The Knife Junkie Podcast

In Episode 618 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco sits down with Ric Valdez, founder of Ocaso Knives, for an fascinating look at building a gentleman's knife company from the ground up. Valdez, who spent nearly two decades in the Cold Steel executive suite, shares how he identified a gap in the market for elegant, high-performance pocket knives suitable for business professionals and decided to fill it himself.

The conver...

Join Bob DeMarco for his highly anticipated summer carry roundup featuring the most carried folders of 2025. Discover which knives earned real pocket time through months of use, from the purple Microtech LUDT to the dramatic DC Blades Sting.

Learn why seasonal factors influence carry choices and which features matter most for summer EDC. Whether you prefer tactical folders or gentleman knives, this comprehensive guide reveals what m...

Episode 616 of The Knife Junkie Podcast features an inspiring conversation with rising bladesmith Joseph Bandeko, whose rapid ascent in the knife-making world has been nothing short of remarkable.

In just over five years, this American Bladesmith Society apprentice has progressed from using an upside-down belt sander in his parents' garage to creating sophisticated art knives that command thousands of dollars and turn heads at major...

Host Bob DeMarco presents the definitive guide to essential fixed blade knives every collector should own in Episode 615 of The Knife Junkie Podcast.

From military classics like the USMC KA-BAR to budget champions like the Morakniv Companion, Bob breaks down a dozen blades/blade categories of fixed blades that form the foundation of any serious collection. Whether you are re a folder fanatic looking to expand or a new collector see...

Join Bob DeMarco on The Knife Junkie Podcast Episode 614 as he sits down with Jacob Asuit, the passionate founder of Very Good Knife Co., for an incredible journey through the world of knife making. His story is one of resilience, family business complications, serious injuries, and ultimately finding his true calling in creating affordable, utilitarian knives that working people actually use.

From his early days assembling knives w...

Host Bob DeMarco reveals the 15+ essential folding knives every collector should own in this comprehensive guide covering budget workhorses to premium masterpieces. From the classic Buck 110 to innovative designs like the Demko AD20, discover which folders deserve a place in your collection.

Plus: a pocket check featuring the Kansept Bison, the August custom Edgy American Bowie giveaway, Knife Life News covering the premium CRKT Nuc...

In Episode 612 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco welcomes Cache Haggard, founder of Revenant Corps, to discuss his innovative G10 knife designs for non-permissive environments. Cache brings a deep martial arts background spanning jiu-jitsu, wrestling, Muay Thai, and various knife arts including the prison-inspired Medusa Edge Weapon System and South African Piper techniques.

Cache shares his journey from holster maker to...

Join Bob DeMarco for an in-depth look at his most carried self-defense fixed blade knives during summer 2025.

This comprehensive episode features Bob's daily pocket check, breaking knife news from major manufacturers, state of the collection updates, and detailed reviews of 12 fixed blades that have earned serious carry time. From his own TKell Agent 001 collaboration to custom pieces from Dirk Pinkerton and production standouts lik...

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...

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 knive...

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 D...

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 abo...

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 ...

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 D...

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 Eddi...

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, A...

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

Bo...

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 hi...

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 Pink...