The Knife Junkie Podcast

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.