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Edge & Flow Podcast

TJ Schwarz & Lucas Burnley

Edge & Flow Podcast is a joint effort between knife makers TJ Schwarz and Lucas Burnley, your hosts. Free flowing, unscripted conversations unfold as we endeavor to explore the knife industry, craftsmanship, business, creativity, and beyond.

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20 episodes
Avg 1 hr 16 min
English

Episodes 20

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#104
Wednesday · 1 hr 19 min
EP 104 | Fish Camp, Shooting Comps & Hiring
Lucas and TJ recap their experience at Work Sharp Fish Camp, talk about the value of building community, and share some thoughts on hiring, growing a team, and finding the right people. They also get into product development, making things for real-world use, and creating more space for good ideas.
#103
September 8 · 1 hr 6 min
EP 103 | Tacos, Marathons & Projects
We're back! This week on Edge & Flow, TJ and Lucas answer listener questions, talk about building a stronger brand, staying consistent, and the challenges of creating a more efficient knife-making process.
#102
September 2 · 1 hr 5 min
EP 102 | AI, Road Trips & New Shop
Lucas and TJ are back with another episode of Edge & Flow. This week they talk AI, building an ERP for the shop, manufacturing, custom orders, and how better systems can make more room for the things that actually matter.
#101
August 27 · 1 hr 35 min
EP 101 | Manufacturing, Scaling & Demand
Lucas and TJ are back for Episode 101 of Edge & Flow. This week they dive into Enduro production, manufacturing efficiency, CNC machines, and scaling a small knife shop. They also discuss knife drops, online lotteries, and the challenges that come with having more demand than product.
#100
August 19 · 1 hr 29 min
EP100 | New Knives, New Shows, New Shops
We're back! Luc and TJ discuss the many things that have happened in 2026 such as the launch of the Enduro, staffing changes, and a long list of knife shows.
#99
Dec 30, 2025 · 1 hr
2025 Wrapped
Lucas and TJ reflected on their first year in their new shop, discussing their transition from a garage setup to a mature production company and highlighting their progress with various manufacturing processes. They explored the integration of forging and CNC machining techniques in knife making, while emphasizing the importance of learning from experienced manufacturers and accessing available resources for process improvement. The conversation concluded with discussions about industry trends, branding strategies, and the personal fulfillment found in creating unique knife designs, along with reflections on their business growth and future plans.
#98
Dec 3, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
Fire Drill
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.
#97
Nov 17, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
Value Proposition
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.
#96
Nov 4, 2025 · 1 hr 27 min
Folding Knife Development
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.
#95
Oct 27, 2025 · 57 min
Fixing Machines and Choosing Air Compressors
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.
#94
Sep 29, 2025 · 1 hr 18 min
Financial Structures of Knife Companies
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.
#93
Sep 17, 2025 · 54 min
Fish Camp
Lucas and TJ discuss a Worksharp sponsored salmon fishing trip and the importance of spending time with colleagues outside of a work environment.
#92
Aug 26, 2025 · 3 hr 4 min
Ernest Emerson
Ernest Emerson shares his journey from martial arts enthusiast to renowned knife maker, detailing how his upbringing in Wisconsin, passion for functionality, and chance encounters with Navy SEALs shaped his career path from custom knife making to founding his own successful company. He discusses his business philosophy of treating employees like family, his approach to collaborations with major knife manufacturers, and his commitment to maintaining craftsmanship despite technological advances in the industry. Ernest also reveals his diversification strategy beyond knives, including apparel and whiskey businesses, while offering advice to aspiring entrepreneurs about full commitment, honest self-assessment, and maintaining ownership rather than seeking early investors.
#91
Aug 19, 2025 · 1 hr 10 min
Burnout
The episode began with Lucas sharing his experience with burnout and his efforts to develop better self-care routines and work patterns, including using tools like ChatGPT to map out his workflow. Burnley and TJ discussed the challenges of balancing maintenance-focused work with creative projects in their businesses, with TJ sharing his realization about spending too much time on maintenance issues. The conversation concluded with a discussion about social media platforms, particularly Instagram and TikTok, including their evolving roles, decreasing engagement, and the impact of AI-generated content, as well as plans for shop organization and machine usage.
#90
Aug 11, 2025 · 1 hr 18 min
Coastal Adventures (PNWCI)
Lucas and TJ return from a podcast hiatus. This episode is a recap of Pacific Northwest Custom Invitational as well as shop happenings over the last few months.
#89
Jun 5, 2025 · 1 hr
Tying Up Loose Ends
Neither Luc nor TJ are attending Blade Show 2025. This was a big decision and made for good discussion.
#88
Apr 15, 2025 · 1 hr
Tarrifs
Trade wars disrupting the knife industry and artificial intelligence fixing machines.
#87
Mar 18, 2025 · 58 min
Bevel Grinding Wins
Luc returns from Blade Show Texas and has a new machine on the way. TJ has a big bevel grinding breakthrough.
#86
Feb 25, 2025 · 55 min
Just In Time Manufacturing
Luc and TJ discuss the merits of "just in time" manufacturing.
#85
Feb 18, 2025 · 1 hr 29 min
Know Yourself
Lucas announces his investment property purchase and plans to replace his Haas. The conversation migrates to philosophy and the things that motivate different creative minds.

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