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.

Host Bob DeMarco presents the definitive guide to essential fixed blade knives every collector should own in Episode 615 of The Knife Junkie Podcast.

From military classics like the USMC KA-BAR to budget champions like the Morakniv Companion, Bob breaks down a dozen blades/blade categories of fixed blades that form the foundation of any serious collection. Whether you are re a folder fanatic looking to expand or a new collector seeking direction, this episode delivers practical advice on building a well-rounded arsenal.

Bob also covers his latest acquisitions including the Cold Steel Mayhem and the first Auxiliary Manufacturing production knife, plus important Knife Life news including the new RoseCraft Buffalo River Jack and the Gerber MagnaCut Strongarm Camp upgrade.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/615.

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.

Join Bob DeMarco on The Knife Junkie Podcast Episode 614 as he sits down with Jacob Asuit, the passionate founder of Very Good Knife Co., for an incredible journey through the world of knife making. His story is one of resilience, family business complications, serious injuries, and ultimately finding his true calling in creating affordable, utilitarian knives that working people actually use.

From his early days assembling knives with his father at 2 Jake's Knives to grinding thousands of blade blanks for Premium Knife Supply, Jacob has accumulated an almost unparalleled level of hands-on experience. His journey includes creating high-end custom pieces featuring exotic materials like mammoth tooth and meteorite, but ultimately led him to realize his true passion: making "very good" knives that people aren't afraid to carry and use every day.

In this episode, Jacob shares the inspiration behind his company name (hint: it involves Parks and Recreation's Ron Swanson), his philosophy on knife design that prioritizes hand feel over aesthetics, and his criticism of makers who charge custom prices for production-style work. You'll learn about his meticulous production process where every knife is still hand-cut from bar stock, his approach to testing knives through real-world abuse, and his plans for significant expansion while maintaining his quality standards.

Bob showcases the beautiful First Strike knife he purchased directly from Jacob at Blade Show 2025, and Jacob demonstrates several of his designs including the popular Adventure model, the massive Eagle, and previews his upcoming Counter Strike design. The conversation reveals not just technical expertise, but the business lessons learned from over a decade in the knife industry and Jacob's vision for making quality knives accessible to working people.

Whether you are a knife maker, collector, or simply someone who appreciates quality craftsmanship and compelling personal stories, this episode offers valuable insights into what it takes to build a sustainable knife business based on integrity and practical design.

Listen at theknifejunkie.com/614 and connect with Jacob at verygoodknifeco.com, on YouTube at Very Good Knife Company, and Instagram @verygoodknifeco.

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 our podcast platform of choice: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.

Host Bob DeMarco reveals the 15+ essential folding knives every collector should own in this comprehensive guide covering budget workhorses to premium masterpieces. From the classic Buck 110 to innovative designs like the Demko AD20, discover which folders deserve a place in your collection.

Plus: a pocket check featuring the Kansept Bison, the August custom Edgy American Bowie giveaway, Knife Life News covering the premium CRKT Nucleus upgrade along with Opinel's controversial changes, and Bob's latest acquisitions including Civivi's Natterjack and Guile.

Whether you're starting your collection or filling gaps, this episode provides expert guidance on knives that represent the best of folding knife design and manufacturing.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/613.

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.

In Episode 612 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco welcomes Cache Haggard, founder of Revenant Corps, to discuss his innovative G10 knife designs for non-permissive environments. Cache brings a deep martial arts background spanning jiu-jitsu, wrestling, Muay Thai, and various knife arts including the prison-inspired Medusa Edge Weapon System and South African Piper techniques.

Cache shares his journey from holster maker to G10 knife innovator, explaining how his flagship Grackle design and other tactical profiles prioritize function over flash. The conversation explores the unique advantages of G10 as a knife material - it doesn't set off metal detectors, won't rust, and remains lightweight while maintaining strength tested on pig carcasses.

From traditional Tsukamaki wrapping techniques to innovative sheath designs using Boltaron and shock cord attachments, Revenant Corps represents a thoughtful approach to modern defensive tools.

The discussion delves into the intersection of grappling and knife work, the challenges of building a niche business in the tactical market, and Cache's philosophy of creating weapons that can go where metal cannot. His designs include the cleverly disguised G10 awl that resembles a Sharpie marker, demonstrating the innovative thinking behind NPE (non-permissive environment) tools.

Cache also shares his business journey, from facing constant rejection to building a full-time operation, and his plans to expand into steel while maintaining G10 as the core of his product line.

Listen to the full episode at https://www.theknifejunkie.com/612, and learn more about Cache and Revenant Corps at https://revenantcorps.com, Instagram @revenantcorps, and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/107753208416874.

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.

Join Bob DeMarco for an in-depth look at his most carried self-defense fixed blade knives during summer 2025.

This comprehensive episode features Bob's daily pocket check, breaking knife news from major manufacturers, state of the collection updates, and detailed reviews of 12 fixed blades that have earned serious carry time. From his own TKell Agent 001 collaboration to custom pieces from Dirk Pinkerton and production standouts like the Civivi Perfrico, Bob shares honest insights about what makes a defensive knife truly carry-worthy.

Whether you're interested in tactical applications or everyday protection, this episode delivers practical knowledge from years of real-world experience. Plus: exciting news about upcoming TKell releases, Patreon knife giveaways, and why Bob\'s daughter keeps a BPS Junior Outdoor by her bedside "for defense."

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/611.

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

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.