McNee's Custom knives

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McNee's Custom Knives

Published: May 26th, 2025

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McNee’s Custom Knives, nestled just outside Vernon, Alabama, is the culmination of a lifelong passion for blades, a tireless work ethic, and a hands-on approach to learning. From humble beginnings to a growing operation, the journey of McNee’s founder is one defined by persistence, craftsmanship, and a commitment to quality that continues to shape every blade that leaves the shop.

As a lifelong knife enthusiast, Jonathan McNees can’t remember a time when knives weren’t a central fascination. Childhood memories are filled with trips to small local festivals, where the annual highlight was picking up a simple penknife. This early obsession never waned, but it wasn’t until much later in life that the idea of making knives evolved from fascination into reality.

Jonathan McNees

- McNee's Custom Knives was founded by Jonathan McNees (pictured above)

Following a four-year stint in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he served in the now-disbanded small craft unit, piloting rigid raider boats used for riverine warfare, he moved into construction and eventually transitioned into a career as a physical therapy assistant. Throughout this period, knives remained a constant. He was known as “the knife guy” in his Marine platoon, frequently sharpening and trading blades. But it wasn’t until the rise of internet forums like Badlands, BladeForums, and USN that he discovered the world of custom knife making. The online knife community not only revealed the scope and passion of the craft but also served as an educational springboard. These forums were treasure troves of shared knowledge, where even legends like Mick Strider and Tom Mayo offered advice to newcomers.

In the late 2000s, he decided to build his first grinder based on the no-weld plans from Tracy Mickley at USA Knifemaker. What resulted was a “Franken grinder” powered by a bench grinder and a plastic lawn mower wheel. Despite its humble appearance, it helped him craft hundreds of knives and marked the beginning of his transition from hobbyist to professional. From the outset, he treated knife-making as a business. Every dollar earned from a knife sale was reinvested, first into a KMG grinder, then eventually into a fiber laser that opened the door to engraving services for different companies.

With time, the operation grew. Still working his day job in physical therapy, he spent every spare hour in his 20x20 backyard shop, an intense balancing act of daytime patient care and nighttime grinding, sharpening, and finishing. He eventually brought his son and another employee into the fold, increasing output and taking steps toward production-level capability. Around 2019, he leaped into small-batch production with the Mac 2 line. It wasn’t just outsourcing parts to be assembled, these knives were built with care and precision in-house, including all the critical finishing touches that ensured quality control.

Eventually, the small shop in his backyard could no longer contain the scale of the operation. Land was expensive near Tuscaloosa, so the solution came from family; his father-in-law generously allowed him to build a larger shop on his property near Vernon.

McNees Mac 2

- McNees first small production knife was the Mac 2 series (pictured above)

The new 3,500-square-foot facility transformed the business. He purchased a Haas VF2SS CNC machine with zero prior experience in CNC work. Through the help of a local vocational teacher and sheer determination, he taught himself 3D modeling, design, and programming, eventually handling all CAD and CAM work for the company. Mistakes were common and expensive, often resulting in scrap buckets full of unusable titanium parts. Still, he saw these as part of the learning curve, a form of tuition cheaper than formal schooling.

With three CNC machines now operating in the shop and a team that has grown to include part-time and full-time help, McNee’s Custom Knives has shifted into a new phase of growth. The company is pulling more operations in-house, including double disc grinding, which ensures blades and handles start perfectly flat, a critical step for achieving the smooth, snappy action the Mac 2 line is known for.

While folders have long been McNee’s bread and butter, the company has recently pivoted back to fixed blades in a serious way. That shift culminated in the release of the McNees Ridge Runner, a production fixed blade crafted from CPM-3V steel and outfitted with removable handle scales for easy customization and maintenance. The Ridge Runner’s thoughtful design, robust construction, and utilitarian performance made a strong impression on the knife world, earning it the 2024 American Made Fixed Blade of the Year award at Blade Show Atlanta.

McNees Ridge Runner 2024 American Made Fixed Blade of the Year

- The McNees Ridge Runner (pictured above) won the 2024 American Made Fixed Blade of the Year at Blade Show Atlanta

Its success marks a significant milestone in McNee’s growing commitment to fixed blade production and signals the beginning of a new chapter for the Alabama-based shop. At the same time, the Mac 2 lineup continues to serve as the cornerstone of McNee’s output, embodying the shop’s precision machining, clean design language, and reliable performance. Built entirely in-house, the Mac 2.5” and 3.5” models offer multiple handle treatments, including smooth, frag, and jigged titanium finishes, all while maintaining the same exacting internal tolerances and consistent mechanical action.

The Mac 2 lineup remains the cornerstone of McNee’s production. Built entirely in-house, the Mac 2 Gen 2 2.5” and 3.5” models offer multiple handle treatments, including smooth, frag, jigged, and swerve titanium finishes. Despite the differences in texture, all models share the same internals and machining tolerances. Their hallmark feature, robust yet smooth operation, is a result of strong detents, careful lock tuning, and precisely machined geometry. While some users initially struggle to flick the blade open, the company frequently reminds them that it’s a matter of technique, not thumb strength.

Currently, all Mac 2 blades are made from CPM-MagnaCut, hardened to 63–64 HRC. This modern steel offers impressive edge retention, toughness, and ease of maintenance. One of its standout characteristics is the ability to be stropped back to a near-razor edge multiple times before requiring full sharpening, effectively extending the life of the blade.

McNee’s Custom Knives has also built strong relationships within the knife community. Notably, the company’s collaboration with Spyderco resulted in the McBee folder, which continues to be a top seller. McNee’s shop enhances these models with in-house anodizing, laser engraving, and even custom spine jimping, bringing personal touches to a mass-produced design. Other collaborative efforts include projects with TAD Gear and fellow knife designer Leon Ma.

McNee’s Custom Knives has grown from a one-man hobby in a backyard shop to a respected name in the knife world, known for its consistent quality, tight tolerances, and no-nonsense approach to manufacturing. Every knife is a reflection of the years spent learning, building, and refining, not through shortcuts, but through doing the work. From the first-hand-built customs to award-winning production fixed blades, McNee’s continues to evolve without losing sight of what matters: making dependable tools with care, precision, and pride right here in the United States.

A knife resting on honeycomb background.

Spyderco/McNees McBee

What to Buy

The McNee’s Knives PM Mac 2 Gen 2 3.5 Purple/Bronze 2 Tone Swerve is a Smoky Mountain Knife Works exclusive that combines bold aesthetics with serious performance. Featuring a 3.5" CPM-MagnaCut drop point blade and dual thumb studs, it offers smooth, ambidextrous deployment and excellent edge retention. The titanium handle, finished in a striking purple and bronze satin swerve, is both eye-catching and ergonomic. A robust framelock and tuned action ensure reliability and fluid use. With a matching anodized pocket clip and a 4.1" closed length, this folder is built for everyday carry, hard use, and anyone who values precision without compromise.

The McNee’s Knives PM Mac 2 Gen 2 3.5 is a precision-crafted framelock designed by Jonathan McNees for everyday performance. Featuring a 3.5" CPM-MagnaCut stonewashed drop point blade and Cracked Earth Blue titanium handles, it delivers durability, comfort, and striking aesthetics. Delrin caged ceramic bearings and a manual thumb stud offer smooth, reliable deployment, while the ergonomic design ensures a secure grip. At just 4.1" closed, the Mac 2 is compact yet capable, an ideal blend of heritage craftsmanship and modern innovation for discerning knife enthusiasts who demand performance, quality, and style in their everyday carry.

The McNee’s Knives PM Mac 2 Gen 2 3.5" Purple/Bronze 2 Tone Frag is a refined evolution of a fan-favorite design, available only at Smoky Mountain Knife Works. Built in the USA as part of the Performance Machined line, this folder features a 3.5" CPM-MagnaCut blade, titanium handles, and Delrin caged ceramic bearings for smooth, reliable action. Gen 2 upgrades include a threaded standoff system, milled clip area, and U.S.-made hardware, enhancing stability and build quality. Compact at 4.1" closed, with an ergonomic profile and clean lines, it delivers everyday performance with upgraded precision and unmistakable McNees craftsmanship.

Written By

Drew Clifton

Drew Clifton

Drew is the lead writer for SMKW's Knives 101, crafting informative and engaging content for the world’s largest knife store. With expertise in knife history, design, and functionality, Drew delivers articles and product descriptions that educate and inspire knife enthusiasts at all levels.

Expert Reviewed

T.C. Barnette

T.C. Barnette

T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.

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