comics and everything in between.

BEANS ON TOAST?! The Most American British Food Ever? In this episode of Behind The Anvil, Michael Peterson somehow finds himself going down the rabbit hole of one of Britain’s most famous meals: beans on toast. But here's the question… why does beans on toast sound more American than British? After watching some hilarious content from Habitual Linecrosser and British Dad Reacts, Michael starts wondering how this strange-sounding combination became a British staple. Naturally, that leads to a little Google research and a whole lot of opinions! Michael digs into the history of beans on toast and discovers the interesting connection to Heinz, America, and a 1927 marketing campaign in the UK. Somehow, an American company helped turn this simple meal into a British classic. And of course, Michael can't leave well enough alone. He talks about his own experiences with beans and ham hock, then starts coming up with ways to make beans on toast a little more American — bacon and eggs because apparently plain beans on toast just isn't enough! The conversation also touches on how beans became an important source of protein during World War II rationing and why this simple, inexpensive meal became such a staple. Plus, Michael talks about his plans to renovate and remodel the Behind The Anvil studio and his goal of raising around $1,500–$2,000 to help make it happen. Future supporters and sponsors may even get some recognition on upcoming episodes! And as always, Michael wants to hear from YOU: Do you eat beans on toast? Have you ever tried it? What would YOU put on it? Is beans on toast actually British… or did America secretly start this whole thing? Drop your thoughts in the comments! Michael is also pushing toward 1,000 YouTube subscribers, and once we get there, who knows… there might just be a giveaway! YouTubers Mentioned Habitual Linecrosser https://www.youtube.com/@habitual_linecrosser British Dad Reacts https://www.youtube.com/@BritishDadReacts HELP SUPPORT THE BEHIND THE ANVIL STUDIO If you'd like to help Michael remodel and improve the Behind The Anvil studio, donations are greatly appreciated! PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/MDKPeterson Every bit helps, and supporters who contribute toward the studio remodel may have an opportunity to be featured as sponsors on future episodes. Thanks for watching, listening, subscribing, and being part of the Behind The Anvil family! Never know where the conversation is going to go! #BehindTheAnvil #MichaelPeterson #BeansOnToast #BritishFood #AmericanFood #HabitualLinecrosser #BritishDadReacts #Podcast #Bladesmith #KnifeMaking #BehindTheAnvilPodcast #MDK #MikePeterson #StudioRemodel

Behind The Anvil — The Episode We Forgot to Record | Michael Peterson & Brad Well… oops. In this episode of Behind The Anvil, Michael Peterson and Brad sit down for another one of their wide-ranging conversations covering everything from hunting, food, preparedness, technology, space, nuclear energy, workplace security, and some good old-fashioned rabbit trails. There’s just one problem… Mike forgot to hit record after coming back from the break. So what you’re hearing is only part of the conversation. Rather than throw everything away, Michael and Brad decided to release what was actually recorded — and continue the conversation next week. In the recorded portion, Michael and Brad talk about: Michael's crazy work schedule, lack of sleep, exercise, and his plans for steak tacos Star Trek: Picard and Discovery Brad's recent antelope hunt and plans for taxidermy Swan hunting, eating wild game, and how the taxidermy process works Hunting trophies, museums, and unusual historical artifacts Housing, mortgages, and the cost of living Michael's book-writing progress and a new scene he's working on for The Walk Food storage, preparedness, and why you should actually store food you know how to use Beans on toast and Michael's research into how the dish became popular in Britain Michael's idea for an American-style beans-on-toast video using tacos or fajitas AI, engineering, technology, chip manufacturing, and Starlink Workplace security and the dangers of sharing too much information online Home security cameras and keeping kids safe around ATVs and other equipment How Michael got the nickname "Chainsaw" Hunting, kayaking, boat motors, wildlife, and outdoor safety Fuel prices, energy production, energy policy, and nuclear technology Valor Technologies and its plans involving advanced nuclear reactors Historical nuclear accidents and some controversial theories surrounding major historical events And, of course, plenty of the random conversations and rabbit trails you've come to expect from Behind The Anvil And just when the conversation was really getting rolling… We realized we weren't recording. Yep. That's one of those podcast moments you can't make up. So consider this Part 1 of the conversation. Michael and Brad will pick things back up next week and continue where they left off. Because on Behind The Anvil, you never really know where the conversation is going to go — even when Mike forgets to hit record. Thanks for listening and supporting Behind The Anvil! Hosted by Michael Peterson #BehindTheAnvil #MichaelPeterson #Brad #Podcast #Hunting #Preparedness #Bladesmith #KnifeMaking #OutdoorLife #Technology #NuclearEnergy #SmallBusiness #TheWalk #Oops #PodcastFail

Behind The Anvil Podcast – S2 E7: The Walk — From a Truck Driver’s Idea to a Book In this episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down to talk about a project that has been nearly a decade in the making — his book, The Walk. Michael shares where the idea for The Walk came from, including his years as a truck driver and his prepper mindset. The story is built around a scenario Michael has thought about for years: what would happen if an EMP knocked out the power grid and he had to walk home? Michael reads part of the first chapter and talks about the process of writing a book while balancing work, knife making, family, and everyday life. He also talks honestly about one of his biggest struggles with writing — spelling and grammar. When he first started writing, he used Google to help him with spelling, and later began using AI to help with spelling and grammar. The ideas, experiences, and story behind The Walk, however, come from Michael himself. Michael also gives an update on Mike’s Damascus Knives, including the small batch of knives he is currently working on, while discussing his decision to pause custom orders and classes for the time being. Along the way, Michael shares some personal stories, talks about recent expenses and health struggles, and discusses what he hopes to accomplish moving forward. Most importantly, Michael encourages anyone who has an idea for a book, story, project, or creative endeavor to just start writing. You don't have to be a professional writer, and you don't have to have perfect grammar or spelling to get your story down on paper. Sometimes you just have to take the first step. This is Behind The Anvil — conversations from blades to books and everything in between.

From Illinois to Tennessee: Business, Freedom, Taxes & Starting Over with Dustin Rhodes On this episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with bladesmith and entrepreneur Dustin Rhodes for a wide-ranging conversation about what happens when you decide to leave one state behind and build a new life and business somewhere else. Dustin shares the story behind moving from Southern Illinois to Tennessee and why he believes the move has made such a difference for both his business and his personal life. We talk about taxes, property costs, wages, gas prices, groceries, business regulations, and what it actually takes to relocate a small business. Dustin explains the transition from his Illinois operation to Smoky Mountain Forge Works and Trading Post LLC in Sevierville, Tennessee, including the challenges of setting up a new LLC, obtaining business licenses, dealing with sales tax, finding the right location, and investing in a new shop. We also get into the economic struggles Dustin saw in rural Southern Illinois, the loss of manufacturing jobs, employment challenges, declining communities, and how economic conditions can affect everything from local businesses to grocery-store selection. Michael and Dustin compare the cost of living in Illinois and Tennessee, including property taxes, state income taxes, sales taxes, gas prices, groceries, and the overall business climate. Dustin also shares his experience buying property and vehicles outright, avoiding financing, and why he believes owning your assets outright can make a huge difference in the long run. But this conversation isn't just about money. Dustin talks about the differences he has experienced in the communities, the atmosphere, faith, personal freedom, and what he describes as feeling like he has been “delivered from evil” by getting away from an environment he felt was holding him and his family back. The conversation also covers the challenges of relocating, including vehicle titles, mail forwarding, getting a Tennessee driver's license, concealed-carry permits, firearm regulations, and the differences Dustin experienced between Illinois and Tennessee. And because this is Behind The Anvil, eventually we end up talking about groundhogs! Dustin shares his recent experience hunting and cooking groundhog, including his slow-cooker method. Michael and Dustin also talk about trucking, pursuing happiness, making positive changes in life, and why sometimes changing your surroundings can make a tremendous difference. It's another episode proving that you never know where the conversation will go on Behind The Anvil! Follow Dustin & Smoky Mountain Forge Works and Trading Post LLC Facebook: Smoky Mountain Forge Works & Trading Post Dustin's business is located in Sevierville, Tennessee, near Smoky Mountain Knife Works. CHEYENNE RHODES' GROUNDHOG RECIPE Groundhog Flavor until your ancestors approve: mesquite, garlic powder, Tony Chachere's, and anything else that sounds good. Heck, throw in the kitchen sink if you'd like. Ingredients Groundhog Mesquite seasoning Garlic powder Tony Chachere's Anything else that sounds good 2 sticks of margarine 1 bottle of carbonated drink — Angry Orchard Original Water as needed (to not burn meat) Directions Sear the exterior of the groundhog, adding 1 stick of margarine and small amounts of water as needed. Add the seared groundhog and all remaining ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for a minimum of 12 hours. Occasionally add water to keep the meat moist. Eat when you're feeling like it, or when your wife/daughter tells you to. Make sure your neighbor knows it's groundhog and that you didn't steal a small dog for dinner. Cheyenne's Recommendation: Flavor until your ancestors approve! For wild game, make sure the animal was legally harvested and properly cleaned and handled. Cook thoroughly to a safe internal temperature.

Behind The Anvil S3 E5 — Getting Started in Bladesmithing for $1,000 or Less

In this solo episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson gets back to the basics and talks about one of the questions he hears often: How can someone get started making knives without spending a fortune? Michael breaks down how to get into bladesmithing for $1,000 or less, covering both traditional forging and stock removal. He walks through the basics of choosing the right steel, essential tools and supplies, belt grinders, handle materials, and where to find quality materials without breaking the bank. Michael also takes a look at his e-book on getting started in knife making, discussing the different chapters and resources included—from choosing your first steel and tools to finding reliable suppliers. He shares plans to update the book with new information based on what he has learned throughout his years in the craft. Along the way, Michael talks about his own journey into bladesmithing, the lessons he learned from mistakes, and why beginners shouldn't feel like they need an expensive shop or every piece of equipment available before making their first knife. He also gives an update on the shop, his decision to temporarily pause knife-making classes, and his plans for revamping both the shop and Behind The Anvil Podcast. Whether you're thinking about making your first knife or you've already started building your shop, this episode is a reminder that you don't need the biggest forge, the most expensive grinder, or a shop full of equipment to begin. Start simple. Practice. Learn from your mistakes. Learn from experienced makers. Most importantly—enjoy the craft. Welcome to Behind The Anvil with host Michael Peterson.