The Knife Junkie Podcast

In Episode 594 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, Bob DeMarco speaks with Zeke Johnston of Alaska Blade Studio, who forges custom knives from his shop in Soldotna, Alaska. Born and raised in the Last Frontier, Johnston explains how Alaska's self-reliant culture influences his blade making philosophy.

Johnston shares his journey from knife-obsessed teenager to professional bladesmith, including his apprenticeship under master smith Gordon Dempsey. Learn about the differences between forged and stock-removal knives, Johnston's meticulous three-step heat treatment process, and why he believes his "Chickadee" model represents the perfect everyday carry fixed blade.

With his wife Bethany's support, Johnston has built a thriving family business crafting everything from compact EDC fixed blades to Damascus hunters and chef's knives.

Visit Zeke and Alaska Blade Studio to see Johnston's work, or follow him on 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 The Knife Junkie's podcast platform of choice: https://theknifejunkie.com/podhost.

In Episode 593, Bob DeMarco showcases the best 4-inch Cold Steel folding knives from his collection, highlighting 12 impressive models including the Recon 1, Broken Skull, Voyager series, and 4Max Scout.

Bob also covers exciting knife news including the new James Brand Humboldt fillet knife, Brian Brown's new collaboration with WE Knife, Bestech's "Toddler," and the limited May 2025 Buck of the Month. Plus, see the newest addition to Bob's collection -- the Off-Grid Knives Stinger XL Drop Point with its impressive full flat ground blade.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/593.

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.

On episode 592 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, Bob DeMarco speaks with Patrick Shipley, product marketing manager with CAS Iberia, Inc. and APOC Survival Tools.

They discuss APOC's philosophy of creating modern interpretations of historical weapons, their two-year collaboration process with knife designers Andrew Demko and Mike Wallace, and the importance of ergonomics in knife design.

Patrick also shares the fascinating 40-year history of CAS Iberia and how he accidentally found his way into the knife industry.

Find APOC Survival Tools at https://apocsurvivaltools.com or follow them on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/apocsurvivaltools. Find CAS Iberia at https://www.casiberia.com and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/casiberia.

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.

Host Bob DeMarco shares his favorite folding knives that double as excellent EDC steak knives when dining out. From budget-friendly options like the Opinel No. 8 to premium blades from Chris Reeve and Herman Knives, discover which EDC knives make the perfect dining companions.

Whether you're tired of struggling with dull restaurant cutlery or looking for the perfect knife to carry to dinner, this episode offers practical solutions from a true knife expert.

Plus, Bob checks out new releases from Civivi and Sencut, and shares knife news including the KA-BAR Dozier's upgrade to S35VN steel. And, of course, The Knife Junkie has his pocket check of knives. What were you carrying today?

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/591.

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 590 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, Bob DeMarco interviews Jeremiah Burbank, owner of online knife retailer PVK and co-host of the Bladeology podcast.

Jeremiah shares PVK's 31-year journey from Massachusetts to Las Vegas and back, revealing how their Vegas Strip showroom transformed their business into a high-end knife destination. Discover the stories behind rare pieces like 29 Knives Balisongs with Filipino blade shapes and Microtech's new zero blade play OTFs. He also share a fascinating story about the "Horse Crippler" Bowie designed by Elijah Isham.

Plus, Jeremiah offers Knife Junkie listeners $20 off their first order with a special discount code when joining PVK's rewards program.

Visit www.theknifejunkie.com/590 for show notes and links. Follow PVK at www.pvk.com and on Instagram. You can reach out to PVK by phone at (702) 704-4069, Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. (ET), or by email at info@pvk.com.

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.