Collaborative Forges & Standing Firm – Rhiannon & Johnathan Sibley of The Blade Bar Michael Peterson sits down with Rhiannon and Johnathan Sibley of The Blade Bar and Djinn Knives and Jess Stinson of Texas Forges to talk about building blades—and building community. From Johnathan’s start in knife making at just 13 to growing a collaborative, not competitive, shop culture, they share what it really takes to make bladesmithing a full-time career. The episode dives into shop life, forge upgrades from coal to propane, favorite knife styles, steel choices, and the realities of teaching students of all backgrounds. A powerful moment centers on Jonathan’s viral decision to refuse restoration of a Hitler Youth knife, standing firm on the shop’s values and sparking nationwide conversation. It’s an honest discussion on craftsmanship, conviction, mentorship, and the strength of community—another strong episode of Behind The Anvil.

In Season 2, Episode 5 of Behind The Anvil, Michael sits down with Brian for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation that blends faith, fire, and real-world transformation. Brian shares his remarkable journey from Navy veteran and prison manager to missionary, blacksmith, and Forged in Fire competitor—using the forge as a living metaphor for spiritual growth and renewal. Brian opens up about how his time on Forged in Fire helped launch a ministry centered on faith and forging, leading to men’s Christian retreats, homeschool presentations, traveling forge events, and his own podcast, Forged by Faith. Together, Michael and Brian explore how patience, trials, and even being “struck” by life can shape us—just like steel under the hammer. The episode dives deep into men’s struggles, accountability, and the importance of having other men to walk through hardship with. Brian shares stories of everyday evangelism in the forge, unexpected moments of reconciliation, and the boldness required to live out faith publicly. He also opens up about overcoming a major stroke through prayer and surrender, turning physical hardship into a new chapter of ministry. From discussions on revival, persecution, and standing firm in belief, to reflections on marriage, relationships, and living fully in the present moment, this episode is raw, honest, and deeply encouraging. It’s a reminder that transformation—spiritual or otherwise—often comes through fire, and that faith forged under pressure can change lives.

In this episode, host Michael Peterson sits down with knife maker and fellow podcast host Ryan Coakley for a wide-ranging conversation that goes well beyond the forge. From Ryan start in knife making in 2018 and working under NDAs for other companies, to running the Hustle and Grind Podcast, the two talk shop, steel, workflows, and the realities of making a living in the knife world. Along the way, they dive into friction folders, entrepreneurship, shop life, social media challenges, classic movies, Maine culture, and a few lighthearted side trails that make this episode both informative and entertaining. wraps the episode with insights on growth, balance, and the shared passion that keeps makers at the anvil.

Behind The Anvil – Season 2, Episode 3 Description: In this episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with John C. Thunert for a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation that spans continents, generations, and the forge floor. Raised as an Army brat, John shares what it was like growing up across four continents—living in places like Italy, Germany, Ethiopia, Maryland, Virginia, and other parts of the United States—moving every few years and learning to adapt without ever quite having a place called “home.” The conversation dives into the realities of military family life in the 1960s and 1970s, from limited communication through ham radios to the impact of world events on daily living. John reflects on his father’s military career in supply and logistics, the lessons learned from an early loss, and how faith became a necessary anchor in a life full of uncertainty and constant change. From there, the discussion transitions into parenting, respect, and hard-earned life lessons before shifting gears into John’s unexpected journey into knife making. Inspired by Forged in Fire, John talks about competing on the show, the brotherhood it created, and how he transitioned from pest control into the craft—balancing passion, finances, and the realities of making blades in today’s market. Michael and John also dig into knife handle design trends, guild involvement, forging techniques, equipment wins and warnings, and the value of honest, constructive feedback among makers. Along the way, they swap stories about bourbon, Texas gardening, climate challenges, and the importance of actually using the knives you make. The episode wraps with reflections on humor, resilience, financial ups and downs, legacy, and finding purpose—whether that’s through sharing the forge with a granddaughter or striving to leave something meaningful behind. A thoughtful, candid episode about life, craftsmanship, and being forged by both fire and experience

: In this episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael Peterson sits down with James Pockett to talk about a life shaped by hard work, faith, and the courage to take a chance. Born in San Angelo, Texas, and raised in Andrews, James shares how growing up in a small West Texas town led him straight into the oil and gas industry, stepping onto his first drilling rig at just 19 years old and eventually working every position on the rig. He reflects on nearly 35 years of marriage, the values that grounded him, and how a chance encounter with a knife maker at a gun show in Odessa changed the direction of his life. James opens up about seeking out mentors, learning the craft from local makers, and finding purpose and brotherhood within the knife-making community, including his growing involvement with the Texas Knife Makers Guild. He also shares his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, how it shaped his journey, and how simply asking a local blacksmith for guidance led him into the art of bladesmithing—and into a new family forged by fire, steel, and shared belief. This episode is a powerful conversation about taking risks, honoring tradition, and finding meaning both at the forge and beyond the anvil.

Behind the Anvil – Season 2, Episode 1 Host: Michael Peterson Season 2 kicks off with a special solo episode as host Michael Peterson steps behind the mic to reflect on the journey of Behind the Anvil so far. In this episode, Michael shares his honest thoughts on how the podcast is going, what he’s learned along the way, and what keeps him inspired to continue telling stories from the forge and beyond. He also takes a more personal turn, sharing a couple of short stories about his grandfather and great-grandfather from the Peterson side of the family. Michael wraps things up by talking about where he hopes the show will go next and offers a sneak peek at some exciting things coming in Season 2. This episode sets the tone for what’s ahead—more stories, more makers, and more passion forged in fire. Tune in and help kick off Season 2 of Behind the Anvil.

Forged in Function: The Art and Engineering of Knife Folders with Joshua Eubanks In Episode of Behind The Anvil, host Michael welcomes engraver and knife maker Joshua Eubanks of Rusty Chisel Engraving for an in-depth exploration into the craft, culture, and engineering of knife folders. This episode shines a spotlight on Joshua’s journey, his creative process, and the experiences that shaped his approach to the craft. Joshua shares his military background and reflects on his time stationed in Italy, where he connected with an Italian knife maker who left a lasting impact on his appreciation for design, tradition, and craftsmanship. That encounter helped guide his path into custom knife work and engraving, influencing the way he views function, form, and artistic detail. Throughout the episode, Joshua breaks down the mechanics and thought process behind various knife folders—friction folders, slip joints, lockbacks, and more—while offering practical guidance for both new and experienced makers. He discusses materials, patterns, pivots, springs, geometry, and the small engineering choices that separate a good folder from a great one. His insight draws from hands-on experience, problem solving, and a deep respect for the craft. Joshua also talks about creativity within the knife world, the influence of historical designs, and the challenges and rewards of pushing innovation in a craft where some ideas catch fire and others remain hidden gems. In a meaningful conclusion, Joshua shares how knife making and engraving have served as grounding, healing outlets in his journey—offering purpose, clarity, and connection. His story provides encouragement for veterans and anyone seeking direction through hands-on craft and creativity. This episode highlights Joshua’s skill, story, and passion—perfect for knife makers, veterans, and anyone inspired by the blend of engineering and art.

Behind The Anvil with Guest Pat Biggin In this episode, Michael sits down with Wisconsin Tech Ed teacher and bladesmith Pat Biggin to dive deep into the art of Cu-Mai Damascus. Pat breaks down his process for forging copper-and-steel layered billets, shares the story behind his Cu-Mai knife featured in Blade Magazine’s 2025 Annual, and talks about his passion for folders, custom stamps, leatherwork, and metal shop education. Pat also opens up about refining stamp-making with a pantograph machine, teaching challenges, running seasonal knife-making classes, and balancing family life with craft. Michael and Pat get candid about social media restrictions on small makers, the rising cost of living, classroom safety, and the everyday realities of both teaching and knife-making. They wrap up with updates on current projects—from WWII knife reproductions to long-running builds—and offer practical tips for makers at every level.