The Knife Junkie Podcast

Master knife designer and martial arts expert James Williams returns to The Knife Junkie Podcast for a deep examination of combat philosophy, escalation of force, and the intersection between traditional Japanese sword arts and modern self-defense.

Williams brings a background few can match. After serving in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969, he went on to study wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, Filipino martial arts, Russian Systema, and multiple Japanese koryu (traditional martial arts). He has spent years teaching close-quarters combat to military special operations personnel and has designed numerous knives for CRKT and other companies.

In this conversation, Williams discusses the difference between fear-based and faith-based operating systems in combat, why most modern martial arts rely on engagement and reciprocity that can get you killed with lethal weapons, and how the concept of silent victory with no touching of blades from ancient samurai sword systems informs his approach to knife design and defensive tactics.

Williams also shares practical advice on escalation of force, situational awareness, everyday carry tools, and teaching young people to stay safe in an increasingly dangerous world. From DEFCON levels of awareness to the importance of clearing dark spaces with a flashlight, this episode is packed with actionable information.

At nearly 80 years old, Williams continues to refine his teaching and reports getting faster rather than slower by eliminating tension and allowing natural body mechanics to do the work. His insights bridge ancient warrior traditions and modern tactical realities in a way few others can.

Listen to the full episode at www.theknifejunkie.com/631. Find James Williams online at www.williamsbladedesign.com and www.systemofstrategy.com, and follow him on Instagram at @williamsbladedesign and @system_of_strategy.

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 hosts Episode 630 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, featuring an in-depth look at 11 great fixed-blade knives for trail and camp use. The episode begins with a pocket check showcasing the Emerson P-Tac, Jack Wolf Knives Gateway Barlow, TKell Knives Agent 001, and Randall Model 2-7 Fighting Stiletto.

Bob introduces custom Knife Junkie Zippo lighters and announces the October Gentleman Junkie giveaway featuring an L.T. Wright Frontier Valley.

Knife Life News covers the upcoming Boker Brassa compact fixed blade, the new JW Kollab Scuffle designed with Nick Rogers, the Civivi Yonder Halloween Edition, and the Kizer Trestle traditional slip joint. The First Tool segment explores Opinel knife history, from Joseph Opinel\'s 1890 prototype to modern icon status.

The main feature presents 11 outstanding fixed blades perfect for outdoor adventures, including knives from L.T. Wright, Knives by Nuge, Morakniv, TOPS, 3 Dog Knife, BPS Knives, Cold Steel, Off-Grid Knives, APOC Survival Tools, and Bark River Knives.

Bob shares practical field experience with each knife, covering blade steels, handle materials, sheath designs, and real-world performance. From budget-friendly options under 20 dollars to premium blades, this episode provides valuable recommendations for anyone seeking reliable outdoor knives.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/630.

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 host Bob DeMarco on Episode 629 of The Knife Junkie Podcast as he sits down with legendary craftsman L.T. Wright of L.T. Wright Knives for an inspiring conversation about passion, persistence, and building a business the right way.

His remarkable journey began with a simple Christmas gift for his father and evolved into one of the most respected names in outdoor and kitchen cutlery. Starting under his front porch with improvised equipment, Wright learned knife making from master craftsman R.W. Wilson, who created the tomahawks for the 1972 film "Jeremiah Johnson."

Through creativity, determination, and an unwavering commitment to customer service, Wright transformed a weekend hobby into a thriving 10-person operation.

In this detailed conversation, Wright shares the challenges of transitioning from carpenter to full-time knife maker, the innovations that came from listening to customers, and the philosophy that guides L.T. Wright Knives today. From squared spines for ferro rods to the revolutionary slide lock sheath system, Wright's willingness to adapt and improve has left a lasting mark on the industry.

Listeners will also learn about the Pout House Forum, his unique approach to building community among knife enthusiasts, and his collaborations with survivalist Les Stroud and chef Paul Rogowski. Wright's story proves that with enough passion and persistence, any obstacle becomes a stepping stone to success.

Whether you are a knife enthusiast, aspiring maker, or entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable insights into building authentic relationships with customers while never compromising on quality. His "repair, replace, refund" philosophy and personal approach to customer service provide a masterclass in doing business the right way.

Visit theknifejunkie.com/629 for full show notes and additional resources. Connect with L.T. Wright Knives at ltwrightknives.com, on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

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.

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.