TOPS Daily Grind - TDG

Live Episode from the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Post Shot Show Live

Shot Show Live with Jasen Flemming from Straight Edge Knives

January 2026 Live

We discuss the upcoming Western Hunting and Conservation Expo in Salt Lake City where we will be providing on-site knife sharpening and showcasing limited edition October Series releases. Our team breaks down the performance results from our recent El Chete and Lil Chete field test (be on the look out for the full video on TOPS Knives' YouTube channel to compare chopping efficiency versus pack weight.

Episode 176 - The First of 2026.We survived the holidays (barely), dodged the flu (mostly), and we’re back at the mics for the first episode of the year.It’s January in Idaho, but it’s raining and 40 degrees, so we’re trying to figure out if winter is broken or if we just got lucky. In this episode, we’re catching up on everything we missed over the break. We dig into the "Uncle" bag—a custom leather project that disappeared into the void—and discuss the etiquette of telling a police officer you’re carrying (Idaho vs. Utah vs. Arizona).Plus, we’re laying out our resolutions for 2026. One of us wants to shoot old-school film, one of us is committing to grinding 50 custom blades from scratch, and one of us is just trying to be "less of a d*ck" (we’ll let you guess which is which).In this episode:0:00 - Justin’s twang & intro.5:30 - The weird warm winter & crop concerns.12:15 - The legendary "Uncle" Bag & leatherwork projects.22:40 - Getting pulled over: To disclose or not to disclose?35:10 - Film photography vs. AI generation.52:00 - The 50 Custom Knife Challenge.1:15:00 - Football pools & SHOT Show teasers.Drop a comment with your 2026 resolution—or just roast us for ours. Don't forget to like and subscribe!#TOPSDailyGrind #TOPSKnives #2026Resolutions #CustomKnives #EDC #ConcealedCarry #ShotShow2026

It is time to say goodbye. It's been great. Thank you.

November 2025 Live

October 2025 Live

September 2025 Live

August 2025 Live

We sat down together in Las Vegas for this one at the… well, we mostly just call it Cowboy Christmas, even if the official name is about thirty words long. We caught the team right in the middle of a crew changeover.In this episode, we shoot the breeze about:The vibe in Vegas and why foot traffic feels a little slower this year.Some interesting rumors and hopes regarding changes to gun laws and suppressor tax stamps.The great footwear debate: Looking cool in cowboy boots vs. actually being comfortable in zero-drop shoes.A special moment remembering Mike on his birthday. He’s always with us in spirit.Grab a drink and join us for a little downtime away from the show floor. Thanks for listening, folks!

On episode 175, we're hanging out with a couple of awesome guests who traveled a long way to be here: Ovidio Calvet from Mexico and Pablo (Las Cosas de Movilla) from Spain!Fresh off their visit from Blade Show West in Salt Lake City, the guys give us their take on the show, what the vibe was like, who showed up (and who didn't), and how it compares to the big show in Atlanta.We also dig into some really good stuff:-The Prototype A1 finally has a name, a TOPS collaboration designed by Ovidio himself. -What the knife laws and culture are like in Mexico and Spain versus the U.S.-The challenges of being a collector when new knives are dropping every week.It's a great conversation with friends from different parts of the knife world. Big thanks to Ovidio and Pablo for stopping by the shop and sharing their stories with us. Check out our guests:Ovidio Calvet:YouTube: @ovidiocalvetInstagram: @ovidiocalvetPablo / Las Cosas de Movilla:YouTube: @MovillapabloInstagram: @lascosasdemovilla

This week, we debate whether one of us is a superhuman eater or a complete liar after he describes a breakfast that defies the laws of physics. That spirals into a discussion on the cardinal sin of raising your own food: giving it a name.We also witness one of the most incredible self-destructions in sports history, breaking down a football game where a team did everything possible to lose. It’s a masterclass in snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. You gotta hear it to believe it.

He's back! Craig survived hernia surgery and is in the studio to tell us all about it. We get the full rundown on the recovery, which somehow leads to a deep dive into the terrifying reality of multi-day hiccups and what it actually means to get sedated.We also get into Leo's plan for a pretty badass tattoo, which kicks off a debate about tattoos in general. Of course, the conversation eventually spirals into the big questions, like whether you'd upload your consciousness into a robot and the ethics of simulated prison sentences.

We've got Clint and Chad in the studio with us, and we kick things off with the news about Craig's upcoming hernia surgery and how it's wrecking his hunting season. That discussion somehow takes a hard left turn into organ donation, government conspiracies, and a story about why one of us got barred from running for mayor.After that, we get lost in a full-on hunting rabbit hole (pun intended), talking everything from shotgun chokes to hunter orange requirements. The whole thing wraps up with a question we guarantee you’ve never thought to ask yourself: can an elk have Down syndrome? Yeah. We went there.It's one of those episodes where the conversation just goes everywhere. To our 3 listeners, thanks for sticking with us through the chaos!

Well, this episode is... a little different. We tried to multitask, and the result is pure, unfiltered chaos. 😂We're recording Episode 171 while Clint is running our VERY FIRST live auction over on the Whatnot app, right here in the same room. We're trying to kick off our own "paperclip to a car" challenge, with all the proceeds going right back into making this podcast better for you guys. Since we don't run sponsors, this is how we can keep improving the show and our gear.So, join us as we get completely distracted listening to Clint's sales pitches, make fun of him from across the room, and try to have a conversation in between. We also get sidetracked with talk about the upcoming Blade Show West, why it always lands during hunting season, and whether or not deer get "stocked" like fish.It's a weird one, but it was a lot of fun. Thanks for listening!

We are back! On episode 170, we're kicking things off with the big announcement: we're launching a TOPS Daily Grind Whatnot to help us keep the podcast rolling. We're starting with a table full of... well, treasures. 😉 From gag gifts and bizarre gadgets (wait'll you see the "luxury" candle) to some genuinely cool finds, the goal is to have some fun, raise some funds, and trade our way up to bigger and better stuff for you guys.We also dig into what we've been up to this summer. One of us went on a cruise and tells us all about that adults-only life, seeing flying fish, and almost entering the Bermuda Triangle. We also talk about dealing with a rock chuck invasion at the shops and trying to get our gardens to grow some veggies. We also get into learning scrollwork engraving, Taylor Swift news, and, of course, a few Denver Airport conspiracy theories.It's a fun one, folks. Thanks for hanging with us. If you want to support the show and get a shot at some unique stuff, check out our Whatnot. We'll be doing our first auction next Wednesday!Find the link to our Whatnot below! 👍🔪https://www.whatnot.com/live/1980b864-66b4-4611-89ba-2beff54583f8If you use our referral code you get $15 in credits towards your first purchasehttps://whatnot.com/invite/topsdailygrind

July 2025 Live

Live from Shot Show 2025

We are back. Make sure you turn on notifications so that you don't miss another live.

August 2024 Live

July 2024 Live

June 2024 Live

May 2024 Live

April 2025 Live

June 2025 Live

May 2025 Live

Okay, folks, buckle up! Episode 169 of TOPS Daily Grind is LIVE, and somehow, we're still on the airwaves. 😂This one's a wild ride, even for us. We start off innocently enough talkin' lawn care and, uh, dandelion salads (seriously), and next thing you know, we're deep into EMP survival scenarios, the shelf life of masa vs. honey, and just how rough an Idaho winter without power would really be. Makes you think, right? 🤔Plus, you absolutely HAVE to hear the story about Leo's "joke" at a Shot Show after-party that had Clint speed-dialing his wife in a panic. Good times. We also rehash the great pancake challenge disaster and Clint's ongoing battle with, well, his thumbs and basic chores. It's a whole thing.Big heads up: We're heading to Overland Expo West in Flagstaff THIS WEEKEND (May 17-19)! Come find us - especially at the TOPS Knives sponsored Happy Hour on Friday! We'll be sharpening blades (maybe a friendly sharpen-off with Benchmade? 😉) and showing off the rig.We also get into:Why you NEED to be on the TOPS Email List (exclusive drops like that MSK, scratch & dents, early bird news - check your spam if you're signed up and missing out!).Upcoming shiny things: The Ifira, Abanico, El Chapo Mini (Chapito!), Top Stick, and the new Blade Sauce are all in the works!Seriously, this episode is basically our group therapy session, and you're all invited. Grab a beverage (or some foraged greens) and tune in!Listen wherever you get your podcasts!#TOPSKnives #TOPSDailyGrind #Podcast #Survival #EMP #Prepping #OverlandExpo #KnifeLife #ShotShow #ComedyPodcast #Knives #OutdoorGear #NewEpisode #GetIt

Hey folks, we're back! 👋 After about three months off the air, it felt good to get back behind the mics for Episode 168.In this one, we catch up a bit, share a few stories from the hiatus, and give you our thoughts on the recent NRA Annual Meeting – what we saw, who we talked to, you know the deal.We also dig into something pretty cool we've got going: our Scratch & Dent email list. If you're not on it, basically, you sign up, and we'll occasionally send out emails with random links to buy TOPS knives that didn't quite make the regular cut – stuff we wouldn't normally sell through our standard channels. We talk a little more about how that works in the episode.Good to be back chatting with you all! Let us know what you think.Links mentioned:(Link to Scratch & Dent Sign Up - https://mailchi.mp/topsknives.com/1cdmqwzozs)#TOPSKnives #DailyGrindPodcast #KnifeCommunity #NRAAM #ScratchAndDent #Podcast #Manufacturing #MadeInUSA

Call him Currin, the Battlbox guy, or Brandon—whatever name you choose, he’s an incredible guest. In our first episode back after a long break, we had the pleasure of chatting with Brandon from Battlbox. The conversation was a lot of fun, though things got a little heated when Craig decided to challenge him on the moon landing. From there, we ventured into some wild rabbit hole topics, making for an exciting and unpredictable episode.

In this special episode Leo decides to cook some steaks for us. We also discuss which sports should be in the Olympics.

On this episode we have Leo Espinoza's son Angel. He surprises us with how different he is from people his age. Great episode to get to know more of the TOPS family.

In this episode we are joined by Clint as we talk about a wide range of subjects including AI.

Buckle up for a second round with Seth "Torque" Brown on TDG! We're joined by this skilled aviator, dedicated knife enthusiast, and friend, who's back to share insights into his life as a weapon systems officer in the US Air Force.Hear about:Seth's current assignment setting up a new Spectrum Warfare Wing, focusing on electronic warfare and jamming systems.His mission to fly Growlers, a modified F-18 Super Hornet with advanced jamming capabilities, and his passion for being in the fight.The fascinating details of electronic warfare and how Growlers jam various frequencies to protect allied aircraft.The camaraderie between fighter pilots and the special bond shared among those who fly in dangerous missions.Seth's history with the Air Force, including his training, his dream sheet for aircraft, and his deployment with the Strike Eagle.How he met TOPS and how his design came about.Join us for another entertaining and insightful episode, filled with stories from the sky and the passion of a true patriot! Don't forget to check out Seth's amazing knife design, the M-PAT!

In this episode we had the honor of having Zeke Menacho on. We had been trying to get him on for a few years but for some reason our schedules never lined up until this year at Blade Show in Atlanta. Enjoy the episode.

In this, shorter than usual, episode we talk a little about what we expect from Blade Show. We also talk briefly about our upcoming scratch and dent sale.

In this episode we re-cap our two shows Overland Expo and NRA Annual Meetings.

TDG Episode 159: Aiming High with Late Season Hunter We're taking aim at a new adventure with a special guest on this episode of TDG! Join us as we chat with Dylan Justesen, the skilled archer behind the Late Season Hunter YouTube channel. Get the inside scoop as we discuss: Dylan's path to becoming a passionate archer and his current focus on 3D archery. How his background in videography led him to create captivating archery content. The unique career that fuels his passion for the outdoors and inspires his videos. Whether you're a seasoned archer or just starting to explore the world of bows and arrows, this episode is sure to hit the mark! Tune in for an exciting conversation filled with passion, expertise, and of course, plenty of TDG's signature humor.

This episode was recorded in Las Vegas during the 2024 Shot Show. In this special episode Rod Bremer (founder/president of CRKT) and Doug Flagg (VP of Marketing and Innovation) talk about their 30 year anniversary project. A collabaration between 3 great companies CRKT, Vegas Forge, and TOPS Knives.

We're back with another episode of TDG, and this time it's all about YOU! We dove deep into your questions submitted through social media and held nothing back.  From the secrets behind our designs and sneak peeks at upcoming releases to sharpening tips and shoutouts to our amazing listeners, we covered it all.   Get the inside scoop as we answer your questions like: -What are some of the crazy TOPS designs that never made it to production? -Will the legendary Black El Pionero finally become a reality? -Which of our knives will give you the most satisfying slice? -Now that Jon's flown the coop, who will be the new target of our good-natured ribbing? -And of course, we've got updates on the Wood Nymph and other upcoming releases! -and more.   Join us for an episode packed with information, entertainment, and our signature TDG humor. Whether you're a TOPS fanatic or just a knife enthusiast, we guarantee you'll learn something new and have a few laughs along the way!

In this chaotic April Live Show, the TDG crew deals with technical difficulties, pranks their listeners (not really), and bids farewell to Jon as he embarks on a new chapter. Episode Highlights: Audio Issues and April Fools Pranks: The guys grapple with Wi-Fi problems, leading to some listener confusion. But was it all an elaborate April Fools' Day joke? No, no it wasn’t our Wi-Fi was messed up. Craig's Custom Purse: Craig unveils his handcrafted leather "man purse" – a stylish solution to his back pain woes. The crew roasts him mercilessly, bids on the bag, and suggests increasingly ridiculous modifications. Also for those interested you can message Craig with your bids. It’ll make a nice Mother’s Day gift. New Headwear: The team brainstorms ideas for customizable hats, showcasing various styles and potential logos. Listeners chime in with their own suggestions. Jon's Departure: The crew bids a bittersweet farewell to Jon as he moves on from TOPS. They reminisce, share inside jokes, and wish him well in his future endeavors. Join the TOPS Daily Grind crew for a laughter-filled episode packed with banter, bad jokes, and genuine camaraderie. check our website for new merch in the upcoming weeks www.topsdailygrind.com

Do you know what the difference is between a counterfeit and a replica? Come find out in this episode where we look at a fake knife that was sent in for reprocessing.

Another fun live episode in the history books. If you ever get a chances we recommend you listen to these lives on our YouTube channel. The chances of you winning something are usually pretty high.

We were so excited to finally meet our good friend and TikTok star with over a million followers, Adrian Hernandez, at Blade Show Texas! Adrian was awesome – driving four hours to hang out and record this episode with us. We connected online to reach new audiences in the knife industry, and we've had a blast getting to know each other.

In this episode we talk about the upcoming (at the time of recording this) Blade Show Texas and the show in Salt Lake City that had happened that weekend.

In this episode we talk a bit about the censorship of social media and about the banning of a certain YouTuber. We also briefly touch on Apple's new Vision Pros.

In this episode we had the honor of having Tomas Alas of Tacticaltavern on in this special episode that we recorded during Shot Show in Vegas. Get to know him and see what cool projects he has coming up in the near future.

In this episode we go over 2023s predictions. Come find out which ones we got right.

In this episode, we're joined by Clint Helm and Justin McMurry. Clint, from Helm Hunts, and Justin, representing McMurry Hand Forged, are here to discuss Justin's exceptional hand-forged pans and other kitchen must-haves.