oin Bob DeMarco as he showcases his complete collection of 8 DC Blades knives from the innovative collaboration between Justin Carvin (Tier 1 Gear Reviews) and Chris Harrison (Old Squirrel Knives). From the groundbreaking Scythe XL to the tactical TOPS Ephyra, discover what makes these designs special. Plus: July 2025 giveaway details, Knife Life news covering Leatherman's knife debut and new releases from Rosecraft Blades and Boker, and Bob's weekend adventures with his Very Good Knife Company ...
Jul 16, 2025
Episode 609 of The Knife Junkie Podcast features an inspiring conversation with Lance Strahl of Ironwood Outfitters, a Virginia-based maker who creates functional knives that seamlessly blend adventure and tactical aesthetics. Host Bob DeMarco discovered Strahl's work at Blade Show 2025 through a recommendation from Matt Chase of Hogtooth Knives, leading to this deep exploration of a maker's 16-year journey from Boy Scout camp knives to professional craftsmanship. Strahl's story begins with chil...
Jul 13, 2025
Join host Bob DeMarco for Episode 608 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, featuring an exciting showcase of 11 great new fixed blade knives. This episode includes Bob\'s daily pocket check with premium carries like the Emerson TK1 and J.W. Kollab Tango, plus real-world testing updates on APOC Survival Tools. Discover the affordable excellence of the Jack Wolf Gateway Barlow ($70!), learn about the July Gentleman Junkie giveaway knife (3 Dog Knife M.A.K.), and get the latest knife industry news includin...
Jul 09, 2025
Join The Knife Junkie Podcast host Bob DeMarco for an in-depth conversation with Yoni Wunderman, the innovative maker behind Compliance Edge Knives. What started as a hobby during recovery from eye surgery has evolved into one of the most respected boutique knife operations in the industry, known for precision CNC manufacturing and monthly drops that sell out in minutes. Discover the story behind the legendary DCK Mark 1, learn about the business philosophy that drives monthly drops, and get exc...
Jul 06, 2025
In Episode 606 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco speaks with Josh Wolfe, the Army Ranger veteran and founder of Red Beard Blades. Josh shares his story from combat veteran to master knife maker, explaining how his military service directly influenced his approach to creating what he calls "apocalypse survival tools" The conversation covers his early learning experiences, the importance of mentorship in knife making, and his signature designs including the popular Midnight Patriot and...
Jun 29, 2025
Bob DeMarco showcases the ancient art of Japanese handle wrapping (tsukamaki) on modern tactical knives in this comprehensive episode. From daily carry updates to breaking knife news including Delaware\'s switchblade ban repeal and new releases from GiantMouse, TOPS, and We Knife Company, this packed show covers it all. The main segment features nine stunning knives with traditional Japanese wraps from makers like Savage Creature Defense Tools, Bright For War Knives, Aaron Bieber, and more. Lear...
Jun 25, 2025
Join host Bob DeMarco on Episode 604 of The Knife Junkie Podcast as he sits down with Eddie of OEG EDC (One Eyed Ghost), one of the most exciting new voices in knife making. In just three years, Eddie has transformed from a tattoo artist working in a titanium anodizing shop to a full-time knife maker creating innovative fixed blades and folders that are turning heads at major knife shows across the country. This episode reveals Eddie's unique journey from pandemic hobby to thriving business, sta...
Jun 22, 2025
Join host Bob DeMarco in Episode 603 of The Knife Junkie Podcast as he welcomes ABS Master Bladesmith Aaron Wilburn of Wilburn Forge for an in-depth conversation about the art and science of traditional bladesmithing. Aaron's journey began with a chance discovery in a Barnes & Noble bookstore in 2003, leading to a career creating some of the most sought-after Damascus steel knives in the world. In this comprehensive interview, Aaron shares the technical secrets behind his stunning Turkish tw...
Jun 15, 2025
Host Bob DeMarco returns from Blade Show 2025 with his complete knife haul breakdown - 19 incredible pieces ranging from custom fixed blades to innovative production folders. He provides insights into acquisitions from makers like TKell Knives, Dirk Pinkerton, DC Blades, the Very Good Knife Company, and more! The episode also features an exciting unboxing of the new Jack Wolf Tango, the first modern flipper from the JW Collab line Bob also reveals the June Gentleman Junkie giveaway - a stunning ...
Jun 11, 2025
Bob DeMarco reports from Blade Show 2025 in Atlanta on episode 601 of The Knife Junkie Podcast. He has eight interviews from the Blade Show floor, plus he looks at several new knives (both purchases and gifts), including the TKell Knives PD-1, the Edgy American Junkie, and the Guardian Tactical Blade Show Exclusive, among others. In his pocket check of knives, it's the the knives he brought to Blade Show: the Civivi Synergy 4 and his trusty Victorinox Compact. Bob talked to numerous knife makers...
Jun 08, 2025
Join Bob DeMarco for a special milestone celebration as The Knife Junkie Podcast hits episode 600! This landmark show features an in-depth look at 15 exceptional American-made folding knives, from tactical classics like the Hinderer XM-24 to modern marvels like the Microtech Amphibian. Bob shares his personal experiences with each knife, covers the latest releases from Spyderco and Bestech, and showcases new arrivals from Dirk Pinkerton and APOC Survival. And in his pocket check of knives, he's ...
Jun 04, 2025
Join host Bob DeMarco for an inspiring conversation with Roger Pearson, the artist behind Savage Creature Defense Tools, who made a dramatic overnight transition from professional tattoo artist to full-time knife maker. After 26 years in the tattoo industry, Pearson closed his Florida shop and moved to Ohio to pursue his lifelong passion for blade crafting, creating what he calls "dangerous functional art." In this detailed interview, Pearson shares how his background in Japanese tattoo artistry...
Jun 01, 2025
Join Bob "The Knife Junkie" DeMarco for an epic tour of his nearly complete Off-Grid Knives folder collection! From budget-friendly D2 models to premium titanium Elite series, discover why these tactical folders offer incredible value and cutting performance. Bob shares real-world experience with each model, from the unique Raptor's forward recurve to the premium Black Mamba V3 in MagnaCut steel. Plus coverage of the latest industry news including new releases from Zero Tolerance, Civivi, Kersha...
May 28, 2025
In Episode 597 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco showcases 10 large ethnically-inspired knives from his collection, explaining their cultural origins, designs, and applications. From the American Bowie to the Turkish Yatagan, Bob reveals how different cultures developed unique blade styles for specific needs. The episode also features the latest knife news including Bald Man Knife & Tool's collaboration with Boker, Civivi's new Buster FG with SNECX, Jack Wolf Knives' first collab...
May 21, 2025
On episode 596 of The Knife Junkie Podcast , Bob DeMarco speaks with Jess Hoffman of J. Hoffman Knives. Jess is a Northeast Wisconsin knifemaker who has transformed his hobby into a part-time career, making heirloom quality fixed blade knives from scratch for outdoor enthusiasts. His first knife was made with nothing but a file and elbow grease, but today he runs a fully-equipped shop producing knives that sell out at retailers like Knives Ship Free. Jess shares insights into his knife-making pr...
May 18, 2025
Episode 595 of The Knife Junkie Podcast features host Bob DeMarco showcasing nine fixed blade knives from OG Blade Reviews that will be given away during Thursday Night Knives (on YouTube) over the next few months. Bob shares his pocket check including the Reate K2, Jack Wolf Mini Cyborg Jack, and Hogtooth NoVA-2. Knife news covers Vosteed's new EDC fixed blade, Work Sharp's innovative RMX folding knives with interchangeable mechanisms, Ray Laconico's impressive Bison design for Kansept, and Bok...
May 14, 2025
In Episode 594 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, Bob DeMarco speaks with Zeke Johnston of Alaska Blade Studio, who forges custom knives from his shop in Soldotna, Alaska. Born and raised in the Last Frontier, Johnston explains how Alaska's self-reliant culture influences his blade making philosophy. Johnston shares his journey from knife-obsessed teenager to professional bladesmith, including his apprenticeship under master smith Gordon Dempsey. Learn about the differences between forged and stock-re...
May 11, 2025
In Episode 593, Bob DeMarco showcases the best 4-inch Cold Steel folding knives from his collection, highlighting 12 impressive models including the Recon 1, Broken Skull, Voyager series, and 4Max Scout. Bob also covers exciting knife news including the new James Brand Humboldt fillet knife, Brian Brown's new collaboration with WE Knife, Bestech's "Toddler," and the limited May 2025 Buck of the Month. Plus, see the newest addition to Bob's collection -- the Off-Grid Knives Stinger XL Drop Point ...
May 07, 2025
On episode 592 of The Knife Junkie Podcast , Bob DeMarco speaks with Patrick Shipley, product marketing manager with CAS Iberia, Inc. and APOC Survival Tools. They discuss APOC's philosophy of creating modern interpretations of historical weapons, their two-year collaboration process with knife designers Andrew Demko and Mike Wallace, and the importance of ergonomics in knife design. Patrick also shares the fascinating 40-year history of CAS Iberia and how he accidentally found his way into the ...
May 04, 2025
Host Bob DeMarco shares his favorite folding knives that double as excellent EDC steak knives when dining out. From budget-friendly options like the Opinel No. 8 to premium blades from Chris Reeve and Herman Knives, discover which EDC knives make the perfect dining companions. Whether you're tired of struggling with dull restaurant cutlery or looking for the perfect knife to carry to dinner, this episode offers practical solutions from a true knife expert. Plus, Bob checks out new releases from ...
Apr 30, 2025
In Episode 590 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, Bob DeMarco interviews Jeremiah Burbank, owner of online knife retailer PVK and co-host of the Bladeology podcast. Jeremiah shares PVK's 31-year journey from Massachusetts to Las Vegas and back, revealing how their Vegas Strip showroom transformed their business into a high-end knife destination. Discover the stories behind rare pieces like 29 Knives Balisongs with Filipino blade shapes and Microtech's new zero blade play OTFs. He also share a fascinat...
Apr 27, 2025
In Episode 589 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco takes us through his Emerson knife collection (so far) built over decades, including Zero Tolerance collaborations, classic models like the Commander and CQC-7, and recent acquisitions like the re-released P-TAC Persian. Bob discusses what makes these tactical folders special - from their distinctive chisel grinds and wave features to their superior ergonomics. The episode also includes Bob's current pocket check featuring a Microtech ...
Apr 23, 2025
On this edition of The Knife Junkie Podcast ( Episode 588 ), Bob DeMarco speaks with custom knife maker Bobby Raines II, who specializes in hand-forged Bowie knives that are as functional as they are beautiful. Bobby shared his journey from making his first "knife-like object" at age 12 to creating his signature "Rainmaker" Bowie, which has gained recognition through knife expert Rolando Escotada. What sets Bobby's work apart is his commitment to traditional forging techniques rather than stock ...
Apr 20, 2025
In Episode 587 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, Bob DeMarco showcases his collection of KA-BARs and other classic combat knives, including authentic World War I and II pieces. Bob explores the history and design evolution of military blades, from the iconic KA-BAR to specialized trench knives, Randall fighters, and Vietnam-era designs. A must-watch for knife collectors and military history enthusiasts alike. The episode also features an unboxing of new acquisition, the stunning Jack Wolf Knives fixe...
Apr 16, 2025
On the midweek supplemental episode of The Knife Junkie podcast (episode 586), Bob "The Knife Junkie" DeMarco looks at his collection of Civivi Knives (so far), including the Keen Nadder, Vision FG, and the Sentinel Strike I & II, among others. Bob begins with his favorite comments of the week. In his pocket check of knives, it's the Herman Knives Ishtar, Victorinox Compact, the Cold Steel Desperado, and the APOC Smatchet (Emotional Support Knife). In Knife Life News: • New Boker Plus Tactic...
Apr 09, 2025
Episode 585 of The Knife Junkie Podcast welcomes back Rolando Estocada, a lifelong Filipino martial arts practitioner and passionate knife collector. In this follow-up to their February 2025 conversation, host Bob DeMarco and Rolando dive deeper into Rolando's impressive knife collection and his unique "philosophy of use" that guides his collecting choices. The episode explores: Rolando's journey from impulse buying to purposeful collecting. The superior design elements of Bill Bagwell's Bowie k...
Apr 06, 2025
In Episode 584 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, Bob DeMarco explores the concept of "fixed blade emotional support knives" -- and how his preference has evolved from fidgety folders to substantial fixed blades that provide security and confidence. Bob showcases his impressive collection of fixed blade emotional support knives, including the APOC Smatchet, Cold Steel Big Bear Classic, Marcaida/Fox Kortada, and many more purpose-driven designs. The episode also features his pocket check including a Co...
Apr 02, 2025
In Episode 583 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, Bob DeMarco talks with Shawn Old of Gross Motor Gear, who makes custom knives designed specifically for self-protection. Shawn shares his journey from martial arts instructor to knife maker, and how his artistic background influences his designs. Learn about his unique Japanese-inspired handle wraps, his philosophy on blade-to-handle proportions, and why his knives are optimized for real-world self-defense scenarios rather than knife fighting. Gross Mo...
Mar 30, 2025
In Episode 582 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob "The Knife Junkie" DeMarco showcases his latest knife acquisitions in a comprehensive "New and New to Me Knives: Recent Acquisition Roundup." From the patriotic TKell Knives Limited FMF to the tactical Gross Motor Gear Mamushi and the elegant Jack Wolf Knives Diamondback Jack, this episode is packed with detailed reviews of over a dozen remarkable blades. Bob also covers industry news including new releases from Auxiliary Manufacturing, CIVIVI...
Mar 26, 2025
Bob "The Knife Junkie" DeMarco welcomes back custom knifemaker Tom Nugent of Knives by Nuge to discuss his journey from law enforcement to full-time knife making on Episode 581 of The Knife Junkie Podcast . Fresh from the Texas Blade Show, Tom shares insights on his popular designs including the Wicket and Primitive Wicket, Chickpea, and the Big Boi. They explore Tom's design philosophy, material choices, transition to limited production, and innovative sheath designs. Discover how Tom balances ...
Mar 23, 2025
