The Knife Freak Show

By Jonathan McNeesBusiness Education

The Knife Freak Show episodes

November 26, 2025 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 good, somewhat consistent method for heat treating?- Burnie Blades
Email [email protected] (with 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions, Knife Stories, etc.
www.mcneesknives.com
https://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com
1 hr 7 min
November 17, 2025 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 Spyderco McBee!
https://form.typeform.com/to/NxInqOhr?typeform-source=mcneesknives.com
Email [email protected] (with 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions, Knife Stories, etc.
www.mcneesknives.com
https://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com
1 hr 2 min
November 11, 2025Episode 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 https://www.foxriverblades.com/
Selling the Idea of High End Knives: Making it Relatable
Question: 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.com
https://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com
47 min
November 03, 2025 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, Knife Stories, etc.
www.mcneesknives.com
https://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com
1 hr 23 min
October 29, 2025 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 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.com
https://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com
1 hr 11 min
October 20, 2025 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
47 min
October 06, 2025 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 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions, Knife Stories, etc.
www.mcneesknives.com
https://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com
1 hr 4 min
September 29, 2025 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.
www.mcneesknives.com
https://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com
1 hr 23 min
September 26, 2025 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 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. Shain
Any New Milling Pattern on Dixons for Blade West? - Michael W.
Email [email protected] (with 1 S) with Questions, Suggestions, Knife Stories, etc.
www.mcneesknives.com
https://boatrightbladeworks.wixsite.com
1 hr 20 min
September 15, 2025 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
2 hr 6 min