The Knife Junkie Podcast

In Episode 606 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco speaks with Josh Wolfe, the Army Ranger veteran and founder of Red Beard Blades.

Josh shares his story from combat veteran to master knife maker, explaining how his military service directly influenced his approach to creating what he calls "apocalypse survival tools" The conversation covers his early learning experiences, the importance of mentorship in knife making, and his signature designs including the popular Midnight Patriot and Bravo 4 models.

The knife maker talks about his steel selection process, having settled on 8670 and 80CRV2 for their combination of toughness and workability. He explains his signature black oxide finishing technique and how his military mindset of continuous improvement drives him to make each knife better than the last.

The episode provides valuable insights into blade geometry, heat treatment, and the discipline required to master the craft of knife making.

Listeners will appreciate Josh's honest assessment of his early struggles and mistakes, as well as his generous approach to sharing knowledge with other makers. His story demonstrates how the structured thinking and attention to detail learned in military service translates perfectly to the precision required in knife making.

Josh also touches on his design evolution, from blocky early handles to refined ergonomic profiles, and his recent experimentation with textured G10 materials.This episode offers both inspiration for aspiring knife makers and valuable information for collectors interested in understanding what goes into creating high-quality custom knives.

Find this episode and more at www.theknifejunkie.com/606, and learn more about Josh Wolfe and Red Beard Blades at https://redbeardblade.com, on Instagram 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 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.

Bob DeMarco showcases the ancient art of Japanese handle wrapping (tsukamaki) on modern tactical knives in this comprehensive episode. From daily carry updates to breaking knife news including Delaware\'s switchblade ban repeal and new releases from GiantMouse, TOPS, and We Knife Company, this packed show covers it all.

The main segment features nine stunning knives with traditional Japanese wraps from makers like Savage Creature Defense Tools, Bright For War Knives, Aaron Bieber, and more. Learn how centuries-old samurai techniques provide superior grip and weapon retention on today\'s cutting-edge designs.

Bob explains the functional benefits, construction methods, and artistic beauty of these wrapped handles that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern materials.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/605.

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.

Join host Bob DeMarco on Episode 604 of The Knife Junkie Podcast as he sits down with Eddie of OEG EDC (One Eyed Ghost), one of the most exciting new voices in knife making. In just three years, Eddie has transformed from a tattoo artist working in a titanium anodizing shop to a full-time knife maker creating innovative fixed blades and folders that are turning heads at major knife shows across the country.

This episode reveals Eddie's unique journey from pandemic hobby to thriving business, starting with simple EDC accessories like his Pennsylvania-themed Keystone bottle opener and Good Luck pry bar. Learn how his background in tattooing and titanium finishing gives him a distinctive edge in both design and execution, and discover the creative passion that drives every piece he creates.

Eddie's honest discussion about overcoming imposter syndrome while learning every aspect of the craft provides valuable insights for aspiring makers and collectors alike.

Eddie shares the technical details behind his popular Windsor folder with its sophisticated ceramic bearing system and interchangeable scales, as well as his compact Pike fixed blade designed for maximum EDC utility. Also, get an exclusive look at his experimental bike knife prototype -- a skeletonized design specifically created for cyclists that showcases his ability to identify niche markets and create targeted solutions.

The conversation also explores his innovative approach to knife shows, including his memorable East Coast pizza shop themed booth at Blade Show 2024 that doubled his foot traffic.

From CAD design and CNC manufacturing to the challenges of scaling production while maintaining quality, this episode offers rare insights into the modern knife making business. Eddie's philosophy of treating customers as he wants to be treated, combined with his creative marketing approach and commitment to American manufacturing, makes him a standout figure representing the future of the knife community.

Whether you're an aspiring maker, serious collector, or simply appreciate innovative craftsmanship, this conversation provides inspiration and practical insights into succeeding in today's competitive market.

Find Eddie of OEG EDC online at https://www.oegedc.com as well as on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/oegedc. 

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 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.

Join host Bob DeMarco in Episode 603 of The Knife Junkie Podcast as he welcomes ABS Master Bladesmith Aaron Wilburn of Wilburn Forge for an in-depth conversation about the art and science of traditional bladesmithing. Aaron's journey began with a chance discovery in a Barnes & Noble bookstore in 2003, leading to a career creating some of the most sought-after Damascus steel knives in the world.

In this comprehensive interview, Aaron shares the technical secrets behind his stunning Turkish twist Damascus patterns, his unconventional business philosophy of creating art rather than filling orders, and the rigorous path to becoming an ABS Master Bladesmith. From his early mentorship with Cliff Parker and Corbin Newcomb to developing his own distinctive style, Aaron's story illustrates the dedication required to master this ancient craft in the modern world.

Aaron discusses his sophisticated heat treatment processes, including cryogenic treatment for superior edge retention, and explains why he sacrifices 90% of his starting material to achieve the perfect Damascus patterns. His artistic approach to knife making - including pieces that have caught the attention of Joe Rogan - demonstrates how traditional skills can create modern masterpieces.

The conversation covers the demanding ABS certification process, from the journeyman performance tests requiring blades to chop through 2x4s and bend 90 degrees without breaking, to the master bladesmith challenge of creating a fluted-handle quillian dagger. Aaron's insights into the metallurgy of Damascus steel, the importance of proper equipment like his 8,000-pound Chambersburg hammer, and his philosophy of continuous learning provide valuable guidance for aspiring bladesmiths.

Listen to this episode and discover why Aaron's commitment to artistic integrity and technical excellence has established him as one of the premier bladesmiths of his generation. Learn more about this episode at https://www.theknifejunkie.com/603 and follow Aaron's work at Wilburn Forge on Instagram @wilburnforge.

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 returns from Blade Show 2025 with his complete knife haul breakdown - 19 incredible pieces ranging from custom fixed blades to innovative production folders. He provides insights into acquisitions from makers like TKell Knives, Dirk Pinkerton, DC Blades, the Very Good Knife Company, and more!

The episode also features an exciting unboxing of the new Jack Wolf Tango, the first modern flipper from the JW Collab line

Bob also reveals the June Gentleman Junkie giveaway - a stunning Northern Knives/Colorful Filth Benchmade Bailout with custom anodizing. And in his "State of the Collection," Bob shows off the new Fisher Blades Beckwith FS.

From tactical designs to family-friendly options, this episode showcases the incredible diversity and innovation happening in today's knife community.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/602.

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.