The Knife Junkie Podcast

What makes a pocket knife truly great at everything? In Episode 676, Bob DeMarco builds a list of 10 great \"do everything\" pocket knives, and the ground rules are strict. The knife has to handle everyday cutting tasks without a second thought. It has to be a credible self-defense option with solid ergonomics and the right blade geometry. And it has to be something you would be glad you had if a short hike turned into an unplanned overnight in the woods. None of the usual suspects made the list. No Griptilian, no Bugout, no PM2, no Military 1, and no Buck 110. Just 10 knives that Bob says deserve more credit in this category.The 10 are the Spyderco Stretch 2XL, Cold Steel Karve, Microtech SOCOM Elite Ram-Lok, Ritter Hogue RSK Mk1, Manganas Steel Aurelia, Artisan Kami, Civivi Sentinel Strike 2, Kansept Deadite, Off-Grid Knives Stinger XL, and the North Mountain Blade BBMN. Bob walks through each one, covering blade geometry, handle ergonomics, lock strength, steel choice, and exactly why each knife earns a spot on the list.Before the main segment, Bob runs through a pocket check featuring the Spyderco Military 2 in CruCarta, the Jack Wolf Knives Gateway Bison fixed EDC, the SOG SEAL Pup, and the Cold Steel Natchez Bowie. He also shows off a generous box of fixed blades sent in by his friend Craig, known as Fishbag during Thursday Night Knives, including a Green River 4215, an Ontario Old Hickory 7026, a Cold Steel Leatherneck, an Ontario pilot knife, and a Case USMC fighting utility knife. Knife Life News covers a GiantMouse Kickstarter collaboration with Jackass star Chris Pontius, a new modular EDC from Work Sharp called the Madrone, and expanded offerings from Pennsylvania maker Kestrel Knives.The First Tool segment tells the story of the Gerber Mark II, a knife designed in 1966 by retired Army Captain Bud Holzman, drawing on the ancient Roman Mainz Gladius and the Fairbairn-Sykes dagger used by British commandos. It earned its name in Vietnam, appeared in The Road Warrior and Alien, and became one of the most recognizable combat knives of the 20th century. Bob also shares the curious story of early canted-blade versions being returned by buyers who thought they were bent, making those originals among the most collectible today.Whether you have a short list of go-to EDC folders or you are still building it, this episode gives you ten names worth considering and a clear set of reasons why each one belongs there.Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/676. 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 this episode (656) of The Knife Junkie Podcast, Bob DeMarco speaks with Christopher Adelhardt of Pariah Knives, a maker who brings a unique background to the craft.Before Christopher ever ground his first blade, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and taught ceramics at the Erie Art Museum for more than five years. He also worked as a finish carpenter for nearly a decade, learning precision and craftsmanship from his father. This combination of artistic vision and hands-on building skills created the perfect foundation for what would become Pariah Knives.Christopher creates Japanese-inspired knives that blend traditional designs with modern materials. His work features distinctive geometric details and hand-shaped wooden handles that reflect his sculptural training. Each knife comes with a custom sheath, often using traditional Japanese saya construction with his own signature touches.His background in Kendo, a Japanese martial art he practices in Austin, Texas, gave him hands-on knowledge of traditional blade forms and how they should feel and move in the hand.The name Pariah Knives reflects his experiences growing up. He felt like an outcast—someone who chose art school while others played football. He describes himself as a late bloomer and a socially awkward kid who never quite fit the standard mold. This philosophy runs through every aspect of his work, creating pieces that stand apart from mainstream production knives and honor the past while pushing into the future.Listen to the full episode to hear Christopher discuss his journey from ceramics and carpentry to blade making, his techniques for creating hamons in high-carbon steel, and how he uses social media to connect with customers worldwide. Bob and Christopher also talk about the similarities between sculpture and knife making, the evolution of his style from fantasy blades to Japanese-inspired designs, and what it means to create modern interpretations of ancient blade patterns.Find Christopher Adelhardt and Pariah Knives online at https://www.pariahknives.com and follow along on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/pariah_knives.Learn more at https://www.theknifejunkie.com/656.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.

Welcome to The Knife Junkie Podcast, Episode 654. This week, Bob DeMarco sits down with John Curran of Curran Blades, a custom knife maker from Vero Beach, Florida, who builds bold, one-of-a-kind tactical folders and fixed blades.John began making knives about 20 years ago after he could not find a specific hunting knife in stores. That first rough blade, built with a torch and motor oil, sparked a passion that eventually became a full-time career. Three years ago, John caught what he calls 'the bug' for building folders, and it has become an obsession driven by the search for perfection.In this conversation, John discusses the technical challenges of building custom folders, why attention to detail matters most, and how he creates knives that look bold yet remain rooted in real-world function. He shares his thoughts on building a sustainable knife-making business without trying to become the next big production company, and why repeat customers mean more to him than anything else.You will also hear about the materials John works with, including CPM-154 steel and high-carbon options like 1095 and O1. Plus, John reveals his dream project: a big, beautiful Damascus Bowie knife that he plans to build when the time is right.Check out the full episode at TheKnifeJunkie.com/654.Find John Curran and Curran Blades at CurranBlades.com, on Instagram @curran_blades, 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 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.

Bob DeMarco returns with another year-end roundup on The Knife Junkie Podcast, counting down his favorite folding knives from 2025. After covering his top fixed blades last week, this episode focuses on the folders that earned the most pocket time throughout the year. From tactical self-defense designs to classic patterns with sentimental value, this list covers the full range of what makes a great folding knife.The episode begins with community feedback and a pocket check featuring the Cuda Maxx 5.5, Jack Wolf Knives Timber Jack, Brock Blades Magni XL, and Work Tuff Gear Steadfast L. Bob also discusses the classic Case Trapper. He shares his experience finally putting his MoraKniv carbon steel fixed blade to work. The Knife Life News segment covers new releases from Sencut, the return of the Bareknuckle, and the Stealth Fighter-inspired Zero Tolerance ZT0117.The main event features folders that stood out in 2025. The list includes the Cold Steel Rajah 3, Kansept Bison, JW Kollab Tango, DC Blades Sting, Buck Range Elite, North Mountain Blade BBMN, Kansept Deadite, Manganas Steel Aurelia, a vintage Buck 112 Ranger with serious history, and the Cold Steel Mayhem. Each knife earned its spot through real-world carry and use, not just initial impressions.Bob shares honest thoughts on what worked and what surprised him throughout the year. Some knives delivered exactly what he expected, while others exceeded all predictions. The Manganas Aurelia claimed top honors as his favorite folder of the year, while the vintage Buck 112 from his friend Mike carried emotional weight that goes beyond materials and design. Whether you prefer tactical folders, classic patterns, or modern designs, this list offers something worth considering.Watch the full video to see all these knives in action and hear detailed discussions about blade grinds, materials, and what makes each folder special. This episode demonstrates that the most reliable knife reviews come from actual use over time, providing viewers with the information they need to make informed decisions about their next purchase.Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/652. 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.