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 too ...