The Knife Freak Show

NEW MODEL PREVIEW AND MORE!

Jonathan and Amy discuss their newest project and announce a big secret.

It's all about size this week.

This week we discuss Blade Show Texas and recent industry news.

AMY AND JONATHAN CHAT ABOUT THE UPCOMING BLADE SHOW TEXAS AND TALK THE GOOD, BAD AND UGLY ABOUT KNIFE SHOWS.

Jonathan and Amy do a deep dive on bringing designs to life.

Jonathan and Tyler from Cajun Knife and Gear sit down to talk about the knife biz.

In this episode, Jonathan and Amy discuss all things dealers.

On this episode, we take a look at models from the custom days of McNees Knives and discuss what we might expect to see in the future.

Discussing the realities of running a knife business

Amy and Jonathan break down 2025 and lay out the plans for 2026.

Freak of the Week Year End Extravaganza@dbblades @nightwatchknives @Lauryn.Indigo.KC @Parthenay_Knives @UndertheBridgeToolandScale.Main Topic: Full-time vs Part-time/Hobbyist Knife MakersThe Knife Freak Show has some changes coming, be sure to listen to the end to find out more!Email [email protected] (with 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions, Knife Stories, etc.www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

This week we are going over our Christmas Wish-lists. We had some miscommunications on what that meant so we each approached that topic in a different way.Jonathan's Picks:Origin Kilo Hoodie https://originusa.com/products/kilo-hoodie?variant=48693509390614Paladin 33 Infinity Knife Collector Pouch- McNees Edition https://mcneesknives.com/products/knife-roll-copy?_pos=1&_sid=c54feeabb&_ss=rRMJ Warhammer https://eknives.com/rmj-tactical-cuddles-s7-warhammer-dirty-olive-g10-13-tungsten/Starlingear Ring https://www.monkeyedge.com/starlingear-ring-stealth-blade-puncher-silver-texturedSpyderco Paramilitary 2 https://www.bladehq.com/item--Spyderco-Paramilitary-2--7920Zippo Windproof Lighter https://zippo.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqm6Ukb5fMicDkPMloVaQS9wIqC0CrohktdAxDZreHUaF2J8O9KChase's Picks:Bambu Lab A1 https://us.store.bambulab.com/products/a1?srsltid=AfmBOorvQXwPUW6lMNAbNEQBzxfdrjIzEwC4k6Eo89YXsyaXJuvE2n3W&id=579550514255634440AMK Horizontal 2 x 72 Grinder https://amktactical.com/epages/3c926a50-9aba-43a5-9571-098ee03f1288.sf/en_US/?ObjectPath=/Shops/3c926a50-9aba-43a5-9571-098ee03f1288/Products/45Ulitclip AP https://www.ulticlip.com/product/ap-clip/?v=692e8df1db82Shop Insulation!Better Milling MachineEmail [email protected] (with 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions, Knife Stories, etc.www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

Sorry for the missed week, we had a little Thanksgiving break.This episode is our 1 year anniversary of the Knife Freak Show. Thank you for all of the support over this past year! Main Course: Lock Stick and SlipOutro: Let your freak flag fly...Email [email protected] (with 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions, Knife Stories, etc.www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

Sorry for the late episode, life gets in the way podcasting sometimes. We give some general shop updates, recap a bit of last week's episode, and then get into a good question. After that we dive into how we each started making and giving some tips on some tools.Question:Starting out, what is a good, somewhat consistent method for heat treating?- Burnie BladesEmail [email protected] (with 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions, Knife Stories, etc.www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

Another VF2 Mill for McNees Knives HQBuderus Steel Mill Closurehttps://blademag.com/knife-news/buderus-mill-closure-threatens-10xx-carbon-steel-supply-for-knifemakersChase's blue canvas micarta odyssey and handle material discussion.Complete this McNees' Poll for a chance to win a free Spyderco McBee!https://form.typeform.com/to/NxInqOhr?typeform-source=mcneesknives.comEmail [email protected] (with 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions, Knife Stories, etc.www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

This week we had a heck of a time just trying to record this episode. From having to re-record the intro to cameras cutting out and more. But we persevered to bring this one and I hope you enjoy it!Blade Show Tactical/CanCon RecapFreak of the Week: @foxriverblades Jaden Schubert https://www.foxriverblades.com/Selling the Idea of High End Knives: Making it RelatableQuestion: What are a couple of your favorite knives from each of your own collections that you did not make yourselves? Email [email protected] (with 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions, Knife Stories, etc.www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

Bobby Brantonwww.brantonknifeworks.comLearning from LegendsWorking with Salma Hayek?History of Knife Throwing? Mode of Combat or Performance?More than a Throwing Knife MakerBlade Show Tactical @ CANCONNov 7th, 2025Email [email protected] (with 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions, Knife Stories, etc.www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

In this episode of the Knife Freak Show, hosts Jonathan McNees and Chase Boatright discuss their recent experiences at Blade Show West and Smoky Mountain Knife Works Fall Fest. They share insights on the knife community, influencer marketing, and the importance of authenticity in reviews. The conversation highlights the challenges and rewards of running a knife-making business, as well as the significance of customer engagement and feedback.Email [email protected] (with 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions, Knife Stories, etc.www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

This week we discuss some trends and fads that have come and gone in the knife industry.Email [email protected] (with 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions, Knife Stories, etc.www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

Bear with us as we attempt to podcast while doing an IG live. Technical issues abound but we power through to get some meaty topics.Also, Happy Birthday to friends of the show: Jake McCoy and Paul Girard!Blade Show West October 10-11 Salt Lake City Booth 226Email [email protected] (with 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions, Knife Stories, etc.www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

Jonathan joined USA Made Blade's Instagram weekly livestream.Blade Show West October 10-11 Salt Lake City (McNees: Booth 226)Show Etiquette and Everyday EtiquetteBe Nice and things will be a lot easier!Email [email protected] (with 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions, Knife Stories, etc.www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

Halloween is around the corner. It is one of our favorite holidays, what do you think of Halloween themed knives?A look back on our time with Ernest Emerson.Blade Show West October 10-11 Salt Lake City, UtahHunting season is nearly upon us. With that in mind, Jonathan details his preferences in a hunting/skinning knife. Questions:Are there benefits to blade finishes such as stonewash, satin, mirrored, or are they generally just cosmetic? For DLC and cerakote is there a measurable difference in corrosion resistance and is it worth the price difference? Do different finishes have an effect on cut performance?- T. ShainAny New Milling Pattern on Dixons for Blade West? - Michael W.Email [email protected] (with 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions, Knife Stories, etc.www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

We have a special guest this time! The founder of Emerson Knives, Ernest Emerson!Email [email protected] (with 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions, Knife Stories, etc.www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

1) There is so much discussion everywhere about HRC. What do y’all think is optimal, and just how important is it for routine daily use, such as opening packages and other light cutting tasks? Also, please discuss your favorite steel and why. I suspect y’all can beat this to death2) are there any new developments either current or on the horizon with regards to knife making, including, but not limited to steels, knife making materials, such as scales and other components, lock designs, deployment methods, or anything else you can think of?3) what is your favorite sheath material, and what is your favorite sheath design? Can you also discuss methods of sheath retention, including pros and cons of each, and show some examples?Blade Show West October 10-11 2025 https://bladeshowwest.com/Email [email protected] (with 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions, Knife Stories, etc.www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

Wooooo!!! Episode 30 already!!!New Finish from McNeesKnife Stories from Matt Gonzalez and Robs Nerdy KnivesWhat are the differences between custom and production knives? What is a Mid-Tech? Why does it matter? - Thanks for the inspiration from Ian Humphrey and Capt. Rikki.What do you think of hand-ground customs from [email protected] with 1 S!!!!!www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

Blade Show West October 10-11 2025 https://bladeshowwest.com/I love the show so please keep it up. I don’t have a specific guest I would like to see but I do have a question I would love your I put on. I am a knife, enthusiast, and only do light tasks for my EDC. My Dixon is more knife than I will ever need in my day-to-day applications. I was at Blade Show and saw a smaller, lesser-known maker selling a knife in 154CPM steel for around $800. It made me wonder—are my expectations skewed by influencers who put a lot of emphasis on steel type, or is the difference in steel performance often minimal compared to the impact of craftsmanship, design, and the maker’s skill? - -chrisjarrett4974John Bidwell's Knife Story Interview Questions: McNees - Where do you see your business in the five years?Boatright - When did you decide that you wanted to go down the production side of knife-making?Email [email protected] (with 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions, Knife Stories, etc. -www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

Blade Show West October 10-11 2025Knife Stories: We need a good name for this segment. The Chronicles of Steel? Knife Tales? Suggestions?Suggestions for Podcast Guests?Question:I’m thinking a good future topic would be how you price your knives? Custom vs production. How much influence are the prices from similar makers and their knives? - Ian [email protected] with 1 Swww.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

1 Month 1 Knife ChallengeSpartan Knives Soter: https://spartanbladesusa.com/folding-knives/spartan-blades-soter-folding-knife-blackout-edition/KFS SHIRTS!!! https://boatrightbladeworks.bigcartel.com/product/knife-freak-show-t-shirtEffects of Social Media on collecting and carryingQuestions and Suggestions: [email protected] with 1 S!!!!!www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

This week we have a special guest, the Boss Lady herself Amy McNees! [email protected] www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

Holy Cow 25 episodes already!This week we attempt to cover the intricacies of frame locks. Its a difficult subject to explain but hopefully some of our visual aids and hand gestures help out. Chase also reviews the Mark's Outdoors Knife Show that he exhibited at this past weekend. McNees Vlog: https://youtu.be/3vBT_cPb_xg?si=1T5nszQ6E9OZfB3d Questions and Show Ideas: [email protected] www.mcneesknives.com https://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

This week we are sending y'all to detent detention! We discuss the factors effecting detents for framelock and liner lock folders. Questions: Flattened detent balls, yes or no? -ChrisHuynh1Chase, do you have a design that you go back to and everyone asks for as a custom knife maker that you may want to make as a production knife in a little higher volumes some time in the future?- Robert IversenHave you thought doing a slightly less expensive McNees with cheaper materials like G10 and S35VN materials to help pull in folks who may not understand the buttery smooth magic of the MAC2 and now the Dixon. - Robert IversenQuestions and Suggestions: knifefreakshow@gmail.comwww.mcneesknives.comboatrightbladeworks.bigcartel.com^^^KFS Shirts available

Show and Tell: Boatright USA Knife Build Along.Would you like to see content where we are doing more hands on processes?New Maker Advice:Read between the Lines: Let it become a pearl.Life is not a video game and skills are not instant.Mistakes = TuitionAlways hunt for knowledge and skills.SHIRTS!!! ⁠https://boatrightbladeworks.bigcartel.com/⁠Send Questions and Ideas to ⁠[email protected]⁠ with 1 S!!!!!⁠www.mcneesknives.com⁠⁠https://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

Knife Freak Show Shirts: http://boatrightbladeworks.bigcartel.com/product/knife-freak-show-t-shirt Knife Steel After Crucible Industries: https://blademag.com/featured/knife-steel-after-crucible-industries-llc Question: Advice for a New Maker? Paying your dues in the world of Instant Gratification Questions and Suggestions: [email protected] with 1 S!!!!! www.mcneesknives.com https://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

Shirts: https://boatrightbladeworks.bigcartel.com/product/knife-freak-show-t-shirt Show and Tell: Miller Bros M8 Compact from Zapp Tooling Alloys Questions: Part 1 : Is there a way as a collector & harder use knife guy for me to know a knife edge is going to hold up before I cut into harder material because I bang on all of em? Part 2: and if I run into an edge that may do this is there a way to recognize & fix myself before damaging the edge and needing to have you guys fix? - John Bidwell Edge Thickness, Grinds, Heat Treat, ,Steels, Hard Use, Squirrels, etc. [email protected] with 1 S!!!!! www.mcneesknives.com https://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

In this episode, we share our thoughts about Blade Show Atl 2024. As always Blade Show was a whirlwind of excitement and fatigue. We miss it already!For questions and suggestions: [email protected]://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

Blade Show Atlanta 2025 Boatright: Table 15B McNees: Booth 424 Questions: Best Pizza within walking distance - Baconswag How many knives do you typically have available at a show? - Hager Custom Knives Where do I find food? - McNees As a knife maker, what is your perspective on dealers/vendors using their exhibitor badges to buy knives before the show opens, just to resell them for a higher price. Idk how much it actually happens but there's complaints about it at every show. - Inhale Tide Pods [email protected] with 1 S!!!!! www.mcneesknives.com https://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

Blade Show is less than 2 weeks away!Marketing your Brand and Expanding your BusinessQuestions:Just got my first Mcnees Mac 2 3.5. Love theknife but I’m a big fan of wharncliffe styleblades. I saw you have a tanto but wouldyou ever consider doing a wharncliffe Mac 3.5?-Zach OrrMy understanding is that lefties make upabout 10% of the knife market. Is that themain reason that you (and most small batchmakers) do not show any love to lefties?-Tom CookFor questions, comments, and suggestions: [email protected] Show Atlanta 2025Boatright:Table 15BMcNees:Booth 424www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

Jonathan's Picks: Les George/Defiant7 133 Attn2Detail 518 Bastinelli Knives 148 Chase's Picks: Ulysses Robert 7O Jake McCoy 14B Lucas Gumbiner 39K Honorable Mention: Bless Knives 15UQuestions: On episode 14 Jonathan mentioned using Flitz for removing discoloration on one of his older knife blades, and is that the gold standard, or is it steel specific (carbon steel vs stainless)? - WLRAY Have you thought of having a special guest like another USA knife maker (i.e. Rick Hinderer, Les George, HMC Knives, NCC Knive, Hypercut Manufacturing, Chris Reeve,etc.) - Robert IversonWill you add a hamon treatment to the collab custom Dixon? Will it be an auction piece at Blade Show Atlanta? Robert Iversen Will you sell the anodized hardware at Blade Show or shortly after for the Dixon? Any plans for back spacers and special matching anodized clips for future hardware? Robert IversenI know I ask this a lot, but did you get your hands on some carbon fiber of any kind for the Ridge Runner? I will be 1st in line to buy it when/if you do? Robert Iversen Blade Show Atlanta 2025 Boatright:Table 15B McNees:Booth 424 [email protected] with 1 S!!!!! www.mcneesknives.com https://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

Questions:What do you guys think about knife competition and reality TV shows like Forged in Fire? Would you ever consider being on one? - AndyFor people that are interested in getting a job working for Johnathan in his shop what experience is necessary for someone that has none in that field? What kind of schooling (if any) should I be looking at? I'm sure it's relative to what you would be doing for said job but i'm just curious as a general rule of thumb. - StevenDaily tools that you carry other than knives? - Kelly PoissantWhat is a Hamon process on a high carbon steel exactly? What is happening to the steel when you do this? - @Robs_Nerdy_KnivesSuper pumped to receive the Dixon this week. can you elaborate on the collaboration? Great job y’all - @TWknives Blade Show Atlanta 2025Boatright:Table 15BMcNees:Booth [email protected] with 1 S!!!!!www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com/mysite

Freak of the Week: @nkt_knives - Jonathan NeelyWe discuss our suggestions for knife maintenance. As well as some technical discussion about manufacturing hurdles. Questions: Small Run of MAC2s with Hamons??? - Erick SaneBlade Show Atlanta 2025Boatright:Table 15BMcNees:Booth 424Send questions and suggestions to [email protected] with 1 S!!!!!www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com/mysite

Blade Show 55 Days Away!Dixons are almost here!Freak of the Week: @garciabladeworks - Alex GarciaQuestions:McNees Pronounciation?Is there an actual purpose for speedholes -weight reduction or something else, or arethey mainly just a decorative pattern?- AndyCould you show us some of your past/oldermodels that we might not have seen? Can youtalk about your design philosophy for whyyou made them that way at the time, and arethere any specific things you would changebased on what you know or like now?- AndyBoatright: 15BMcNees: [email protected] with 1 S!!!!!

Pet Peeves Pt 2Cheap Foreign Made KnivesCopying DesignsTrouble Stirring for no reasonNon-American Made Knife with American FlagsHardware that isn't color matched and nested LinersTappy/Poorly Designed clips, Smiles, and discontinuing 21sQuestions:I’m wondering how you each grew your clientele as makers? Or how did you get yourproduct/name out to the community? That something I’m struggling with as a new maker. Also what’s your advice for new makers? - David Wagner (wagnermadetools777 on Instagram)What is your favorite carbon steel and stainless steel to make/use? -Collin Hayworth Hayworth Handmade, OwnerBlade Show Atlanta LocationsBoatright: 15BMcNees: [email protected]

This episode we talk about some of the biggest pet peeves in the knife world and give our opinions on them. What is your biggest pet peeve in the knife world?Questions:Any Plans for Shirts or other Merch? -WLRAYIf you weren't making knives for a living, what would you want to be doing instead?-AndySome Reading Material on Switchblades:https://kniferights.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/TheToyThatKills.pdfhttps://kniferights.org/wp-content/uploads/A-Brief-History-of-Switchblade-Knives-and-the-Federal-Switchblade-Act-05252023.pdfEmail: [email protected]

Blade Show Texas 2025 Wrap-UpLooking forward to Blade Show Atlanta...Questions: What other brand have you owned that inspired you the most?Model that you enjoy building the most? -Joe MaillouxBlade Show Atlanta Locations.Boatright: 15BMcNees: 424 & [email protected]

Blade Show Texas less than a week!For Road Trips: Music? Podcasts? Audio books? Snacks?Crucible UpdateBlade Show Etiquette Review Longest you ever took to make a knife? - @pocketprioritiesIdeal EDC folder blade length? Why no custom/mid-tech/high-end production back locks? Where day at yo? - Baconswagfl

Blade Show Texas: March 7-8Less than 20 Days away!!!McNees' new design!Blurred lines between custom, production,midtech, small batch, etc.....Questions:Sharpening? Mirror vs Toothy?- Jerome @MonarchedcQuestion for Johnathon, he mentioned in themost recent podcast about some businesspodcast that he has listened too.Curious what some are, or any he recommends?-Paul GirardWith the market as flooded as it is,how do makers create designs that areoriginal? - @dungeons_and_draftsSubmit questions to ⁠[email protected]⁠Boatright Bladeworks Info:@boatrightbladeworks on Instagram⁠boatrightbladeworks.bigcartel.com⁠Table 10K at Blade Show TexasMcNees Info:⁠⁠@McneesKnives ⁠⁠ on YT and Instagram⁠mcneesknives.com⁠Booth #309 at Blade Show Texas

News: Blade Show Texas: March 7-8 Only 25 Days away!!!Freak of the Week: Jakeb Ginsberg @jakebcreatesMain Topic: Future of our BusinessesMechanics of Folding KnivesQuestions: Do you both prefer the simplicity of making a fixed blade or the satisfaction of making a folder? - Have a Nice Day KnivesWhat goes into naming a knife? Gradual process or sudden epiphany? - @inhale_tide_podsSubmit questions to [email protected] Bladeworks Info:@boatrightbladeworks on Instagramboatrightbladeworks.bigcartel.comTable 10K at Blade Show TexasMcNees Info:⁠@McneesKnives ⁠ on YT and Instagrammcneesknives.comBooth # 309 at Blade Show Texas

Youtube Livestream from 1/31/2025We answer questions from the live chat and discuss some technical aspects of blade grinding.

News: Shot Show: Star of the Show https://www.crkt.com/axe/provokex-axe?srsltid=AfmBOopHH2xj02jkEQnU29kULLlg354FB6s_wQgQKj652bld_UBFQEoSMag Pull and Additive Manufacturing: https://www.bladehq.com/item--Magpul-Breslau-Knife-Black-Polymer--211351?srsltid=AfmBOooPRkvdkzzlV4v_hA-276zI9FxEfAUaDL2A30j3sBaT5NqefM9kWilmont/Bear Creak Arsenal Collab: https://www.bearcreekarsenal.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=WilmontAlex Steingraber’s Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SPK_ULTD_LLCTim Horan: https://www.arizonacustomknives.com/products/138946/Show and Tell: AK-47 Bayonet, Type 1Overcoming "Can’t Never Could" MentalityQuestions: What’s your favorite part of the making process? Design, grinding, finishing, etc. Knife Collections? And what are we carrying?Where the Sodbusters at? Or rather when are they coming back? - Sam McNees Knives Infomcneesknives.com@mcneesknives InstagramMcNees Knives on FacebookBoatright Bladeworks Infoboatrightbladeworks.bigcartel.com@boatrightbladeworks on Instagram Podcast Email for questions, ideas, etc. [email protected]