My Story

My name is Sean McInally. I am an Idaho native and the founder of Hubris Workshop. As a hobbyist lodgepole furniture maker, my father introduced me to the joys of craftsmanship at a young age. “Making” has been a lifelong pursuit of mine.

Hubris Workshop is a small owner-operated knife company, proudly established in Boise, Idaho USA. I use classic, tried-and-true methods and materials to create reliable and beautiful knives balanced with utility and unique elegance.

After 7 years as a knife maker, I am proud to say my outdoor knives are relied upon by hunters, hikers, and anglers in the backcountry. My knives accompany men and women of our armed forces in the service of our country. My culinary knives are held by many home chefs as they prepare meals for their families and friends.

My passion is crafting beautiful tools that commemorate achievement and facilitate accomplishment.

What’s in a name

In the world of craftsmanship, particularly with knives, the goal is to exhibit mastery without overstepping into arrogance. For me, the term "hubris" serves as a reminder of the fine line between confidence in one’s skill and the potential dangers of overconfidence, aligning with the idea of humility and continuous improvement.

The story of Icarus, the figure from Greek mythology who flew too close to the sun with wings made of wax, serves as a metaphor for the dangers of excess pride and overreaching. In the context of elevated craftsmanship, it reminds us to aim high, but never to abandon the foundation of wisdom, caution, and humility. Just like Icarus’ wings melting when he disregarded his limitations, a craftsman must respect the limits of his craft, using knowledge, skill and experience wisely to elevate the quality of work without succumbing to hubris. Thus, "Hubris Workshop" represents both the ambition to create exceptional knives and the wisdom to know when to exercise restraint and reflect on the journey of mastery.

Mission

Having grown up in rural Idaho, I have a strong connection to the wilderness and community. My mission is to bring to market utilitarian knives that inspire pride of ownership while targeting an accessible price point. I want to support the men and women who do the work.