Episodes

Bob DeMarco returns with another year-end roundup on The Knife Junkie Podcast, counting down his favorite folding knives from 2025. After covering his top fixed blades last week, this episode focuses on the folders that earned the most pocket time throughout the year. From tactical self-defense designs to classic patterns with sentimental value, this list covers the full range of what makes a great folding knife. The episode begins with community feedback and a pocket check featuring the Cuda M...

Join Bob DeMarco for Episode 651 as he reveals his most beloved fixed blade knives from 2025. This annual year-end roundup showcases the designs that earned their place through real-world use and consistent performance. From combat-ready blades to traditional outdoor tools, Bob covers the full spectrum of fixed-blade excellence. Each knife made the cut because of superior craftsmanship, functional design, and actual carry time, not just shelf appeal. Whether you love tactical designs, tradition...

Professional chef meets custom knifemaker in this week\'s episode of The Knife Junkie Podcast. Host Bob DeMarco sits down with John Marconi of Marconi Blades to discuss how his 18 years in restaurant kitchens shaped his approach to making purpose-driven, everyday-carry fixed blades. John brings a unique perspective to knifemaking, combining the precision required in fine dining with the demands of defensive blade design. John started as a dishwasher at age 16 and worked his way up through profe...

Bob DeMarco returns in 2026 with an extensive examination of prototypes, fresh releases, and loaner knives that preview what collectors can expect in the coming months. Episode 649 of The Knife Junkie Podcast delivers on its title with detailed looks at pre-production models from Pinkerton Knives, Kansept, CRKT, Medford, Artisan Cutlery, and Marconi Blades. The pocket check reveals daily carries including the Kansept Deadite, Jack Wolf Knives Gateway Equal End, and combat-oriented fixed blades ...

Knife designer and artist Paul Munko returns to The Knife Junkie Podcast to discuss his growing body of work, the inspiration behind his most popular designs, and what the future holds for Munko Knife Designs. Paul started his knife-designing career with the 2022 blockbuster hit, the Kizer Comet, an Art Deco-inspired modern gentleman folder. His third production knife, the Mystic, quickly became a fan favorite and Bob's favorite folder of 2023. The Mystic draws inspiration from New England whal...

In this episode of The Knife Junkie Podcast, Bob "The Knife Junkie" DeMarco sits down with custom knife maker and designer Calvin Richardson. Calvin is the creative mind behind the Steadfast, a popular design produced by Work Tuff Gear. They talk about how this blade updates the classic combat utility knife for modern users and discuss the release of the new Steadfast Large model. Calvin explains his old-school approach to design, revealing that he doesn't use computers but draws everything by ...

What makes a production folder a modern classic? In Episode 646 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco shares his personal list of 10 modern classic production folders that changed the knife industry. These are not custom pieces or vintage collectibles. These are factory-made knives you can buy today. They are designs that set new standards, influenced other makers, and earned their place in knife history through proven performance and lasting popularity. From tactical workhorses to refi...

What happens when a knife reviewer gets tired of waiting for the perfect blade? He designs it himself. This week on The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco talks with K.C. Spiron, the founder of Tempest Knives and host of the popular KnivesFAST YouTube channel. Spiron shares how reviewing hundreds of production folders taught him exactly what he wanted in an EDC knife and how that knowledge turned into a thriving knife company. The conversation covers how Spiron started KnivesFAST to create ...

Episode 644 of The Knife Junkie Podcast celebrates the tanto blade shape. Host Bob DeMarco presents some of the coolest tanto designs in modern knife making. This blade style combines Japanese tradition with contemporary performance. The episode covers tanto blades across different categories. From tactical automatics to fixed-blade hunters, Bob shows how makers interpret this angular geometry. He explains the practical benefits that make tantos more than just good looks. The reinforced tip pro...

Join host Bob DeMarco for Episode 643 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, featuring Scott Baldwin, better known as Scab from Choirboyz Cutlery Outdoors. This episode delivers an honest, inspiring conversation about knife collecting, content creation, personal transformation, and building community through shared passion for quality blades. Whether you are a seasoned collector or just starting your knife journey, this episode provides practical advice from one of Knife Tube's most authentic voices. Sc...

Bob DeMarco digs into his collection and pulls out 11 of his biggest Cold Steel fixed blade knives in Episode 642 of The Knife Junkie Podcast. From the 30-year-old Trailmaster that remains his number one recommendation to the Cinquedea that he shadow boxes with, each knife gets the spotlight it deserves. The episode kicks off with a stacked pocket check featuring the North Mountain BBMN, Jack Wolf Knives Gateway Barlow, TKell Agent 001, and APOC Survival Waning Moon Yatagan. DeMarco also reveal...

Join Bob DeMarco for Episode 641 of The Knife Junkie Podcast as he welcomes back Tomas Alas of The Tactical Tavern to discuss the latest drop in the Agent series collaboration with TKell Knives. The Agent 007 tanto features a limited run with traditional Bastinelli Tsukamaki wraps using genuine ray skin—bringing centuries of samurai tradition to modern everyday carry. Tomas breaks down the design philosophy behind the aggressive tanto point, explaining how the blade angle was measured for optim...

Episode 640 of The Knife Junkie Podcast brings a special perspective to the show as Mrs. Knife Junkie joins Bob DeMarco to discuss her personal folder collection. This episode offers practical insights from someone who carries knives for utility rather than collecting them. Her honest take on what works and what does not provides valuable guidance for anyone looking to choose or gift folders. Bob opens with his pocket check featuring the Manganas Steel Aurelia, Victorinox Compact, TKell Agent N...

In Episode 639 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco sits down with martial artist and media producer Paulo Rubio to discuss practical training methods, knife design philosophy, and the reality of self-defense situations. Rubio, formerly known for his work with Funker Tactical, shares his transformation from documenting martial arts masters around the world to becoming a dedicated instructor himself. The conversation covers Rubio's approach to creating training drills, including his inn...

Bob DeMarco takes you through his top 12 full-titanium folding knives in this week's episode of The Knife Junkie Podcast. From affordable production pieces to custom collaborations, these knives showcase why titanium has become the premium material of choice for serious collectors and everyday carriers. The episode covers designs that range from tactical to refined, including the Greek-made Manganas Steel Aurelia, the accessible Kansept Bison, and the show-stopping Asymmetrical Nighthorse. Bob ...

Welcome to Episode 637 of The Knife Junkie Podcast. Host Bob \"The Knife Junkie\" DeMarco sits down with Jacob Peterson, founder and designer of Exodus Knife & Tool, to discuss how he created the AdventureCraft, a small fixed blade that everyone told him not to make. Peterson shares his journey from military deployment to knife reviewer to designer, explaining how his third attempt at building a knife company finally succeeded. The AdventureCraft and Jackalope fixed blades have earned praise fr...

In episode 636 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco takes a close look at TKell Knives and explores why their models make outstanding everyday carry options. This episode features 11 different TKell designs, from the sleek Agent series to the robust Combatant and tactical Nightstalker. Each knife brings something unique to the table while maintaining the quality and value that TKell has become known for in the knife community. Bob starts with his daily pocket check, showcasing the Emer...

In Episode 635 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco talks with Jeff Schafer of Schafer Knives, an American Bladesmith Society Apprentice whose combat-ready custom knives have caught the attention of martial artists and collectors across the country. Schafer combines decades of martial arts training in Tang Soo Do, Bujinkan, Escrima, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with traditional bladesmithing skills to create knives that actually work. From massive Bowie choppers with sharpened clips to ever...

Join host Bob DeMarco for Episode 634 of The Knife Junkie Podcast as he explores the world of ESKs, or Emotional Support Knives. These are the big, bold blades that make collectors feel confident and capable, even if they never get used for everyday tasks. Bob starts with his weekly Pocket Check, featuring the Piratech Tsunami, JWK Midnight Jack, Fisher Blades McNasty, and Cold Steel Espada XL. Knife Life News covers three exciting releases: the robust KA-BAR Mark 25 folder, the sleek Benchmade...

Ben Belkin of Jack Wolf Knives returns to The Knife Junkie Podcast to discuss the remarkable growth and diversification of his knife company. Host Bob DeMarco explores how Jack Wolf evolved from a premium slip joint maker into a multi-line brand with offerings at every price point. Ben shares the good, better, best product strategy that guides his business, from the entry-level Gateway series with pin construction and steel bolsters to the flagship slip joints made of titanium that built the br...

In Episode 632 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco explores kukri knives from traditional Nepalese examples to modern folding interpretations. The episode begins with a pocket check featuring the Kansept Bison, Jack Wolf Knives Laid Back Jack, Cold Steel Desperado, and a custom Hogtooth Fighting Bowie. Knife Life News covers the Tashi Bharucha collaboration with Civivi, the upcoming Civivi Lunaris, and RoseCraft discontinuing its modern folder lineup. The First Tool segment examines ...

Master knife designer and martial arts expert James Williams returns to The Knife Junkie Podcast for a deep examination of combat philosophy, escalation of force, and the intersection between traditional Japanese sword arts and modern self-defense. Williams brings a background few can match. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969, he went on to study wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, Filipino martial arts, Russian Systema, and multiple Japanese koryu (traditional martial arts). He has sp...

Bob DeMarco hosts Episode 630 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, featuring an in-depth look at 11 great fixed-blade knives for trail and camp use. The episode begins with a pocket check showcasing the Emerson P-Tac, Jack Wolf Knives Gateway Barlow, TKell Knives Agent 001, and Randall Model 2-7 Fighting Stiletto. Bob introduces custom Knife Junkie Zippo lighters and announces the October Gentleman Junkie giveaway featuring an L.T. Wright Frontier Valley. Knife Life News covers the upcoming Boker Bras...

Join host Bob DeMarco on Episode 629 of The Knife Junkie Podcast as he sits down with legendary craftsman L.T. Wright of L.T. Wright Knives for an inspiring conversation about passion, persistence, and building a business the right way. His remarkable journey began with a simple Christmas gift for his father and evolved into one of the most respected names in outdoor and kitchen cutlery. Starting under his front porch with improvised equipment, Wright learned knife making from master craftsman ...