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 with his father at 2 Jake's Knives to grinding thousands of blade blanks for Premium Knife Supply, Jacob has accumulated an almost unparalleled level of hands-on experience. His journey includes creating high-end custom pieces featuring exotic materials like mammoth tooth and meteorite, but ultimately led him to realize his true passion: making "very good" knives that people aren't afraid to carry and use every day.
In this episode, Jacob shares the inspiration behind his company name (hint: it involves Parks and Recreation's Ron Swanson), his philosophy on knife design that prioritizes hand feel over aesthetics, and his criticism of makers who charge custom prices for production-style work. You'll learn about his meticulous production process where every knife is still hand-cut from bar stock, his approach to testing knives through real-world abuse, and his plans for significant expansion while maintaining his quality standards.
Bob showcases the beautiful First Strike knife he purchased directly from Jacob at Blade Show 2025, and Jacob demonstrates several of his designs including the popular Adventure model, the massive Eagle, and previews his upcoming Counter Strike design. The conversation reveals not just technical expertise, but the business lessons learned from over a decade in the knife industry and Jacob's vision for making quality knives accessible to working people.
Whether you are a knife maker, collector, or simply someone who appreciates quality craftsmanship and compelling personal stories, this episode offers valuable insights into what it takes to build a sustainable knife business based on integrity and practical design.
Listen at theknifejunkie.com/614 and connect with Jacob at verygoodknifeco.com, on YouTube at Very Good Knife Company, and Instagram @verygoodknifeco.
Be sure to support The Knife Junkie and get in on the perks of being a patron, including early access to the podcast and exclusive bonus content. Visit https://www.theknifejunkie.com/patreon for details.
You can also support The Knife Junkie channel with your next knife purchase. Find our affiliate links at https://theknifejunkie.com/knives.
Let us know what you thought about this episode and leave a rating and a review. Your feedback is appreciated. You can also email theknifejunkie@gmail.com with any comments, feedback, or suggestions.
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