The Knife Junkie Podcast

oin Bob DeMarco as he showcases his complete collection of 8 DC Blades knives from the innovative collaboration between Justin Carvin (Tier 1 Gear Reviews) and Chris Harrison (Old Squirrel Knives).

From the groundbreaking Scythe XL to the tactical TOPS Ephyra, discover what makes these designs special. Plus: July 2025 giveaway details, Knife Life news covering Leatherman's knife debut and new releases from Rosecraft Blades and Boker, and Bob's weekend adventures with his Very Good Knife Company First Strike.

This episode offers deep insights into tactical knife design, innovative collaborations, and the future of modern folding knives.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/610.

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 The Knife Junkie\'s podcast platform of choice: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.

Episode 609 of The Knife Junkie Podcast features an inspiring conversation with Lance Strahl of Ironwood Outfitters, a Virginia-based maker who creates functional knives that seamlessly blend adventure and tactical aesthetics.

Host Bob DeMarco discovered Strahl's work at Blade Show 2025 through a recommendation from Matt Chase of Hogtooth Knives, leading to this deep exploration of a maker's 16-year journey from Boy Scout camp knives to professional craftsmanship.

Strahl's story begins with childhood fascination and a chance encounter at an Alaskan knife shop, evolving through years of self-taught learning using books like Wayne Goddard's "The $50 Knife Shop" rather than YouTube tutorials. His function-first philosophy ensures every piece - from Japanese-wrapped tactical knives to mammoth ivory hunters to fusion-style chef's knives - is built to be used, not displayed.

"Every piece I make, I expect to be used. I don\'t remake wall hangers," he explains.

The conversation covers Strahl's evolution from backyard forging with bricks, charcoal, and a hairdryer to modern stock removal in his basement workshop, his diverse material choices that range from traditional curly maple to modern synthetics, and his knife-making classes that introduce newcomers to the craft. His design process combines digital modeling with hands-on prototyping, always prioritizing ergonomics and functionality over pure aesthetics.

Strahl's recent Blade Show debut not only validated his place in the knife community but opened doors to new friendships and learning opportunities. His willingness to experiment with everything from aqua fortis wood finishing techniques dating to the 1700s to modern stainless steels like Nitro V demonstrates a maker who respects tradition while embracing innovation. Whether discussing his tactical fighters, outdoor utilities, or culinary creations, Strahl's commitment to functional artistry shines through every piece he creates.

Listen to the full episode at https://www.theknifejunkie.com/609 and explore Lance Strahl's work at https://ironwoodoutfitters.com or follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/ironwood_outfitters.

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 host Bob DeMarco for Episode 608 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, featuring an exciting showcase of 11 great new fixed blade knives.

This episode includes Bob\'s daily pocket check with premium carries like the Emerson TK1 and J.W. Kollab Tango, plus real-world testing updates on APOC Survival Tools. Discover the affordable excellence of the Jack Wolf Gateway Barlow ($70!), learn about the July Gentleman Junkie giveaway knife (3 Dog Knife M.A.K.), and get the latest knife industry news including Civivi\'s innovative folding fillet knife and Buck\'s patriotic limited edition.

The main feature highlights fixed blades ranging from tactical fighters to utility workhorses, including designs from APOC, TKell Knives, Gunfighter Customs, TOPS, Savage Creature Defense Tools, and more.

Whether you\'re interested in budget-friendly options or premium customs, this episode offers insights and honest reviews from a true knife enthusiast.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/608.

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 The Knife Junkie\'s podcast platform of choice: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.

Join The Knife Junkie Podcast host Bob DeMarco for an in-depth conversation with Yoni Wunderman, the innovative maker behind Compliance Edge Knives.

What started as a hobby during recovery from eye surgery has evolved into one of the most respected boutique knife operations in the industry, known for precision CNC manufacturing and monthly drops that sell out in minutes. Discover the story behind the legendary DCK Mark 1, learn about the business philosophy that drives monthly drops, and get exclusive insights into quality control processes that set new standards for boutique makers.

This episode goes beyond typical maker interviews to explore the technical and business sides of modern knife manufacturing. Wunderman shares hard-won lessons about CNC machining, the importance of end-user feedback in design, and how attention to detail creates customer loyalty. From early experiments in a Brazilian jiu-jitsu studio to mastering complex CAD/CAM workflows, this conversation reveals the dedication required to build a successful knife business from scratch.

A major focus of the discussion centers on Wunderman\'s latest venture: the world\'s first comprehensive CNC knife making course, launching July 9. This groundbreaking educational program promises to democratize advanced manufacturing techniques, offering step-by-step guidance from design through production.

Whether you\'re an aspiring maker, seasoned collector, or business enthusiast, this episode provides valuable insights into innovation, entrepreneurship, and the pursuit of perfection in both craft and commerce.

Learn more about this episode at https://www.theknifejunkie.com/607,

Visit Yoni Wunderman online at https://complianceedgeknives.com, follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/compliance_edge, and connect on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/complianceedgeknives.

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 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.

In Episode 606 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco speaks with Josh Wolfe, the Army Ranger veteran and founder of Red Beard Blades.

Josh shares his story from combat veteran to master knife maker, explaining how his military service directly influenced his approach to creating what he calls "apocalypse survival tools" The conversation covers his early learning experiences, the importance of mentorship in knife making, and his signature designs including the popular Midnight Patriot and Bravo 4 models.

The knife maker talks about his steel selection process, having settled on 8670 and 80CRV2 for their combination of toughness and workability. He explains his signature black oxide finishing technique and how his military mindset of continuous improvement drives him to make each knife better than the last.

The episode provides valuable insights into blade geometry, heat treatment, and the discipline required to master the craft of knife making.

Listeners will appreciate Josh's honest assessment of his early struggles and mistakes, as well as his generous approach to sharing knowledge with other makers. His story demonstrates how the structured thinking and attention to detail learned in military service translates perfectly to the precision required in knife making.

Josh also touches on his design evolution, from blocky early handles to refined ergonomic profiles, and his recent experimentation with textured G10 materials.This episode offers both inspiration for aspiring knife makers and valuable information for collectors interested in understanding what goes into creating high-quality custom knives.

Find this episode and more at www.theknifejunkie.com/606, and learn more about Josh Wolfe and Red Beard Blades at https://redbeardblade.com, on Instagram 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 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.