Founded by Jonathan and Amy McNees in Alabama, McNees Knives combines small-batch American craftsmanship with tactical performance. From the popular PM series to the new Dixon model, each knife is precision-ground in-house and built to last.
From Military Roots to Master Craftsmanship
Hey folks—Jade here with KnifeJoy, just in from the road and ready to talk about one of our favorite American-made brands: McNees Knives.
Founded by Jonathan McNees in 2008, shortly after his military service, McNees Knives began as a small shop producing custom fixed blades. Today, Jonathan and his wife Amy run the company together, building every knife out of their Alabama-based facility.
And yes—it’s very much Sweet Home Alabama down there (maybe even Sugar-Free Alabama, if you ask the team).
A Family-Owned Operation in Alabama
We were lucky enough to visit the McNees shop about a year ago, and if you check out our McNees Knives brand page, you’ll see a behind-the-scenes tour video. Since then, they’ve expanded their production and now grind all of their blades in-house, which is a rare and impressive achievement for a U.S. manufacturer of their size.
That in-house control over every step of the process—design, grind, finish—means tighter tolerances, better quality, and a more personal touch behind every knife that leaves the shop.
The PM Series: Compact, Functional, and Uniquely McNees
Let’s start with their flagship model—the PM series, particularly the PM2.
The PM line represents the perfect middle ground between a compact everyday carry and a tactical-ready workhorse. McNees produces small batches and often includes limited-run variations, meaning certain finishes or materials might not reappear for a year or more.
Some of the standout variations include:
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Carbon Fiber Scales – Lightweight, strong, and visually striking. McNees occasionally includes this option in select runs.
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Bronze Anodized Titanium – Adds a warm, subtle sheen to the frame lock side.
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Green Anodized Titanium with Micarta Inset – A unique mix of toughness and texture for a secure grip.
Each PM model features:
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Double-sided thumb studs for ambidextrous opening.
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Frame lock construction for secure blade lockup.
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Subdued blade finishes that add to its tactical appeal.
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A right-handed pocket clip, designed for deep, comfortable carry.
The PM2’s blade measures around 3.5 inches, making it an ideal size for everyday utility and field work alike.
The Dixon: A New Chapter for McNees
Released just before Blade Show Atlanta, the Dixon is McNees’ latest design—a slightly larger folder that maintains the same precision and hand-fit feel as the PM series.
The Dixon features:
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A 3.75-inch hollow-ground blade, ground in-house at McNees’ Alabama facility.
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Full titanium handle construction, anodized in subtle bluish tones.
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Frame lock mechanism for dependable lockup under heavy use.
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A thumb slot opening that works smoothly for left- or right-handed users.
For those with larger hands—or anyone who prefers a full grip and a bit more blade length—the Dixon delivers a perfect balance of strength, ergonomics, and style.
Built for Real-World Reliability
One of the great handle features of McNees’ designs is how the frame lock integrates with your natural grip. As you hold the knife, your hand pressure reinforces the lock itself, making accidental disengagement practically impossible.
Despite that solid lockup, McNees knives are precisely fitted to eliminate “lock stick,” resulting in smooth, consistent operation every time you open or close the blade.
And while McNees is best known for their folders, they also produce a few compact fixed blades—tactical-sized, easy to carry, and built with the same fit and finish you’d expect from their folders.
A Knife for Every Kind of Carry
Whether you’re drawn to the PM2 for its compact practicality or the Dixon for its robust hand feel, McNees Knives has something for everyone who appreciates quality, precision, and American craftsmanship.
Each production run includes limited material and finish options, so if you spot one that speaks to you, don’t wait—it might be a long while before that exact configuration returns.
KnifeJoy and McNees Knives
At KnifeJoy, we’re proud to support small-batch American makers like Jonathan and Amy McNees. Their commitment to quality, precision, and in-house production makes them one of the standout names in modern knife design.
You can check out our McNees Knives collection on KnifeJoy.com to explore the latest runs, limited editions, and exclusives.