The Knife Junkie Podcast

In The Knife Junkie Podcast Episode 621, host Bob DeMarco sits down with Reese of Well Regulated, the designer behind the acclaimed Work Tuff Gear V-44X Bowie knife. The conversation goes deep into the mind of a Marine Corps veteran who turned a lifelong passion for knives into a successful design career.Reese shares his journey from carrying multiple knives during combat deployments to accidentally purchasing a knife that would change his life. His review of the Work Tuff Gear Predator Hunter caught the attention of the company owner, leading to an opportunity to design his own production knife. The resulting V-44X represents what Reese calls an \"extreme version\" of the classic Marine Raider Bowie, incorporating lessons learned from decades of collecting and practical use.The episode explores his extensive knife collection, including rare WWII-era blades and original Marine Raider Bowies, which inform his modern designs. His approach to solving real-world problems -- from weight distribution to handle ergonomics -- demonstrates how user experience drives innovation. Reese also previews upcoming designs including an EDC Bowie and field utility knife, both scheduled for future production.This conversation offers rare insights into modern knife design, military knife usage, and the intersection of collecting and creating. Whether you are interested in Bowie knives, tactical blades, or the design process itself, this episode delivers valuable perspectives from someone who has lived both sides of the blade world. Listen to the full episode at TheKnifeJunkie.com/621 and connect with Reese on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.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 [email protected] 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.

Host Bob DeMarco showcases 10 exciting new knife acquisitions ranging from a surprising $25 Bowie to premium customs, plus reveals the stunning second production run of his signature TKell Knives Agent 001 design. The episode features practical EDC carry combinations, industry news from Tactile, Boker, Civivi and Buck, and honest reviews of knives across all price points. Bob tests a budget blade extensively and shares insights on building three new everyday carry options. Special highlights include a vintage Buck 112, APOC Survival Japanese-inspired designs, and the dramatic quality improvements in the new Agent 001 second production run.Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/620. Support the Knife Junkie channel with your next knife purchase. Find our affiliate links at https://theknifejunkie.com/knives. You can also 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. 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 [email protected] 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.

When the zombie apocalypse arrives, which fixed blade knife would you grab? Host Bob DeMarco evaluates 12 essential fixed blades specifically chosen for their combat effectiveness and durability. From the battle-tested Cold Steel Trailmaster Bowie to the tactical precision of the TKell Sapper, discover which knives make the cut for ultimate survival scenarios. This episode features a detailed pocket check with Japanese-made Spyderco excellence, the latest Knife Life News including exciting releases from Boker, KA-BAR, and WE Knife Company, plus insights into building the perfect tactical knife collection. Whether preparing for the undead or simply appreciating exceptional blade design, this episode delivers expert knowledge from three decades of hands-on knife experience.Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/619. Support the Knife Junkie channel with your next knife purchase. Find our affiliate links at https://theknifejunkie.com/knives. You can also 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. 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 [email protected] 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.

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 conversation covers his impressive growth since launching just under three years ago, including expansions in booth size at Blade Show, new product launches like the Lucent automatic knife, and exciting partnerships with renowned designers. Valdez discusses his global manufacturing strategy, working with facilities in Taiwan, Italy, Japan, and now the United States, each chosen for specific expertise and capabilities.The highlight announcement involves Andrew Demko transitioning from collaborator to partner, with plans for American-made knives featuring the signature shark lock mechanism.Beyond product development, Valdez shares valuable insights about brand building, customer engagement, and entrepreneurship. His philosophy of building genuine relationships within the knife community, creating destination experiences at trade shows, and focusing on solving real problems rather than just making products offers lessons that extend far beyond the knife industry. The discussion also touches on future plans for expanding into adjacent markets like watches and pens, with the ultimate goal of creating a complete lifestyle brand.This episode provides an insider's look at the challenges and rewards of growing a knife company in today's competitive market. Valdez's approach to balancing elegance with performance, managing multiple collaborations, and building authentic customer relationships makes this essential listening for knife enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in successful brand building.Visit https://www.theknifejunkie.com/618 for more, and find Ocaso Knives online at https://www.ocasoknives.com, on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ocaso_knives, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ocasoknives.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 [email protected] 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 The Knife Junkie's podcast platform of choice: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.

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 makes a blade truly worth carrying.This episode also covers new releases from Jack Wolf Knives, Artisan Cutlery, and Sencut, plus detailed reviews of proven performers that handle everything from tactical tasks to food prep. Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/617. Support the Knife Junkie channel with your next knife purchase. Find our affiliate links at https://theknifejunkie.com/knives. You can also 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. Let us know what you thought about this episode and leave a rating and a review. Your feedback is appreciated. You can also email [email protected] 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.

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 blade shows across the country.Host Bob DeMarco explores Bandeko's incredible range of work, from intricate Damascus steel daggers featuring double keyhole handles that require tolerances within thousandths of an inch, to robust outdoor choppers forged from 130-year-old ship chain iron.The conversation reveals not just the technical mastery required for such pieces, but also the innovative thinking behind designs like his S-grind kitchen knives that solve real-world problems with food release, and his Lord of the Rings-inspired fighters that showcase both artistic vision and functional excellence.What makes this episode particularly compelling is witnessing a young maker who refuses to be confined to a single approach or style. his philosophy of continuous innovation and willingness to tackle increasingly challenging projects - including an upcoming sword featuring six keyholes and mosaic Damascus - demonstrates the fearless creativity that's driving the next generation of American bladesmithing. His journey from self-taught hobbyist to respected craftsman offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the intersection of traditional skills and modern innovation.The discussion also covers practical aspects of running a custom knife business, the importance of community and mentorship in the bladesmithing world, and the technical challenges involved in working with different steel types and construction methods. Whether you are a knife enthusiast, collector, or aspiring maker, this episode provides both inspiration and education about what's possible when passion meets precision in the world of custom knives.Listen to this episode at www.theknifejunkie.com/616 and follow Joseph Bandeko on Instagram @joseph_bandeko.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 [email protected] 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.

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 seeking direction, this episode delivers practical advice on building a well-rounded arsenal. Bob also covers his latest acquisitions including the Cold Steel Mayhem and the first Auxiliary Manufacturing production knife, plus important Knife Life news including the new RoseCraft Buffalo River Jack and the Gerber MagnaCut Strongarm Camp upgrade.Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/615. Support the Knife Junkie channel with your next knife purchase. Find our affiliate links at https://theknifejunkie.com/knives. You can also 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. Let us know what you thought about this episode and leave a rating and a review. Your feedback is appreciated. You can also email [email protected] 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.

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 [email protected] 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.

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 Nucleus upgrade along with Opinel's controversial changes, and Bob's latest acquisitions including Civivi's Natterjack and Guile.Whether you're starting your collection or filling gaps, this episode provides expert guidance on knives that represent the best of folding knife design and manufacturing.Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/613.Support the Knife Junkie channel with your next knife purchase. Find our affiliate links at https://theknifejunkie.com/knives.You can also 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.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 [email protected] 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 The Knife Junkie's podcast platform of choice: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.