Hello everyone, and welcome to this week's episode of Knafs@Nite. This is a show where we talk about Knafs, things adjacent to Knafs, and other things - not always related to Knafs.
This week, Athena swings by to spill the tea on her husband - marking the first time we have had both founders of Knafs in one room, at one time, on camera, unedited - well, there's some editing, but. It becomes a nice trip down memory lane for everyone involved and for you watching.
Anyway - let's rock!
NOTE: There's no specific format for today's episode. It's just two great people - husband and wife, friends, business partners, etc - riffing. And, if you know anything about our show, it's this kind of free flow that makes for the best episodes.
Knafs Knews
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Haircut
We're pretty sure Ben got a haircut between the last episode and this episode. Utah can really do some serious damage to curly hair unless you condition, condition, condition.
Photo 1: Youthful Emojis and a Man With a Plan
This is the genesis of Knafs. At first, you see a bunch of kids with big emoji faces - but in the background, the first Knafs product is quietly being made.
Photos 2,3 & 4: Where Knafs Began
Being parents with young kids and having day jobs is one thing. Trying to run a business after the kids go to bed is another.
Photo 5: Expanding
With most of Knafs taking over the family home, Ben and Athena expand the business to the garage.
Photos 6 & 7: Kickstarter Success
Here's an inside look at how a successful Kickstarter campaign can take over your home. Note the CRKT Chogen hatchet that Athena used to cut all the shipping tubes down to size in Photo #7.
Photo 8: Controlled Chaos
Starting and maintaining a business isn't easy. But Ben and Athena took it on like champs - before realizing they'd gotten too big.
Blind Burritos!
Starting today, you can order a Burrito Grande, and we will stuff it with surprises. It's called the "Blind Burrito", and we promise you it's not going to be filled with just stickers. These are a big deal - and wicked limited!
News Reporter Ben
Everyone thinks Ben was always a knife guy. These videos prove that at some point, he was still honing his craft.
Photo 9: COVID and Babies
Right after the release of the Banter, another baby is born, while the world is kind of weird. BUT, Ben and Athena still found a way to work at work and work at Knafs. This is the time when conversations began to really grow the brand.
Warping Micarta
Sometimes dreams don't come true. But that's why we have new dreams all the time. That said, there are some products you have never seen - for good reason. This could have broken the brand, but it became an opportunity to grow.
Photo 10: On The Move
With their growing family, growing business, and no shortage of new ideas, the Petersens broke camp and moved. While they were packing to move, they were packing up the first shipments of Baby Banters.
Space Kitty
Ben's expertise in Photoshop may have led to a lot of staples in the Knafs world - one of which is our love for space kitties.
Shout out to Paul Munko - artist, knife designer, guitar player, and all-around good guy.
Also - shout out to Trent for Sfank and Gary!!!
Sheep Shanks Shippening Sharp (or whatever Ben said..)
When the heck is the last time we saw Keith? Welcome back, amigo! Thanks for keeping everything real and slicy!
Moon Crew Moment
- Tatakimi is still making incredible scales
- Mountain Path Design is helping us stay domestic with Kydex
If you want to be part of our “Moon Crew”, head right here to join up!
Photos 11 & 12: Our First Blade Show
Back in 2022, Ben and Athena went to Blade Show as Knafs, and brought Ben's mom along!
Photo 13: Baby Banter Shipping Party
With the Petersen family moved into their new home, with a bigger garage, packing and shipping are more organized. It's so big that even the kids help out.
Photos 14 & 15: Balance In Chaos
Ben and Athena will be the first to tell you that growing a business and a family at the same time isn't easy. But that's where love and determination come in.
Photo 16: Seriously, How Big is That Garage?
A lot of you might not realize how much was packed into the Petersen garage. It was a full-sized business attached to their house.
Photo 17: Ben Ruins a Rug
Okay, we don't know if he ruined a rug - but he was doing a lot of quality control tactics on the original bit driver - on said rug. This included the use of glue...
Ben Designs A Baby Banter on Drugs
Ben had surgery and, therefore, was on some pain management pills. This led to the creation of the polarizing but oddly popular Ivory and Red Baby Banter.
Photo 18: Avengers Assemble
This is the first ever image ever of the original Knafs team, ever.
Photos 19 & 20: The New New Digs
Ben and Athena decide to convert an old CrossFit gym in town into the new, and current, Knafs headquarters.
Photo 21: The Current Team
We've grown and changed as a team in the last couple of years. Austin also changes between a mustache and a beard seemingly monthly.
Mailbox (The splash screen comes later)
- @DULLBOYBLADES keeps his Knipex ploers close
- @moisesaspres3686 admires Austin's career trajectory
- @adidas734 likes skin
- @jedi_417 plants knives at airports
- @timothyvolkers5343 has had his flabbers gasted more than once
Actual Mail
- Fly Away Tuna sends us a map of the Knives of the United States, 2nd Edition
- Patrick Patterson, de facto Captain of the Moon Crew, swung by with some backspacers for our Landers. It's still mail without a mail person!
We love getting mail here at the office. So, if you've got something weird and wild you want to send us direct it here:
Knafs
570 E 1700 S #206
Clearfield, UT 84015
Boom. Done!
We hope you enjoyed this latest episode of Knafs@Nite. This one was really touching. So, thank you, Ben and Athena. We love you guys!!
Make sure to subscribe to our channel on YouTube so you don't miss anything coming out of the world of Knafs!
See you next time!
3 comments
John
Embrace the Glamour!! You Two are The Best!
Pappy Mercer
Am glad things are going well at KNAFS! Have followed Ben since his earlier days at BHQ, and knew back then that he would be expanding his horizons;
Lots of energy!
Bill Cline
Ben, greatly appreciate your bringing the lovely Athena on the latest video and letting us glimpse the hidden team behind Knafs.
Now the “Pain of Success” part: I saw the 12:15 email on the Blind Burrito at 2:16 and hit the link to buy and WHAAAt! Sold Out. This was to make up for not doing the Little Lulu (“..do I really need another neck knife?” won out over “but Ben’s kids may need new shoes and they need your support” argument. Congrats and keep up the great work. And remember…if you are lost just sit down and start sharpening you knife…
;→
Bill
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