The Knife Freak Show

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 knifefreakshow@gmail.com (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 knifefreakshow@gmail.com (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 knifefreakshow@gmail.com (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 knifefreakshow@gmail.com (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 knifefreakshow@gmail.com (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 knifefreakshow@gmail.com (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 knifefreakshow@gmail.com (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 knifefreakshow@gmail.com (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 knifefreakshow@gmail.com (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 knifefreakshow@gmail.com (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 knifefreakshow@gmail.com (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 knifefreakshow@gmail.com (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 knifefreakshow@gmail.com (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 knifefreakshow@gmail.com (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 McNees?knifefreakshow@gmail.com 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 knifefreakshow@gmail.com (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 Humphreyknifefreakshow@gmail.com 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: knifefreakshow@gmail.com with 1 S!!!!!www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com

This week we have a special guest, the Boss Lady herself Amy McNees! knifefreakshow@gmail.com www.mcneesknives.comhttps://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com