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September 21, 2025

Episode 627 of The Knife Junkie Podcast features Marine veteran and knife maker Tim Kell of T.Kell Knives, whose company has achieved remarkable 3,850% growth in just six years.

Host Bob DeMarco talks with Kell about the return of the popular Agent 001 fixed blade with significant improvements including step milling, enhanced ergonomics, and new Battle Lock FRN grips that challenge conventional handle materials.

The conversation also covers T.Kell\'s revolutionary Combatant folder - a modular design that allows users to swap blades in seconds and change grips in under a minute. Kell discusses his partnerships with top American machinists like Nick Chuprin and successful collaborations with designers including The Knife Junkie, Melissa Backwoods, and Tomas Alas.

The discussion also touches on overcoming manufacturing challenges and how customer support helped the company weather significant setbacks.

Kell\'s military background influences his modular design philosophy, emphasizing user serviceability and adaptability. From the rebranded Sapper (now Outrider) to innovative accessories like Ulti Clip spring clips and Badger Claw leather sheaths, T.Kell continues pushing boundaries in American knife manufacturing.

Learn more about this episode at https://www.theknifejunkie.com/627.

Connect with T.Kell Knives at tkellknives.com, on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Use our affiliate link theknifejunkie.com/tkell AND the coupon code "knifejunkie" for 10% off your purchase of any T.Kell product.

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/or a review.

Your feedback is appreciated. You can also email theknifejunkie@gmail.com with any comments, feedback, or suggestions.

To watch or listen to past episodes of the podcast, visit https://theknifejunkie.com/listen. And for professional podcast hosting, use our podcast platform of choice: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.

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