The Knife Junkie Podcast

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.

Join Bob DeMarco for Episode 651 as he reveals his most beloved fixed blade knives from 2025. This annual year-end roundup showcases the designs that earned their place through real-world use and consistent performance.

From combat-ready blades to traditional outdoor tools, Bob covers the full spectrum of fixed-blade excellence. Each knife made the cut because of superior craftsmanship, functional design, and actual carry time, not just shelf appeal. Whether you love tactical designs, traditional patterns, or modern interpretations, this episode delivers something for every fixed-blade fan.

Bob walks through each knife in detail, sharing stories about how he acquired them, what makes them special, and why they rose to the top of his collection.

This episode goes beyond simple product reviews. Bob shares the personal connections behind several knives, including gifts from friends in the knife community and custom commissions that reflect his preferences and values. He talks about how some of these blades accompanied him during a temporary relocation over the holidays, demonstrating their dependability in crucial situations.

The episode also includes his weekly Pocket Check featuring a Microtech SOCOM Elite Auto, updates from the knife world, including new releases from We Knife Co. and CRKT, and a look at recent additions to his collection. Bob shares the story of The First Tool, a classic Marbles Hunting Knife.

Bob wraps up by promising next week\'s episode will feature his most loved folders of 2025, ensuring fans of folding knives have their own lineup to look forward to. This episode reminds us why fixed blades remain essential tools for anyone serious about knives.

Whether you are a fixed-blade fanatic, a casual collector, or someone looking to add your first quality fixed blade to your collection, this episode provides valuable information and real-world perspectives. Bob\'s choices span small independent makers and established manufacturers, proving that excellent knives come from all corners of the industry. Tune in to discover which of these great fixed blades might become your next favorite knife.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/651. 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.

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

John started as a dishwasher at age 16 and worked his way up through professional kitchens, eventually becoming an executive chef. His experience in fine dining taught him exactly what a knife should do, from the geometry of a convex grind to the importance of handle ergonomics.

These lessons now inform his work at Marconi Blades, where he creates fixed-blade knives using CPM MagnaCut steel and offers ambidextrous sheath options. The conversation covers his flagship Tuilm model, influences from makers like Frank Windle Jr. (Northman Blades) and Brian Schultz, and why he believes functional tools should also be art pieces.

The episode also talks about the practical side of making and using knives. John shares his preferences for kitchen knives, including his decade-plus relationship with a Zwilling Bob Kramer blade and custom pieces from makers like Greetham Knife Co. Bob and John discuss steel choices, grind geometry, and the future of Marconi Blades, including upcoming collaborations and new models in development.

Listen as John explains how the chaos of restaurant kitchens prepared him for the controlled precision of knifemaking. Hear about his brother\'s parallel journey into knife work and what it takes to balance a full-time chef career with a growing custom blade business.

This episode offers insights for anyone interested in fixed blade design, defensive knives, or the intersection of different blade disciplines.

Visit www.theknifejunkie.com/650 for show notes and additional resources. Connect with John Marconi at marconiblades.com and on Instagram at @marconi_blades.

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.

Bob DeMarco returns in 2026 with an extensive examination of prototypes, fresh releases, and loaner knives that preview what collectors can expect in the coming months. Episode 649 of The Knife Junkie Podcast delivers on its title with detailed looks at pre-production models from Pinkerton Knives, Kansept, CRKT, Medford, Artisan Cutlery, and Marconi Blades.

The pocket check reveals daily carries including the Kansept Deadite, Jack Wolf Knives Gateway Equal End, and combat-oriented fixed blades from Savage Creature Defense Tools and Spartan Blades. Bob highlights his affiliate partnership with 3 Dog Knife, offering 25 percent off hardcore Alaskan-made knives with coupon code "knifejunkie," and announces the January 2026 Gentleman Junkie Giveaway featuring a 3 Dog Knife Champion Blade.

Knife Life News covers three standout releases: the Real Steel Enthusiast Grade Griffin with Vanax SuperClean steel, the We Knife Co. Skyneks with a 3.7-inch M390 blade, and the GiantMouse No. 14 Valetta limited edition. The First Tool segment examines the Barong, a leaf-shaped blade from the southern Philippines that served as both a weapon and a symbol of Moro identity and faith.

His State of the Collection showcases the Work Tuff Gear Steadfast L with its 7-inch K329 blade, the HX Outdoors FALCILUX Folding Hatchet, the Garret Wade Bifold Knife, and the JW Kollab Backwoods FIXedc collaboration. The main event focuses on prototypes and loaners, including the morphing CRKT Provoke Tomahawk, multiple Pinkerton Knives designs optimized for utility and self-defense, Kansept prototypes named Incitatus and Navaja, an unnamed Artisan clip point with dramatic recurve, and a custom Pinkerton Khanjarli featuring a fully double-edged blade.

The episode offers knife enthusiasts a rare glimpse into the design process, showing how makers refine concepts before committing to full production. From traditional slip joints to futuristic morphing tools, Bob demonstrates the breadth of innovation occurring across the knife industry.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/649.

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 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.

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

The Mystic draws inspiration from New England whaling culture and specifically the town of Mystic, Connecticut. When Paul visited Mystic Seaport as a young person, the old harpoon guns on display in this preserved whaling museum captivated him. Those harpoons directly influenced the blade shape and handle design of the knife. The Rex 45 steel develops a beautiful patina over time, adding to the historical aesthetic and making each knife unique to its owner. It remains one of Paul\'s largest blade designs to date.

Paul also discusses his recent collaboration with Kansept on the Quasar, which features a crossbar lock and hole-opening mechanism. This knife launched with eight different configurations, from high-end Timascus scales to budget-friendly G10 versions, even including a unique Glow Fat Carbon option that actually glows in the dark. The variety allowed collectors at different price points to own the design.

As a multi-faceted artist who works in graphic design, music, and visual arts through his company Colorful Filth Graphic Design, Paul brings a unique perspective to knife design. He has collaborated with companies like Northern Knives and designer Jonathan Styles while maintaining knife design as a passion project alongside his full-time work.

His signature design philosophy involves creating blades that look almost too big for the handle when open, creating a visual impact that sets his work apart.

Looking ahead, Paul has clear goals for Munko Knife Designs. Eventually, he wants to launch an OEM project under his own brand, though he is thoughtful about the responsibilities that come with that step. He promises that when he does make that move, it will be something special for the collectors who have supported him from the start. With nine production designs currently on the market, Paul Munko is a designer worth following.

Find Paul Munko online at https://www.colorfulfilth.com, on Facebook at https://facebook.com/ColorfulFilth, and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/colorfulfilth and https://www.instagram.com/paulmunko.

Listen to the full episode at https://www.theknifejunkie.com/648.

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.