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.

Join Bob DeMarco for Episode 651 as he reveals his most beloved fixed blade knives from 2025. This annual year-end roundup showcases the designs that earned their place through real-world use and consistent performance.

From combat-ready blades to traditional outdoor tools, Bob covers the full spectrum of fixed-blade excellence. Each knife made the cut because of superior craftsmanship, functional design, and actual carry time, not just shelf appeal. Whether you love tactical designs, traditional patterns, or modern interpretations, this episode delivers something for every fixed-blade fan.

Bob walks through each knife in detail, sharing stories about how he acquired them, what makes them special, and why they rose to the top of his collection.

This episode goes beyond simple product reviews. Bob shares the personal connections behind several knives, including gifts from friends in the knife community and custom commissions that reflect his preferences and values. He talks about how some of these blades accompanied him during a temporary relocation over the holidays, demonstrating their dependability in crucial situations.

The episode also includes his weekly Pocket Check featuring a Microtech SOCOM Elite Auto, updates from the knife world, including new releases from We Knife Co. and CRKT, and a look at recent additions to his collection. Bob shares the story of The First Tool, a classic Marbles Hunting Knife.

Bob wraps up by promising next week\'s episode will feature his most loved folders of 2025, ensuring fans of folding knives have their own lineup to look forward to. This episode reminds us why fixed blades remain essential tools for anyone serious about knives.

Whether you are a fixed-blade fanatic, a casual collector, or someone looking to add your first quality fixed blade to your collection, this episode provides valuable information and real-world perspectives. Bob\'s choices span small independent makers and established manufacturers, proving that excellent knives come from all corners of the industry. Tune in to discover which of these great fixed blades might become your next favorite knife.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/651. 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.

Professional chef meets custom knifemaker in this week\'s episode of The Knife Junkie Podcast. Host Bob DeMarco sits down with John Marconi of Marconi Blades to discuss how his 18 years in restaurant kitchens shaped his approach to making purpose-driven, everyday-carry fixed blades. John brings a unique perspective to knifemaking, combining the precision required in fine dining with the demands of defensive blade design.

John started as a dishwasher at age 16 and worked his way up through professional kitchens, eventually becoming an executive chef. His experience in fine dining taught him exactly what a knife should do, from the geometry of a convex grind to the importance of handle ergonomics.

These lessons now inform his work at Marconi Blades, where he creates fixed-blade knives using CPM MagnaCut steel and offers ambidextrous sheath options. The conversation covers his flagship Tuilm model, influences from makers like Frank Windle Jr. (Northman Blades) and Brian Schultz, and why he believes functional tools should also be art pieces.

The episode also talks about the practical side of making and using knives. John shares his preferences for kitchen knives, including his decade-plus relationship with a Zwilling Bob Kramer blade and custom pieces from makers like Greetham Knife Co. Bob and John discuss steel choices, grind geometry, and the future of Marconi Blades, including upcoming collaborations and new models in development.

Listen as John explains how the chaos of restaurant kitchens prepared him for the controlled precision of knifemaking. Hear about his brother\'s parallel journey into knife work and what it takes to balance a full-time chef career with a growing custom blade business.

This episode offers insights for anyone interested in fixed blade design, defensive knives, or the intersection of different blade disciplines.

Visit www.theknifejunkie.com/650 for show notes and additional resources. Connect with John Marconi at marconiblades.com and on Instagram at @marconi_blades.

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.