The Knife Junkie Podcast

Host Bob DeMarco showcases 10 exciting new knife acquisitions ranging from a surprising $25 Bowie to premium customs, plus reveals the stunning second production run of his signature TKell Knives Agent 001 design.

The episode features practical EDC carry combinations, industry news from Tactile, Boker, Civivi and Buck, and honest reviews of knives across all price points. Bob tests a budget blade extensively and shares insights on building three new everyday carry options.

Special highlights include a vintage Buck 112, APOC Survival Japanese-inspired designs, and the dramatic quality improvements in the new Agent 001 second production run.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/620.

Support the Knife Junkie channel with your next knife purchase. Find our affiliate links at https://theknifejunkie.com/knives. You can also support The Knife Junkie and get in on the perks of being a patron, including early access to the podcast and exclusive bonus content. Visit https://www.theknifejunkie.com/patreon for details.

Let us know what you thought about this episode and leave a rating and/or a review. Your feedback is appreciated. You can also email 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.

When the zombie apocalypse arrives, which fixed blade knife would you grab? Host Bob DeMarco evaluates 12 essential fixed blades specifically chosen for their combat effectiveness and durability. From the battle-tested Cold Steel Trailmaster Bowie to the tactical precision of the TKell Sapper, discover which knives make the cut for ultimate survival scenarios.

This episode features a detailed pocket check with Japanese-made Spyderco excellence, the latest Knife Life News including exciting releases from Boker, KA-BAR, and WE Knife Company, plus insights into building the perfect tactical knife collection.

Whether preparing for the undead or simply appreciating exceptional blade design, this episode delivers expert knowledge from three decades of hands-on knife experience.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/619.

Support the Knife Junkie channel with your next knife purchase. Find our affiliate links at https://theknifejunkie.com/knives.

You can also support The Knife Junkie and get in on the perks of being a patron, including early access to the podcast and exclusive bonus content. Visit https://www.theknifejunkie.com/patreon for details.

Let us know what you thought about this episode and leave a rating and/or a review. Your feedback is appreciated. You can also email 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 618 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco sits down with Ric Valdez, founder of Ocaso Knives, for an fascinating look at building a gentleman's knife company from the ground up. Valdez, who spent nearly two decades in the Cold Steel executive suite, shares how he identified a gap in the market for elegant, high-performance pocket knives suitable for business professionals and decided to fill it himself.

The conversation covers his impressive growth since launching just under three years ago, including expansions in booth size at Blade Show, new product launches like the Lucent automatic knife, and exciting partnerships with renowned designers. Valdez discusses his global manufacturing strategy, working with facilities in Taiwan, Italy, Japan, and now the United States, each chosen for specific expertise and capabilities.

The highlight announcement involves Andrew Demko transitioning from collaborator to partner, with plans for American-made knives featuring the signature shark lock mechanism.

Beyond product development, Valdez shares valuable insights about brand building, customer engagement, and entrepreneurship. His philosophy of building genuine relationships within the knife community, creating destination experiences at trade shows, and focusing on solving real problems rather than just making products offers lessons that extend far beyond the knife industry. The discussion also touches on future plans for expanding into adjacent markets like watches and pens, with the ultimate goal of creating a complete lifestyle brand.

This episode provides an insider's look at the challenges and rewards of growing a knife company in today's competitive market. Valdez's approach to balancing elegance with performance, managing multiple collaborations, and building authentic customer relationships makes this essential listening for knife enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and anyone interested in successful brand building.

Visit https://www.theknifejunkie.com/618 for more, and find Ocaso Knives online at https://www.ocasoknives.com, on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ocaso_knives, and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ocasoknives.

Be sure to support The Knife Junkie and get in on the perks of being a patron, including early access to the podcast and exclusive bonus content. Visit https://www.theknifejunkie.com/patreon for details. You can also support The Knife Junkie channel with your next knife purchase. Find our affiliate links at https://theknifejunkie.com/knives.

Let us know what you thought about this episode and leave a rating and/or a review. Your feedback is appreciated. You can also email 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 The Knife Junkie's podcast platform of choice: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.

Join Bob DeMarco for his highly anticipated summer carry roundup featuring the most carried folders of 2025. Discover which knives earned real pocket time through months of use, from the purple Microtech LUDT to the dramatic DC Blades Sting.

Learn why seasonal factors influence carry choices and which features matter most for summer EDC. Whether you prefer tactical folders or gentleman knives, this comprehensive guide reveals what makes a blade truly worth carrying.

This episode also covers new releases from Jack Wolf Knives, Artisan Cutlery, and Sencut, plus detailed reviews of proven performers that handle everything from tactical tasks to food prep.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/617.

Support the Knife Junkie channel with your next knife purchase. Find our affiliate links at https://theknifejunkie.com/knives. You can also support The Knife Junkie and get in on the perks of being a patron, including early access to the podcast and exclusive bonus content. Visit https://www.theknifejunkie.com/patreon for details.

Let us know what you thought about this episode and leave a rating and a review. Your feedback is appreciated. You can also email 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 616 of The Knife Junkie Podcast features an inspiring conversation with rising bladesmith Joseph Bandeko, whose rapid ascent in the knife-making world has been nothing short of remarkable.

In just over five years, this American Bladesmith Society apprentice has progressed from using an upside-down belt sander in his parents' garage to creating sophisticated art knives that command thousands of dollars and turn heads at major blade shows across the country.

Host Bob DeMarco explores Bandeko's incredible range of work, from intricate Damascus steel daggers featuring double keyhole handles that require tolerances within thousandths of an inch, to robust outdoor choppers forged from 130-year-old ship chain iron.

The conversation reveals not just the technical mastery required for such pieces, but also the innovative thinking behind designs like his S-grind kitchen knives that solve real-world problems with food release, and his Lord of the Rings-inspired fighters that showcase both artistic vision and functional excellence.

What makes this episode particularly compelling is witnessing a young maker who refuses to be confined to a single approach or style. his philosophy of continuous innovation and willingness to tackle increasingly challenging projects - including an upcoming sword featuring six keyholes and mosaic Damascus - demonstrates the fearless creativity that's driving the next generation of American bladesmithing. His journey from self-taught hobbyist to respected craftsman offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the intersection of traditional skills and modern innovation.

The discussion also covers practical aspects of running a custom knife business, the importance of community and mentorship in the bladesmithing world, and the technical challenges involved in working with different steel types and construction methods. Whether you are a knife enthusiast, collector, or aspiring maker, this episode provides both inspiration and education about what's possible when passion meets precision in the world of custom knives.

Listen to this episode at www.theknifejunkie.com/616 and follow Joseph Bandeko on Instagram @joseph_bandeko.

Be sure to support The Knife Junkie and get in on the perks of being a patron, including early access to the podcast and exclusive bonus content. Visit https://www.theknifejunkie.com/patreon for details.

You can also support The Knife Junkie channel with your next knife purchase. Find our affiliate links at https://theknifejunkie.com/knives. Let us know what you thought about this episode and leave a rating and/or a review.

Your feedback is appreciated. You can also email 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.