PODCAST · education
The Knife Freak Show
by Jonathan McNees
The owners of McNees Knives discuss life as knife makers and small business owners.
Episodes
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Post TACC debrief
Amy and Jonathan debrief the recent TACC show.
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Whatnot and design philosophy
A discussion about the pros and cons of Whatnot and a look at Jonathan's design philosophy.
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David Mayer and the TACC show
We sit down with David Mayer, the brainchild behind the TACC show.
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General Update
It's been a while. Here's what we've been up to!
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Blade Show 26
Amy and Jonathan do a recap of Blade 26
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We got raided!!!
Join us as we talk about the shop getting raided and discuss tips for new knifemakers.
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LITTLE DIXONS NEED LOVE TOO!!
NEW MODEL PREVIEW AND MORE!
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What the.......??
Jonathan and Amy discuss their newest project and announce a big secret.
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It's not as big as you think!!
It's all about size this week.
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Blade Show Texas debrief and Industry Scandal
This week we discuss Blade Show Texas and recent industry news.
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BLADE SHOW TEXAS!!
AMY AND JONATHAN CHAT ABOUT THE UPCOMING BLADE SHOW TEXAS AND TALK THE GOOD, BAD AND UGLY ABOUT KNIFE SHOWS.
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Designs come to life
Jonathan and Amy do a deep dive on bringing designs to life.
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CAJUN KNIFE WITH TYLER DAVIS
Jonathan and Tyler from Cajun Knife and Gear sit down to talk about the knife biz.
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Dealers-Deal or no Deal
In this episode, Jonathan and Amy discuss all things dealers.
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A trip down custom lane
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.
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Making knives vs making payroll
Discussing the realities of running a knife business
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Bring it on!!!
Amy and Jonathan break down 2025 and lay out the plans for 2026.
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Episode 44 | Full Time vs Part Time Knife Makers
Freak of the Week Year End Extravaganza @dbblades @nightwatchknives @Lauryn.Indigo.KC @Parthenay_Knives @UndertheBridgeToolandScale. Main Topic: Full-time vs Part-time/Hobbyist Knife Makers The Knife Freak Show has some changes coming, be sure to listen to the end to find out more! Email...
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Episode 43 | Christmas Wishlist
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=48693509390614 Paladin 33 Infinity Knife Collector...
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Episode 42 | Sticky Locks
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 Slip Outro: Let your freak flag fly... Email [email protected] (with 1 S) with...
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Episode 41 | Torches and Tranny Fluid
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...
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Episode 40 | Getting a Handle on Things
Another VF2 Mill for McNees Knives HQ Buderus Steel Mill Closure https://blademag.com/knife-news/buderus-mill-closure-threatens-10xx-carbon-steel-supply-for-knifemakers Chase's blue canvas micarta odyssey and handle material discussion. Complete this McNees' Poll for a chance to win a free…
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Episode 39 | Podcast Purgatory
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 Recap Freak of the Week: @foxriverblades Jaden Schubert...
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Episode 38 | Bobby Branton
Bobby Branton www.brantonknifeworks.com Learning from Legends Working with Salma Hayek? History of Knife Throwing? Mode of Combat or Performance? More than a Throwing Knife Maker Blade Show Tactical @ CANCON Nov 7th, 2025 Email [email protected] (with 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions…
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Episode 37 | Influencers and Reviewers
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...
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Episode 36 | Trends and Fads
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.com https://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com
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Episode 35 | Knife Freaks Live!
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 226 Email [email protected] (with…
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Epsiode 34 | Be Nice
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 Etiquette Be Nice and things will be a lot easier! Email [email protected] (with 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions, Knife Stories, etc....
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Episode 33 | Thrill of the Hunt
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, Utah Hunting season is nearly upon us. With that in mind, Jonathan details his preferences…
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Episode 32 | Ernest Emerson
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.com https://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com
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Episode 31 | Questions from W.L. Ray
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 death 2) are there…
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Episode 30 | Custom vs. Production
Wooooo!!! Episode 30 already!!! New Finish from McNees Knife Stories from Matt Gonzalez and Robs Nerdy Knives What 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...
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Episode 29 | Purple Syrup
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…
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Episode 28 | Story Time
Blade Show West October 10-11 2025 Knife 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…
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Episode 27 | Social Media
1 Month 1 Knife Challenge Spartan 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-shirt Effects of Social Media on collecting and carrying Questions…
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Episode 26 | Special Guest Amy McNees
This week we have a special guest, the Boss Lady herself Amy McNees! [email protected] www.mcneesknives.com https://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com
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Episode 25 | Lock and Load
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:...
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Episode 24 | Detent Detention
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? -ChrisHuynh1 Chase, do you have a design that you go back to and everyone asks for as a custom knife maker that you may...
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Episode 23 | New Maker Advice
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 = Tuition Always hunt for knowledge and skills....
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Episode 22 | Paying your Dues
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…
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Episode 21 | Over the Edge
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...
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Episode 20: Blade Show
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] www.mcneesknives.com https://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com
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Episode 19 | Blade Show Tips and Tricks
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...
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Episode 18 | Ready, Aim, Market!
Blade Show is less than 2 weeks away! Marketing your Brand and Expanding your Business Questions: Just got my first Mcnees Mac 2 3.5. Love the knife but I’m a big fan of wharncliffe style blades. I saw you have a tanto but would you ever consider doing a wharncliffe Mac 3.5? -Zach Orr My...
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Knife Freak Show | Episode 17 | Blade Show Spotlights
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 15U Questions: On episode 14 Jonathan mentioned using Flitz for removing discoloration on one of his older knife…
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Episode 16 | Q & A
Questions: What do you guys think about knife competition and reality TV shows like Forged in Fire? Would you ever consider being on one? - Andy For 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?...
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Episode 15 | Knife Maintenance and Technical Talk
Freak of the Week: @nkt_knives - Jonathan Neely We discuss our suggestions for knife maintenance. As well as some technical discussion about manufacturing hurdles. Questions: Small Run of MAC2s with Hamons??? - Erick Sane Blade Show Atlanta 2025 Boatright:Table 15B McNees:Booth 424 Send questions...
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Episode 14 | Dixons by the Dozen
Blade Show 55 Days Away! Dixons are almost here! Freak of the Week: @garciabladeworks - Alex Garcia Questions: McNees Pronounciation? Is there an actual purpose for speedholes - weight reduction or something else, or are they mainly just a decorative pattern?- Andy Could you show us some of your...
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Episode 13 | Pet Peeves Pt. 2 and New Maker Tips
Pet Peeves Pt 2 Cheap Foreign Made Knives Copying Designs Trouble Stirring for no reason Non-American Made Knife with American Flags Hardware that isn't color matched and nested Liners Tappy/Poorly Designed clips, Smiles, and discontinuing 21s Questions: I’m wondering how you each grew your...
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Episode 12 | Pet Peeves
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? -WLRAY If you weren't making knives for a living, what would you want to be doing instead?...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Knife Freak Show have?
The Knife Freak Show currently has 61 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Knife Freak Show about?
The owners of McNees Knives discuss life as knife makers and small business owners.
How often does The Knife Freak Show release new episodes?
The Knife Freak Show has 61 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Knife Freak Show?
You can listen to The Knife Freak Show on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Knife Freak Show?
The Knife Freak Show is created and hosted by Jonathan McNees.
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