The Knife Junkie Podcast

In Episode 628 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco takes listeners on a detailed tour through his TOPS Knives collection, showcasing 11 fixed blades that represent the best of American knife manufacturing. From the combat-ready Prather War Bowie to the work-tested Tex Creek, each knife tells a story of functional design rooted in military and law enforcement experience.

Bob begins with his daily pocket check, featuring the Off Grid Knives Mamba V3, C. Risner Cutlery Ohio River Jack, Brock Blades Magni XL, and his emotional support Hogtooth Fighting Bowie. The episode includes a fascinating historical segment on the Okapi knife, exploring how a simple German folder became a cultural icon in South Africa.

The Knife Life News segment covers stories from CRKT, Kershaw, Boker, and Buck, highlighting new releases and collaborations across the industry.

Bob then showcases his collaboration with T.Kell on the Agent 001, entering its second production run with precision machining by NCC Knives and innovative handle options. To get an Agent 001 (drops Oct. 1), or any other T.Kell Knives knife and save 10% on your purchase, use our affiliate link, https://theknifejunkie.com/tkell, AND use the coupon code: knifejunkie.

The heart of the episode focuses on TOPS Knives, founded by four law enforcement officers and ex-military personnel in Idaho. Bob demonstrates how the company maintains its combat DNA while expanding into everyday carry, self-defense, and outdoor applications. His collection spans from specialized fighters like the asymmetrical Rapid Strike to versatile tools like the ringed C.U.T. 4.0, each showcasing the company commitment to 1095 carbon steel and American manufacturing.

Through hands-on demonstrations and real-world usage stories, Bob explains why TOPS Knives continues to matter in today modern market, proving that fundamental design principles and proven materials often outperform flashy innovations. This episode provides essential insights for anyone considering TOPS Knives or wanting to understand what makes American-made fixed blades special.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/628.

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.

Episode 627 of The Knife Junkie Podcast features Marine veteran and knife maker Tim Kell of T.Kell Knives, whose company has achieved remarkable 3,850% growth in just six years.

Host Bob DeMarco talks with Kell about the return of the popular Agent 001 fixed blade with significant improvements including step milling, enhanced ergonomics, and new Battle Lock FRN grips that challenge conventional handle materials.

The conversation also covers T.Kell\'s revolutionary Combatant folder - a modular design that allows users to swap blades in seconds and change grips in under a minute. Kell discusses his partnerships with top American machinists like Nick Chuprin and successful collaborations with designers including The Knife Junkie, Melissa Backwoods, and Tomas Alas.

The discussion also touches on overcoming manufacturing challenges and how customer support helped the company weather significant setbacks.

Kell\'s military background influences his modular design philosophy, emphasizing user serviceability and adaptability. From the rebranded Sapper (now Outrider) to innovative accessories like Ulti Clip spring clips and Badger Claw leather sheaths, T.Kell continues pushing boundaries in American knife manufacturing.

Learn more about this episode at https://www.theknifejunkie.com/627.

Connect with T.Kell Knives at tkellknives.com, on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Use our affiliate link theknifejunkie.com/tkell AND the coupon code "knifejunkie" for 10% off your purchase of any T.Kell product.

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.

Join Bob DeMarco for an in-depth look at the fixed blade knives of Hogtooth Knives in Episode 626 of The Knife Junkie Podcast. This comprehensive episode covers everything from daily carry tantos to custom Damascus fighters, showing why Matt Chase has become one of America's most respected knife makers.

DeMarco shares personal stories about each knife in his Hogtooth collection, including a commissioned Bowie that pays homage to Bill Bagwell's fighting knives and a sub-hilt fighter inspired by Bob Loveless designs. Learn about the NoVA collaboration series that brought limited edition knives to Knife Junkie fans, and hear the incredible story of how one of these designs saved an American serviceman's life in combat.

The episode also covers the latest knife releases from Demko, Sencut, Bestech, and We Knife Company, plus a fascinating history of the balisong butterfly knife in "The First Tool" section.

Whether you're interested in production knives or custom pieces, this episode shows why quality fixed blades deserve a place in every collection.

Bob's passion for these knives shines through as he explains the craftsmanship, materials, and design philosophy that makes Hogtooth Knives special. From 154CM steel work knives to Damascus heirloom pieces, this episode covers the full range of what's possible when a master craftsman combines traditional skills with modern techniques.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/626.

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.

Episode 625 of The Knife Junkie Podcast welcomes back martial arts expert Rolando Garcia III, known as Rolando Estocada, for an in-depth discussion of bladed martial arts and fighting methodologies. This NYC-based instructor brings decades of experience in Jeet Kune Do, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Savate, and American Bowie knife fighting to share his unique Estocada system that combines combat effectiveness with health optimization.

Host Bob DeMarco and Rolando explore the technical aspects of various edged weapons, from traditional Filipino Illustrisimo Kali to Spanish Navaja techniques and modern tomahawk applications. Rolando shares insights from his recent training with renowned masters and demonstrates knives from his impressive collection, including custom Bill Bagwell Bowie knives designed specifically for his movement patterns and the innovative Bobby Rains Fire Child with its revolutionary handle ergonomics.

The conversation covers weapon-specific fighting templates, the importance of understanding blade geometry and handle design, and how historical fighting methods can inform modern tactical applications. Rolando explains his systematic approach to studying different weapon categories and why he believes templates provide superior training methods compared to traditional technique-based martial arts instruction.

This episode offers valuable insights for both knife collectors and martial arts practitioners interested in the practical applications of edged weapons. Rolando\'s expertise in multiple fighting systems and his analytical approach to weapon design make this essential listening for serious students of bladed arts.

Find the full episode at https://www.theknifejunkie.com/625 and follow Rolando on Instagram at www.instagram.com/rolandoestocada and YouTube at www.youtube.com/@RolandoEstocada.

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 624 of The Knife Junkie Podcast brings back the classic "First Tool" segment with a dramatic look at the Spanish navaja while showcasing the hottest trend in modern knives: pocket carry fixed blades. Host Bob DeMarco examines 13 different fixed blade knives designed specifically for discreet pocket carry, from tactical defensive options to utility workhorses.

The episode features custom knives on loan from listener James, including Sean O'Connell folders, an RJ Martin/Shirogorov collaboration, and a Grailer Knives piece. Bob covers breaking news from Boker, SOG, and Civivi, plus announces the October 1 release of his TKell Knives Agent 001 collaboration and the pre-order release of the Terzuola Designs handmade ceramic mugs.

His pocket check showcases Japanese-inspired designs from APOC Survival Tools and Savage Creature Defense Tools, plus an American Blade Works slip joint and KA-BAR Dog Head. The main segment explores how modern sheath designs and manufacturing techniques have made substantial fixed blades practical for everyday pocket carry, representing one of the most significant trends in contemporary knife collecting.

Whether you are interested in defensive carry, utility applications, or simply want to understand this growing movement, Episode 624 provides comprehensive coverage of the pocket fixed blade revolution. Bob provides detailed explanations of carry methods, sheath designs, and blade geometries, which make this essential listening for anyone curious about expanding their EDC options beyond traditional folders.

The episode demonstrates how innovation in both blade design and carry systems continues pushing the boundaries of what is possible in everyday carry knives, proving that function and discretion can coexist beautifully.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/624.

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.