The Knife Junkie Podcast

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.