Edge & Flow Podcast

In this meeting, TJ and Lucas discussed a recent fire incident at a nearby bar and the importance of having business insurance, which TJ confirmed was in place for his shop. They reviewed their Thanksgiving holiday plans and Black Friday sales strategy, noting the success of their first-year discount promotion. The conversation then shifted to manufacturing topics, including Haas's equipment expansion, tool storage solutions, and various prototyping methods for knife-making, with particular focus on design processes, bevel grinding fixtures, and the importance of documentation and revision control in their work.

Lucas shared his hunting experiences and reflections on gear reliability, while comparing hunting to his work as a knife maker. TJ discussed fixture upgrades for knife models and manufacturing processes, including challenges with materials and vacuum forming techniques. The conversation concluded with discussions about documentation systems, project management tools, and the importance of aligning new product offerings with brand value propositions in the knife industry.

TJ and Lucas discussed TJ's journey in knife manufacturing, including his transition from fixed blades to folders and the challenges of prototype production and scaling operations. They explored strategies for diversifying TJ's business while maintaining his existing product line, with Lucas sharing insights on balancing growth and production efficiency. The conversation concluded with discussions about shop setup, including equipment purchases and layout changes, while touching on industry trends and market conditions in the knife industry.

In this meeting, TJ and Lucas discussed their experiences at the Blade Show West and Lucas's plans to refocus on custom folders, while also addressing machine maintenance issues and tool life challenges. They explored various solutions for Lucas's shop, including air compressor options and the importance of understanding financial statements for business decisions. The conversation concluded with a discussion about the value of networking and seeking advice from experienced individuals to help grow their businesses.

Lucas and TJ discussed the upcoming Blade Show West and its unique characteristics compared to other knife shows, emphasizing its value for newer collectors and employees seeking firsthand customer interaction experience. They explored various business aspects of the knife industry, including pricing strategies, market dynamics, and the challenges of scaling operations, while examining successful companies like Benchmade and Montana Knife. The conversation concluded with discussions about the industry's evolution, focusing on technological advancements, changing manufacturing processes, and the potential for new companies to emerge and succeed in the knife market.