The Knife Junkie Podcast

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...

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 mechani...

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 ...

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 ...

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 histo...

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 f...

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 a...

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 episod...

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 c...

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 ...

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 (Emotio...

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 ...

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 d...

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-...

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...

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 produc...

In episode 580 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, Bob DeMarco compares six pairs of classic and modern Cold Steel knives, showing how this iconic brand has evolved while maintaining its legendary toughness. See the differences between vintage and current versions of the Tanto, Voyager, Espada, Vaquero, and more!

Plus: Texas Blade Show custom knife winners, a new Gerber Mini Sada, Washington state's automatic knife ban repeal, and Bob's c...

In Episode 579 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, Bob DeMarco talks with Mike Wertin, owner of Northern Knives in Anchorage, Alaska's premier knife retailer and maker of "the toughest things in Alaska since bears."

Mike shares his journey from Arizona to Alaska, how the 3 Dog Knife line was born, and his pioneering techniques for multi-colored titanium anodizing. Learn about their custom Cerakote services, upcoming folding knife designs,...

On the midweek supplemental episode of The Knife Junkie podcast (episode 578), Bob "The Knife Junkie" DeMarco looks at several of his custom fixed blade EDCs that deserve more attention, including the Carter Cutlery Neck knife, Polite But Dangerous Tools Dagger, and the Ribsplitter Knives Draug, among others.

Bob begins with his favorite comments of the week.

In his pocket check of knives, it's the Hinderer XM-24, GEC #47 Viper, Hogt...