The Knife Junkie

The Knife Junkie Podcast, Thursday Night Knives and Video Knife Reviews with Bob “The Knife Junkie” DeMarco

Latest Episodes:

10 Waveable Folders: The Knife Junkie Podcast (Episode 666) Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

Episode 666 of The Knife Junkie Podcast opens with a comment that cuts straight to the point. A viewer described surviving a serious rollover accident, trapped upside down and unable to free himself from a seatbelt, as smoke filled the car. That experience turned him into a lifelong knife carrier. Host Bob DeMarco uses the story to set up the entire episode: a pocketknife is not just a hobby. When things go wrong fast, what you carry and how fast you can open it can matter more than you expect.

Before getting to the main topic, Bob runs through a four-knife pocket check that includes a custom Spyderco SpydieChef modified by Mike Emler, a Jack Wolf Knives Gateway Barlow in Miami camo carbon, the TKell Knives Agent 001 from the first production run, and a Randall Made Model 2-7 combat stiletto. He also runs through the full Agent series lineup and the latest history installment from the Patreon, The American Edge 250: The Reclaimed Edge. Knife Life News covers four new releases worth knowing about: the We Knife Co. Dracarys with dragon-scale milled titanium handles, the GiantMouse Reddington, built in partnership with the U.S. SERE school, the Sencut Braxx slip joint, and a handsome new swayback from Bear & Son Cutlery.

The First Tool segment takes a close look at the yatagan, the Ottoman short blade carried by the Janissaries for roughly four centuries. Bob covers the blade shape, the history of its use, and the surviving museum examples that show just how beautiful these working weapons could be. He shows two modern blades inspired by the Yatagan, including a personal TKell Knives collaboration he hopes to put into production. Then he talks about the Cold Steel SRK-C, a compact version of one of the most trusted fixed blades in the catalog, which he picked up on Amazon for $27 and spent a full weekend putting to work.

The main topic for Episode 666 is 10 waveable folders. The Emerson wave is a raised feature on the blade spine that catches the pocket on the draw, opening the knife automatically. Bob covers ten folders that use this concept, from the original Emerson Seax to the Cold Steel Espada XL, including the Byrd Cara Cara 2, Cold Steel TiLite, Fox 599 Karambit, DC Blades Sting, Pinkerton Knives Ringed Inversion, Zero Tolerance 0620, CRKT M16-14ZSF, and the Arcane Design Antimatter. Each knife gets a close look at how and why the wave or wave-equivalent feature works, what makes it useful in a real carry context, and what sets each one apart.

Whether you carry for utility, self-defense, or the love of a well-made folding knife, this episode gives you a practical framework for understanding one of the most useful features a folder can have. Bob brings real carry experience to every knife on the list, and the depth of the conversation reflects it.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/666.

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 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 preferred platform: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.

David Baker: The Knife Junkie Podcast (Episode 665) Apr 19, 2026

Show notes

On Episode 665 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco welcomes David Baker, the historic weapons recreation specialist, bladesmith, and longtime Forged in Fire judge who has spent decades building some of the most accurate weapon replicas on television. Before he ever touched a forge, Baker was dancing in Grease 2 and acting in Hollywood. A knee injury, a stage combat class, and a chance to watch the legendary Jody Samson at work eventually pointed him toward the craft that would define his career.

Baker walks through his early years building stage swords in Burbank, the Spanish TV production Queen of Swords that launched his professional weapon-making business, and how he landed on Deadliest Warrior before eventually becoming a fixture on Forged in Fire. His job on the show went far beyond judging. He was the one building the example weapons, often working under a 10-hour deadline, sometimes in the early morning before the crew arrived, and sometimes late at night after everyone had gone home. He shares the lessons that experience taught him, including the clever salt trick one colorblind smith used to time his quench.

The episode shifts to Baker\'s new project: a self-produced motorcycle travel-and-historical-weapons show called Baker\'s Blades. The concept is simple and compelling. Baker rides his 2016 Indian Vintage motorcycle to locations across the United States associated with historically significant blades, researches the weapon\'s history, gains access to original or related artifacts, and then recreates the piece in his shop. The pilot episode was filmed near the National Museum of the United States Army. A sizzle reel is already live on YouTube at @BakersBlades.

Baker also opens up about why studying original weapons in person matters so much. His four benchmarks for any blade are weight, scale, edge geometry, and balance, and he explains how handling actual historic pieces at museums around the world has shaped everything he builds. He talks about the small details that most people never see: the angle of a basket hilt, wear marks from resharpening, and even file marks left by craftsmen hundreds of years ago. Those details, he says, are a direct connection to the makers who came before. Baker also shares the story of watching veterans and first responders find something powerful at the forge, channeling anger and tension into a piece of steel and coming out the other side holding something they built with their own hands.

To learn more about David Baker and see his work, visit davidbakerknives.com. Follow him on Instagram at @bakerblades, connect on Facebook, and subscribe to Baker\'s Blades on YouTube before the full release.

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.

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

Great Clip Point Blades - Recent Acquisitions: The Knife Junkie Podcast (Episode 664) Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

In Episode 664 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco celebrates the clip-point blade shape with a showcase of 10 clip-point and bowie-style knives he added to his collection over the past year. From the updated Cold Steel Trailmaster Bowie in 3V to a custom Hogtooth Knives Fighting Bowie inspired by Bill Bagwell, Bob walks through each knife with the kind of detail and enthusiasm that only a true collector can deliver. You will hear about the history, the steel, the handle materials, and the personal stories behind every blade.

The episode also features a loaded Knife Life News segment covering four new releases. Boker dropped the Fructis Flipper, designed by Stephane Espi. Ostap Hel collaborated with We Knife Co. to create the Tryon, a large M390 folding knife. RoseCraft Blades released the Snake Creek copperhead. And Civivi announced a new slip joint for 2026. Bob breaks down the specs, pricing, and his take on each one.

In the First Tool segment, Bob tells the story of the V-44 Marine Raider Bowie and the Collins No. 18. These WWII-era jungle survival knives became symbols of the Marine Raiders and their Gung Ho spirit. Bob also introduces the brand new Jack Wolf Knives Pioneer FIXedc, a fixed-blade sodbuster in S90V with pink abalone handles that his wife immediately claimed as her own. The April 2026 Gentleman Junkie giveaway knife is the Shed Knives 2026 Tanto, available to Patreon supporters on the Gentleman Junkie tier.

Whether you collect Bowie knives, carry fixed blades, or just love hearing about great knives, this episode has something for you. Bob wraps up the show with a simple truth: the clip point has stolen his heart, and he has no plans to stop collecting them anytime soon.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/664. 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 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 preferred platform: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.

Gary Creely, Creely Blades: The Knife Junkie Podcast (Episode 663) Apr 12, 2026

Show notes

On Episode 663 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, Bob DeMarco sits down with Gary Creely of Creely Blades, a custom knife maker and pastor from Pennsylvania, who is building a high-performance knife company focused on top-tier steels, smart heat treatment, and blade geometry that cuts.

Gary shares how he went from fishing the Schuylkill River with a cheap carbon-steel toothpick knife to running a growing operation with CNC grinding, a laser cutter, and a goal of producing 2,000 knives a year. He discusses his early adoption of MagnaCut, the transition from CPM, and why he does not chase maximum hardness numbers.

The conversation covers the business realities of making knives in the United States, the role of 3D-printed scales and Kydex in reducing costs, and how Gary developed his own diamond-stropping compound. He also teases two new models, including a clip-point fixed blade with the working name \"The Medium.\"

Find the full show notes at https://www.theknifejunkie.com/663. Learn more about Gary and his knives at https://creelyblades.com, on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/creelyblades, and on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@Creelyblades.

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

15 Nasty Little Knives: The Knife Junkie Podcast (Episode 662) Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

Bob DeMarco counts down 15 of his favorite nasty little knives built for self-defense and concealment on Episode 662 of The Knife Junkie Podcast. From the Shivworks Clinch Pick, born from real-world undercover encounters, to the Station IX No.4 SOE Lapel Dagger, inspired by World War II spy weapons, these are blades that stay hidden and stay ready. Bob shares the stories behind each knife, explains what makes them effective, and talks about why small fixed blades deserve a place in your carry rotation.

Before the main topic, Bob runs through a loaded Pocket Check featuring the Strider SMF CC, the Jack Wolf Knives Gateway Barlow in Miami camo carbon, the AUX MFG Mini Spike, and the Boker Arbolito Bowie. He also gives a TKell Knives spotlight, covering the MR1, the Agent 001, and the Frogman Field Knife, along with details on how to get 10% off with the Knife Junkie coupon code.

In Knife Life News, Bob covers the Buck of the Month 838 Deploy Auto in Magnacut, the TOPS Upswarm designed by blade grinder Eric Mooney, the We Knife Inceptus from Robert Saniscalchi, and the new Civivi Overyonder designed by Zac Whitmore. The First Tool segment takes a look at the Hira-Zukuri, a Japanese blade form with no shinogi ridge, and the State of the Collection features the Smith Tinder Maker for fire-starting kits.

The 15 nasty little knives include the Shivworks Clinch Pick, Cold Steel Urban Edge, Kopis Designs L-Via, Fudo Forge Scalpel, Shed Knives Skeletal Skur, Bastinelli Anomaly, TKell FLN, 310 Forge Scalper, AUX MFG Broadhead, Station IX No.4 SOE Lapel Dagger, Failed Negotiations Pikal, Gunfighter Customs Gunfighter, Regiment Blades Low-Viz, TOPS Ephyra, and the Pinkerton Broadhead.

Whether you carry for self-defense or just love seeing purpose-built small fixed blades, this episode is for you. Bob brings real knowledge and obvious enthusiasm to every knife on the list, and the stories behind them are just as interesting as the knives themselves.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/662.

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

My Growing Microtech Collection: The Knife Junkie Podcast (Episode 661) Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

Bob DeMarco shows off his growing Microtech knife collection in Episode 661 of The Knife Junkie podcast. Starting with the SOCOM Elite, which represents so many firsts in his knife life, Bob walks through the SOCOM Elite Auto, the SOCOM Bravo made by Rike Knives, the SOCOM Elite Ram-Lok, the LUDT Gen 3, the Ultratech and Troodon double-edged out-the-fronts, the Stitch (a Borka Blades collaboration), and the new Amphibian with a Ram-Lok. He even pulls out a clone of the Stitch to show the difference between the real thing and a knockoff.

Before the Microtech segment, Bob runs through a stacked pocket check featuring the Off-Grid Knives Polaris XL in Vanax steel, the Spyderco MicroJimbo, the Cold Steel Urban Edge push dagger, the TKell Knives Adversary, and the Cold Steel Mayhem. In the Knife Life News, he covers the Artisan Cutlery Trust, the Boker Sledgedog, the Sencut Securis, and two new Buck EDC folders, the Ferrox and the Nomad.

The First Tool segment tells the story of the Pesh Kabz, a Persian knife designed to punch through armor. Bob explains how this narrow, reinforced blade became both a battlefield sidearm and a richly decorated status object across Persia, Afghanistan, and India.

In the State of the Collection, Bob shows off his Edgy American Junkie knife, freshly returned from Shane of Edgy American Bladeworks with a new finish, a reground CruWear blade, a razor edge from Kyle Conley of Clinging Verks Sharpening, and a new leather sheath from 1931 Leatherworks. He also unboxes the Jack Wolf Knives Gateway Barlow in Miami CamoCarbon from the second production run.

Whether you are a Microtech fan already or just getting curious about the brand, this episode gives you an honest look at what makes these knives worth collecting, straight from someone who carries them hard and knows the difference between the real deal and everything else.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/661.

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

Rikki Hernandez, CaptRikki YouTube/Instagram: The Knife Junkie Podcast (Episode 660) Mar 15, 2026

Show notes

On Episode 660 of The Knife Junkie Podcast (www.theknifejunkie.com/660), Bob DeMarco is joined by Rikki Hernandez, also known as CaptRikki, a professional videographer turned knife content creator who is making a name for himself by telling the stories behind the blades.

Rikki shares how he went from filming bodybuilders, wildlife, and music producers to building a YouTube channel and Instagram account dedicated to the knife world. His entry point was not knife collecting but photography, and that creative eye is what drives his unique approach to content. Rather than focusing on specs and steel, Rikki puts the maker front and center, telling the story of why a knife was designed and of the personal experiences that shaped it.

In this episode, Rikki talks about makers who have inspired him, including Bob Terzuola, Lucas Burnley, Daniel Winkler, and Shane Magnussen of Scorpion 6. He also shares a memorable story about a phone call from Doug of Attention to Detail Mercantile that turned a critical review into a lasting friendship.

Rikki and Bob discuss the shift from production knives to custom pieces, the CRK Sebenza as the Rolex Submariner of the knife world, and why content creators should not feel pressured to cover every new product release. Rikki also reflects on what he learned working as the editor and videographer for Best Damn EDC before launching his own channel.

Whether you are into custom fixed blades, production folders, or just love a good maker story, this episode has something for you.

Find CaptRikki on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@CaptRikki and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/capt.rikki.

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 preferred platform: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.

12 Totally Unique Folding Knife Designs: The Knife Junkie Podcast (Episode 659) Mar 11, 2026

Show notes

Bob DeMarco counts down 12 totally unique folding knife designs on this week\'s episode of The Knife Junkie Podcast. From the Civivi Vision FG and its innovative locking mechanism designed by Snecx to the Microtech Stitch with its Borka Blades-designed profile and Ram-Lok system, Bob walks through a dozen folders, each bringing something different to the knife world. Along the way, he shares what changed his mind about the Off-Grid Knives Raptor, why the Pinkerton Knives Feral Folder is built for real-world self-defense, and what makes the DC Blades Sting one of the most ergonomic reverse-grip folders he has handled.

The episode opens with a Pocket Check featuring the Microtech SOCOM Elite Ram-Lok, the Jack Wolf Knives Gunslinger Jack, the Hogtooth Knives Ruffian, and the Jed Hornbeak Necromance. In Knife Life News, Bob covers a new 14C28N slip joint from RoseCraft Blades, a new Exskelibur from Boker in proprietary BKR-10 steel, the return of the Kopis Designs L-Via at KnivesShipFree, and Buck\'s 13th Stealth Run, an automatic 110 in CPM MagnaCut.

The First Tool segment takes a trip through the history of the Italian stiletto switchblade, from its origins as a Renaissance-era thrusting dagger to the iconic automatic knives that emerged from Maniago, Italy, after World War II. Bob traces the cultural impact from the Beltrame family workshops to the Federal Switchblade Act of 1958.

In State of the Collection, Bob shows off the new AUX MFG Deadhead Pocket Bowie Frame Lock, the folding version of a fixed blade he has been carrying for months. With an M390 blade, a fluted titanium handle, and Michael Jarvis\'s signature coffin-shaped design, Bob calls it an outstanding addition to the Auxiliary Manufacturing lineup.

Whether you are a collector looking for something that stands out or just want to stay current on what is new in the knife world, this episode has something for everyone.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/659. 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 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 preferred platform: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.

15 Great Everyday Defense (EDD) Blades: The Knife Junkie Podcast (Episode 658) Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

On Episode 658 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob \"The Knife Junkie\" DeMarco presents 15 of the best everyday defense blades — or EDD blades — available today.

Unlike standard EDC knives, EDD blades are purpose-built for personal defense, with blade geometry, grip ergonomics, and sheath systems designed to enable fast, reliable deployment in real-world defensive situations. Bob covers 15 options that span the full range from affordable production knives to small-batch makers and custom-adjacent designs. Whether you carry a pocket fixed blade or a defensive folder, this episode gives you a strong shortlist to work from.

Before getting into the main topic, Bob opens with a pocket check featuring the Microtech SOCOM Elite Auto, the JWK Timber Jack, the Hogtooth NoVA-2, and the Cold Steel Espada XL in ESK. Knife Life News covers four current stories: a new Ostap Hel design from Bestech, an upcoming Torbé/Civivi collaboration, a maritime-themed folder from GiantMouse, and a classic reproduction from TOPS Knives in partnership with another legendary American brand.

The First Tool segment examines the Roman pugio—the compact dagger carried daily by Roman legionaries as a personal-defense backup—and how it connects directly to the philosophy behind modern EDD carry.

Bob also highlights two additions to the State of the Collection: Jack Wolf Knives' Gunslinger Jack and Norman Tactical's Fighting Bowie.

The main segment covers 15 EDD blades in detail, including the Fisher Blades Beckwith Covert, the Amtac Blades Northman, the Cold Steel Urban Edge, the TKell Agent 001, the AB Knives 302, the Regiment Blades Lo-Viz, the Gunfighter Customs Gunfighter, the TOPS Felony Stop, the Hogtooth Knives EDC Tanto, the Pinkerton Knives Matador, the Brock Blades Magni XL, the Gross Motor Gear Mamushi Mini, the AUX MFG Pocket Rocket, the Kramer Customs Voodoo, and the Savage Creature Defense Tools Masako Hachi. Bob explains what makes each blade stand out in the EDD category, covering carry methods, blade geometry, grip design, and real-world defensive applications.

This episode is essential listening for anyone who takes everyday defensive carry seriously, from new to the EDD concept to experienced carriers looking to expand or refine their options. Bob brings years of study in martial arts and blade culture to this list, and every knife on it earns its spot for a reason.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/658.

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.

10 Great Combat Knives: The Knife Junkie Podcast (Episode 657) Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

In Episode 657 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco counts down his personal list of 10 great combat knives—real-world fixed blades built for fighting utility, not just show. From the IDF-inspired TKell Knives Outrider to the legendary USMC KA-BAR to a Bill Harsey-designed Spartan Blades Kukri, Bob walks through each knife with honest commentary on steel, design, ergonomics, and real carry experience.

Whether you are a collector looking for your next fixed blade or just want to understand what separates a great combat knife from a great dagger, this episode breaks it down clearly and without the fluff.

Before the main event, Bob runs the Pocket Check with four knives he has been carrying: the Off-Grid Knives Polaris XL in Vanax steel, the Jack Wolf Knives Timber Jack, the Bald Man Knife and Tool Serpico, and the TOPS Wild Pig Hunter. He also covers the latest Knife Life News, including the WE Knife Co. Nivron flipper, the Boker Club Knife modern traditional, the TOPS Lil Chete, and the RoseCraft Blades Barren Fork Jack, now featuring 14C28N steel.

The episode also includes a First Tool segment on Nessmuk—the 19th-century outdoorsman who argued that lighter was smarter and changed American camping culture with a short, wide-bellied fixed blade and a philosophy that most bushcrafters still follow today. Bob also shows off three daggers from the State of the Collection—a Randall No. 2-7 Combat Stiletto, the Ek-44, and the Spartan Harsey Dagger—to draw a clear line between a pure fighting blade and a true combat knife.

Also covered: the February 2026 Gentleman Junkie giveaway knife, the Knives by Nuge Textured Wicket, and going to one lucky Patreon member or YouTube member on Thursday Night Knives, February 19. And a shoutout to sponsor 3 Dog Knife—Alaska-made outdoor fixed blades available at theknifejunkie.com/3dogknife, and save 25% off with the code knifejunkie.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/657.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

The Knife Junkie

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected