The Knife Junkie Podcast

Lynn Thompson founded Cold Steel Knives in the early 1980s and ran it for about 40 years, building it into one of the most recognized tactical knife brands in the world. After selling to GSM Outdoors and honoring his non-compete through June 2025, Lynn is back with something new: Lynn Thompson Tactical Knives, available at NeverUnarmed.com. On Episode 671 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco sits down with Lynn for a wide-open conversation about where it all started and where it is going. Lynn traces his love of knives back to wooden ones his father made for him when he was a four-year-old growing up in Brazil. That passion led him to build his first push daggers in 1980, years before the word \"tactical\" was applied to knives as a category. After breaking two Gerber Mark II blades during backyard training, he set out to design a knife with an unbreakable point—and that drive eventually produced the Tanto, with the final Trail Master design sketched on a placemat at the Pierpont Inn in Ventura. Bob and Lynn also discuss the sub-hilt fighter, the history of the push dagger from the katar to the riverboat South, and the debate between double-edged and single-edged blades. Lynn is a serious practitioner, not just a designer. He trains with blades four sessions a week in a gymnasium stocked with $80,000 worth of aluminum training weapons, working with students and training partners on knife fighting, Bowie work, and combative research across multiple martial systems. He talks about what he would fix on the Trail Master guard, how fighting with a Bowie taught him to use the crossguard, and why he believes the Bowie knife is one of the hardest fighting tools to beat when it is built and balanced correctly. Lynn Thompson Tactical Knives is launching with 35 knives, including two new Bowie designs, the Japanese Quaken, a cutlass, and plans for sword canes. His new factory has 12 five-axis CNC grinding machines, robotics, automatic sharpeners, and polishing equipment that he calls the best he has ever had access to. You can find Lynn and the full lineup at Blade Show 2026 in Atlanta at booth 2413 in the secondary room and online at NeverUnarmed.com. This is one of the most knowledge-packed conversations in the history of The Knife Junkie Podcast. Whether you collect Cold Steel, study knife history, or just want to hear one of the legends of the knife world talk about what he is building next, this episode is required listening. 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 preferred platform: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.

Episode 670 of The Knife Junkie Podcast is all about great high-end knife carry combinations, and host Bob DeMarco brings seven of them to the table. Each pairing follows two simple rules: never carry two knives from the same company, and never carry two knives with the same blade shape. The result is a thoughtful and practical look at how to build a multi-knife carry that actually makes sense. Whether it is a heavy-duty folder paired with a slim fixed blade, a large clip point paired with a straight-edge Wharncliffe, or a utility folder paired with a defensive fixed blade, Bob breaks down the logic behind every combo. Before getting to the carry combos, Bob runs a full pocket check featuring the Off-Grid Knives Polaris XL in Vanax SuperClean steel, the Jack Wolf Knives Feelgood Jack in S90V, the Dirk Pinkerton Matador with its JL Hansen and Son handle scales, and the Edgy American Blade Works Junkie, a Seax-style fixed blade by Shane Gable in Cru-Wear at 64 HRC. He also covers four notable new releases in Knife Life News: the Bestech Kobber designed by Jake Diaz of Happy as Larry, the RoseCraft Blades Birchfield Camp Jack, the Civivi Dracolis Balisong trainer, and the TOPS Snake River Rescue dive knife by John Garcia. The \"First Tool\" segment of this episode covers the Seax, the single-edged blade of the Anglo-Saxons, Franks, and Vikings that served as the original everyday carry knife throughout early medieval Europe. Bob traces the Seax from its role as a farmer\'s tool and a warrior\'s weapon to its appearance as a decorated object of identity, including the famous Seax of Beagnoth found in the River Thames. He also draws a direct line from the broken-back Seax profile to the modern clip point, connecting a thousand years of blade design in a few short minutes. The State of the Collection segment adds more to an already full episode, with Bob showing the Spyderco Lum Tanto and Cold Steel El Vaquero acquired from Dirk Pinkerton, plus the brand-new Fisher Blades Harvey PK, the first EDC knife from Chaz and John Fisher of Fisher Blades. A set of custom leather XL Espada sheaths from patron Cesario Aton rounds out the segment. Bob also spotlights the 3 Dog Knife affiliate offer (25% off with code \"knifejunkie\" at theknifejunkie.com/3dogknife) and the Patreon-exclusive \"American Edge 250\" series, which covers historical American blade designs in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States. Whether you are building your own two-knife carry or just love seeing high-quality blades presented by someone who genuinely cares about them, Episode 670 delivers from the first minute to the last. Bob wraps it up with a question for the community: What carry combos are you running? Drop your answer in the comments and bring it to Thursday Night Knives, every Thursday at 10 p.m. Eastern on YouTube and Twitch. Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/670. 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.

What does it take to turn a 40-plus-year obsession with blades into a YouTube channel worth watching? Joe Steel of The Steel Mindset can answer that question. In Episode 669 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco sits down with Joe for a conversation that covers the origins of a lifelong passion, the craft and culture behind the katana, top production sword brands, and what it is like to build a knife and sword channel from the ground up while living in one of the least collector-friendly states in the country. Joe Steel traces his love of blades to May 14, 1982, the opening day of Conan the Barbarian. The forge scene at the start of that film hooked him at age nine, and the obsession never let go. He grew up collecting flea-market swords, bringing blades back from travels abroad, and absorbing everything he could find about bladecraft long before the internet made that easy. When the 2020 shutdown ended his career in live event production overnight, he discovered the YouTube sword-review community and made a decision: he had the production skills, equipment, and knowledge. He was going to make his own videos. The Steel Mindset channel was born from that decision. Much of this episode focuses on the katana, and for good reason. Joe talks about studying Japanese culture and sword forging since his teen years, reading about tamahagane steel, the quenching process that creates the blade\'s natural curve, and the remarkable fact that the katana was designed to be disassembled. A single bamboo peg called the mekugi holds the entire sword together. The tang of the blade, the nakago, reveals the level of care a maker put into the work. Joe explains all of it with the kind of detail that only comes from decades of genuine study and collecting. Joe also discusses the top production katana companies available right now, including Citadel, Motohara Evolution Blades, and Hanwei, as well as American smiths Walter Sorrells and Howard Clark. He touches on the strict laws governing katana ownership in Japan, where blades must be registered like firearms and can only be legally owned if they were made on Japanese soil. Bob and Joe also talk through the challenges of collecting knives in New York State, where the laws are strict, and Amazon will not ship knives to a residential address. Beyond The Steel Mindset channel, Joe co-hosts the Blade Talk with Joe and Scab podcast with Scott Baldwin, known as Scab of Choirboyz Cutlery Outdoors. The show has brought in a number of well-known names from the knife world, and the chemistry between a New York voice and a Southern one makes for great listening. Joe is also heading to the Blade Show in Atlanta and working toward surpassing the 10,000-subscriber mark on his channel. Find Joe and The Steel Mindset on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@JoeSteel1 and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/the_steel_mindset. 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 preferred platform: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.

In Episode 668 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco tackles a subject that sits right at the intersection of utility and self-defense: folding knives with straight cutting edges. Bob walks through 12 folders that all share a flat or nearly flat edge profile, and he explains the geometry behind why these blades transfer more force to the tip on a slash or thrust than a curved edge does. Whether you carry a knife for everyday work or are interested in personal protection, this episode offers plenty to think about and plenty of steel to admire. Before getting to the main topic, Bob covers a strong pocket check featuring the Emerson Knives P-SARK, the Spyderco Delica 4 (known in the household as Sleepy Bear), the Microtech SBD Dagger, and the Hogtooth Fighting Bowie. The Knife Life News segment covers three notable releases: the 100th Buck of the Month featuring the Drop Point 112 Ranger in S35VN, the new TOPS Sidekick Diver from designer Anna Espinosa, and a sharp-looking Buck Range Elite Stealth Run with gold-thread carbon fiber and a tritium thumb stud. The First Tool segment covers the 1918 Trench Dagger, officially known as the US Mark I Trench Knife. Bob covers the history behind its design, including why soldiers needed something compact and fast for trench warfare, what made the bronze knuckle guard so distinctive, and why collectors still prize original examples today. This particular knife was a gift from Bob\'s brother, and the personal story behind it adds to an already fascinating segment. The State of the Collection segment gives two older knives some well-deserved attention: the Real Steel H6 Blue Sheep, one of the first Real Steel knives to reach the American market, and the Sencut Waxahachie, a clip-point fixed blade with a great profile and a low price. Then the show moves into the main event, where Bob walks through twelve folding knives with straight cutting edges, including the Hinderer XM-24 Wharncliffe, the Kansept Main Street, the Pinkerton Knives Standoff, the ABW Model 2, the Northmountain Blade BBMN, the Shieldon Knives REV, the Off-Grid Knives Black Stallion, the Sencut Awassi, the Artisan Cutlery Proponent, the Jack Wolf Knives Diamondback Jack, the QSP Penguin, and the Spyderco Yojumbo. Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/668. 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.

On Episode 667 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco sits down with two of the most well-known brothers in the online knife community: Austin Culbertson, known on YouTube as Hissatsu5, and his brother Mathew Culbertson. The Culbertson brothers have been making knife videos for close to 20 years, starting with water bottle cut tests filmed on a bad camera, and building their channels into trusted resources for knife owners who want to know what their blades can actually do. One area of discussion in this episode is serrations and why they matter more than most people think. The brothers reveal that denim has a level 1 cut-resistance rating, meaning a razor-sharp, plain edge can bounce off denim without cutting through. Their testing shows that serrated edges close that gap and guarantee a bite that a plain edge sometimes cannot. Mathew walks through the pros and cons of Veff serrations, Cold Steel serrations, and Spyderco serrations, and describes the custom large flat top serration pattern he has developed for his own carry knives. He also covers a single oversized serration near the tip of a tanto blade that boosts performance on snap cuts — what he calls the \"snap master.\" The conversation includes why both brothers carry knives as tools of defense. Austin started carrying in high school after the Virginia Tech shooting. Mathew is a prison chaplain who cannot carry a firearm on the job and trains with knives every Sunday alongside his brother. Both brothers make a strong case for the knife as a practical carry tool, covering Texas self-defense law, the limits of firearms in restricted locations, and the ways a knife can save a life that a gun cannot. Bob asks both brothers about the deeper pull that knives have on the people who collect and carry them. Austin points to the knife as the first tool humans made with real intention. Mathew describes it as a symbol of justice, truth, and the responsibility to protect others. The episode also features a long look at Bowie knife history, including trainer knives made by Bobby Raines, a tour of the Bowie knife exhibit at the Little Rock, Arkansas, Museum, and a discussion about how historical Bowies took very different forms across different regions and eras. Find Austin Culbertson on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@Hissatsu5 and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/p/DG4dLfrMvjz. Find Mathew Culbertson on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@mathewrculbertson and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/matrculbertson. For the full episode and all show notes, visit www.theknifejunkie.com/667. 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 preferred platform: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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

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. 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.

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. 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.

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

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.

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. 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 podcast platform of choice: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.

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. 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 podcast platform of choice: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.

On this episode (656) of The Knife Junkie Podcast, Bob DeMarco speaks with Christopher Adelhardt of Pariah Knives, a maker who brings a unique background to the craft. Before Christopher ever ground his first blade, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and taught ceramics at the Erie Art Museum for more than five years. He also worked as a finish carpenter for nearly a decade, learning precision and craftsmanship from his father. This combination of artistic vision and hands-on building skills created the perfect foundation for what would become Pariah Knives. Christopher creates Japanese-inspired knives that blend traditional designs with modern materials. His work features distinctive geometric details and hand-shaped wooden handles that reflect his sculptural training. Each knife comes with a custom sheath, often using traditional Japanese saya construction with his own signature touches. His background in Kendo, a Japanese martial art he practices in Austin, Texas, gave him hands-on knowledge of traditional blade forms and how they should feel and move in the hand. The name Pariah Knives reflects his experiences growing up. He felt like an outcast—someone who chose art school while others played football. He describes himself as a late bloomer and a socially awkward kid who never quite fit the standard mold. This philosophy runs through every aspect of his work, creating pieces that stand apart from mainstream production knives and honor the past while pushing into the future. Listen to the full episode to hear Christopher discuss his journey from ceramics and carpentry to blade making, his techniques for creating hamons in high-carbon steel, and how he uses social media to connect with customers worldwide. Bob and Christopher also talk about the similarities between sculpture and knife making, the evolution of his style from fantasy blades to Japanese-inspired designs, and what it means to create modern interpretations of ancient blade patterns. Find Christopher Adelhardt and Pariah Knives online at https://www.pariahknives.com and follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/pariah_knives. Learn more at https://www.theknifejunkie.com/656. 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.

In Episode 655 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, Bob DeMarco shares his top 10 outdoor fixed blade knives, each tested through years of real-world use. From budget Moraknivs to the legendary Cold Steel Trailmaster he has carried for nearly three decades, this lineup represents knives that actually perform when you need them most. Bob walks through his current pocket check featuring the Emerson Zero Tolerance 0620, Jack Wolf Knives Timber Jack, TKell Nightstalker, and Cold Steel Desperado. The episode covers the February 2026 Gentleman Junkie giveaway from Knives by Nuge, the ongoing 3 Dog Knife affiliate partnership offering 25% off Alaska-made outdoor knives, and recent releases from Defiant 7, Civivi, and LionSteel. Bob also takes a historical look at the Japanese Kiridashi utility knife and shares his thoughts on the new Off-Grid Knives Polaris XL with Vanax steel. The main event features 10 outdoor fixed blades that have seen serious use: the Condor Hudson Bay knife that took down an entire hedgerow, the classic Morakniv Number 2, the TOPS Tex Creek, 3 Dog Knife MAK, Knives by Nuge Bruin, Bark River Boone 2, L.T. Wright Small Northern Hunter, Off-Grid Tracker, BPS Knives MP5, and the Cold Steel Trailmaster that has been batoning logs since 2008. Bob also shares honorable mentions, including additional models from BPS, Knives by Nuge, Morakniv, and Off-Grid Knives. Whether you need a knife for weekend camp chores, serious wilderness adventures, or everyday outdoor tasks, this episode provides real-world recommendations based on actual experience. Bob shares the scars, chips, and reprofiles that prove these blades work when it counts. Join host Bob DeMarco for honest talk about outdoor knives that deliver performance beyond the hype. TKJ affiliate links for knives in this episode: • 3 Dog Knife (25% off hardcore Alaskan-made knives with coupon code: knifejunkie): https://theknifejunkie.com/3dogknife • Off-Grid Knives: https://www.theknifejunkie.com/offgrid • T.Kell Knives: https://theknifejunkie.com/tkell (Get 10% OFF with coupon 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/655. 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 podcast platform of choice: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.

Welcome to The Knife Junkie Podcast, Episode 654. This week, Bob DeMarco sits down with John Curran of Curran Blades, a custom knife maker from Vero Beach, Florida, who builds bold, one-of-a-kind tactical folders and fixed blades. John began making knives about 20 years ago after he could not find a specific hunting knife in stores. That first rough blade, built with a torch and motor oil, sparked a passion that eventually became a full-time career. Three years ago, John caught what he calls 'the bug' for building folders, and it has become an obsession driven by the search for perfection. In this conversation, John discusses the technical challenges of building custom folders, why attention to detail matters most, and how he creates knives that look bold yet remain rooted in real-world function. He shares his thoughts on building a sustainable knife-making business without trying to become the next big production company, and why repeat customers mean more to him than anything else. You will also hear about the materials John works with, including CPM-154 steel and high-carbon options like 1095 and O1. Plus, John reveals his dream project: a big, beautiful Damascus Bowie knife that he plans to build when the time is right. Check out the full episode at TheKnifeJunkie.com/654. Find John Curran and Curran Blades at CurranBlades.com, on Instagram @curran_blades, and on Facebook. 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.

Episode 653 of The Knife Junkie Podcast takes a deeply personal turn as host Bob DeMarco shares the knives that hold the most meaning in his collection. This episode goes beyond steel types and blade geometry to explore the emotional connections that make knife collecting a lifelong passion. From family heirlooms nearly 100 years old to custom collaborations that mark personal milestones, Bob presents thirteen blades that represent different chapters in his life and collecting journey. The episode opens with Bob\'s practical pocket carry during the 2026 ice storm, featuring the robust Demko Knives AD20, the new Jack Wolf Knives Timber Jack designed by Tracy LaRock, the Knives By Nuge Bruin fixed blade, and a vintage USMC KA-BAR from 1990 that his brother gave him decades ago. Bob explains his emergency carry philosophy and why he chooses non-titanium handles in extreme cold. The Knife Life News segment covers exciting developments from Kombou and Bestech, Jared Price and Boker Plus, and new innovations from WE Knife Company. The heart of the episode focuses on thirteen nostalgia knives that tell the story of Bob\'s life. Family treasures include his grandfather\'s 1937 Jean Case Cutlery Co. hunting knife, with \"Robert Tinnirelli\" carved into the handle, and an L.F.&C U.S. 1918 Trench Knife that fulfilled a childhood dream shared with his brother. Production classics like the SOG Stingray, Cold Steel Tanto, Emerson Commander, Microtech SOCOM Elite, and Spyderco Sage 2 represent different eras and innovations in knife design. Design collaborations, including the Hogtooth Knives NoVA-1, TKell Knives Agent 001, and the 50th-birthday Hogtooth sub-hilt fighter, showcase Bob\'s work with talented makers such as Matt Chase and Tim Kell. The 50th birthday sub-hilt fighter stands out as perhaps the most meaningful knife in the collection. Inspired by Bob Loveless patterns, this double-edged fighting knife features a Damascus blade made from 15N20 and 1095, wrought iron reclaimed from Boston\'s Longfellow Bridge, antique black Micarta spacers, and beautiful stag. With 27 individual components perfectly balanced for its purpose, this knife represents not just exceptional craftsmanship but also the love of Bob\'s parents, who insisted on purchasing it as a birthday gift and handled all the arrangements with the maker, Matt Chase. Bob invites listeners to reflect on their own nostalgia knives and share the stories behind the blades that mean the most to them. This episode reminds us that the best knives are not always the most expensive or technologically advanced. The best knives are the ones that were present during important moments, given by people we love, or represent personal achievements and milestones in our collecting journey. Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/653. 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 podcast platform of choice: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.

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 Maxx 5.5, Jack Wolf Knives Timber Jack, Brock Blades Magni XL, and Work Tuff Gear Steadfast L. Bob also discusses the classic Case Trapper. He shares his experience finally putting his MoraKniv carbon steel fixed blade to work. The Knife Life News segment covers new releases from Sencut, the return of the Bareknuckle, and the Stealth Fighter-inspired Zero Tolerance ZT0117. The main event features folders that stood out in 2025. The list includes the Cold Steel Rajah 3, Kansept Bison, JW Kollab Tango, DC Blades Sting, Buck Range Elite, North Mountain Blade BBMN, Kansept Deadite, Manganas Steel Aurelia, a vintage Buck 112 Ranger with serious history, and the Cold Steel Mayhem. Each knife earned its spot through real-world carry and use, not just initial impressions. Bob shares honest thoughts on what worked and what surprised him throughout the year. Some knives delivered exactly what he expected, while others exceeded all predictions. The Manganas Aurelia claimed top honors as his favorite folder of the year, while the vintage Buck 112 from his friend Mike carried emotional weight that goes beyond materials and design. Whether you prefer tactical folders, classic patterns, or modern designs, this list offers something worth considering. Watch the full video to see all these knives in action and hear detailed discussions about blade grinds, materials, and what makes each folder special. This episode demonstrates that the most reliable knife reviews come from actual use over time, providing viewers with the information they need to make informed decisions about their next purchase. Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/652. 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 podcast platform of choice: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.