At GiantMouse, we are always interested in the different relationships people have with their blades. For this installment of Knifestyles, we are revisiting Chris Pontius to dive into the design and thought process behind his new release with GiantMouse, the Pontius.
If you’re a fan of knives, mouth-dropping stunts or banana hammocks, then "Chris Pontius" may be a household name for you.
For more than two decades, Pontius has built a career on embracing the absurd, pushing boundaries, and making audiences laugh through some of the wildest moments ever captured on film. Best known as one of the original stars of Jackass, as well as co-creator and host of the spin-off series Wildboyz, Pontius became a cultural icon thanks to his fearless approach to entertainment, larger-than-life personality, and willingness to do just about anything for a laugh.
But beyond the outrageous stunts and unforgettable television moments, Chris has always had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and a lifestyle built around freedom, adventure, and exploration. Whether traveling the globe, spending time in nature, or pursuing new experiences off camera, he has cultivated a genuine connection to the kind of everyday adventures that resonate with the knife community.
Not surprisingly, Chris's relationship with knives stretches far beyond his television career. As someone who has spent years on the road, in the wilderness, and embracing life's unpredictability, he understands the value of carrying tools that are dependable, practical, and ready for whatever the day brings.
When the opportunity arose to collaborate with GiantMouse on a knife that reflected his personality and lifestyle, the result was The Pontius; a design that blends utility, simplicity, and a healthy dose of individuality. We caught up with him to talk about the inspiration behind the knife, his history with blades, and how this unexpected collaboration came to life.
The Knifestyles of Chris Pontius
What originally drew you to Jesper Voxnaes' designs?
I have been a fan of Jesper for a long time. The first Voxnaes designed knife that I owned was a Scandi style fixed blade and I loved how he took a very traditional style and made it a very distinct, modern design with really flowing lines that is immediately recognizable. I think he is amazing at building on a particular platform or purpose and making it into an original blade design.
Do you remember your very first knife? What was it and what’s the story behind it?
I have loved knives and axes since I was a kid, and I always wanted blades that were like the ones used by different cultures in history who I thought were cool, like the pirates, the barbarians, the moros or Southeast Asia, and so many more.
I also loved fantasy movies and books about monsters and mythology. The characters always had cool knives, swords, and axes.
I always imagined that when I grew up, I would live in the jungle like Tarzan or some of the tribal people that I saw in old issues of National Geographic Magazine.
My family would always go on camping trips, and I spent so much time out in nature, as a kid.
I think my first knife that was bought for me was a cheap folder during a camping trip to the mountains with my Dad and Brother. After that, my Brother and I would always have some kind of folding knives to carry while we were hiking. I remember one time, getting cut while opening it, and having to take my shirt off and pretend that I was hot so I could wrap it around my hand to hide the blood so my parents wouldn't get worried and take our knives away.
What do knives mean to you and how do they fit into your life?
One thing I have realized over the years is that the more you carry a knife, the more you realize how often the need for one comes up.
Even on Jackass, where we often have props and costumes while filming, it is so useful to have a cutting tool always available.
What was your vision for your first custom knife design?
I like so many different designs and styles, I wasn't really sure where to start. I didn't want to just copy an existing design either. I also wanted it to look cool and have character, because I think that is important to anyone who really loves knives. Jesper suggested thinking about some of my favorite knives and things that I liked about them. There were so many, but I have one knife that I have used more than any other that I mentioned and also another blade that Jesper designed that had some things I really loved. Both of those were actually fixed blades and the Pontius knife looks nothing like either of them, so you would never know unless I showed you the subtleties that they have in common.
I also wanted kind of a harpoon shape so it could have a strong point and at the same really, a nice, curving belly like on some upswept blades that I have.
How do you use the Pontius on the daily/ what are the best uses for it?
I think as an everyday carry knife, it is pretty good for everything. It has so much useable edge so I think it is a really versatile from tactical to bushcraft.
What was the most surprising part of collaborating on the Pontius?
The most surprising part was how quickly Jesper was able to pretty much nail the design. When we met up in Copenhagen, he showed me what he had designed after hearing what I like and wanted, and I loved it. It was pretty much perfect. That was about two years ago, and since then, the design has evolved and improved. It really doesn't look like any other knife that I know of. Jesper told me that it reminds him of something a space marine would use, and I really like that. Like, if you could imagine a knife of a culture from a time and place that hasn't happened yet.
Another thing that I didn't realize was how much there is to designing a folder knife. For a tool that seems so simple, there are so many details to consider. For example, we didn't want this knife to have to big of a choil between the handle and the cutting edge, which would not have looked right on this design, and things like that really effect how the blade folds into the handle and the type of lock to use. I really had no idea how much goes into it and this project has been two years in the making, but I think the result is amazing and we are so excited for it to come out!
What makes the Pontius feel distinctly you?
I am such a fan of blade design and wanted to put traits of different styles into one knife. I love upswept blades, skinners, harpoons, hunters, nessmuks, and puukkos, and maybe most of all, knives should have some sexy appeal. They should be pleasing to look at, like musical instruments, or any other type of functional art. This knife isn't another version of anything else, it really has a style of its own.
What’s a situation where having a knife really came in clutch for you?
Like I mentioned, the more you carry a knife, the more often you notice the need for one comes up.
For example, a few months ago, we were on an escalator after grocery shopping and a woman in front of us got her long dress caught in the stairs at the bottom. She was really panicked and trapped there. Luckily, I had a knife and was able to free her very easily. She was so happy because I didn't have to cut too much of her dress, which she said she really loved and worn to a few weddings.
That knife was actually a Giant Mouse Jutland, which is such a great design and one of my most often carried.
What would your younger self think about you having your own knife design?
Well, I don't know that I would have imagined partnering with a company and designing a knife that other people would use, but I have always loved drawing different styles of blades.
The GiantMouse Pontius is the knife that I always wished existed and I am so happy to see it come to life!
Check out the Pontius Kickstarter
When you buy your GiantMouse Pontius through the kickstarter, you will get your knife at a discount along with FREE exclusive gear added to your order! Be one of the first to sign up to collect all the benefits.
The GiantMouse Team would like to thank Chris Pontius for taking a break from his crazy stunts. Oh, and feel free to check out his stunning new knife, the Pontius!