The Knife Junkie Podcast

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.

Bob DeMarco reports from Blade Show 2025 in Atlanta on episode 601 of The Knife Junkie Podcast. He has eight interviews from the Blade Show floor, plus he looks at several new knives (both purchases and gifts), including the TKell Knives PD-1, the Edgy American Junkie, and the Guardian Tactical Blade Show Exclusive, among others.

In his pocket check of knives, it's the the knives he brought to Blade Show: the Civivi Synergy 4 and his trusty Victorinox Compact.

Bob talked to numerous knife makers, including several interviews from the floor, including:

• Brent Smith - Bald Man Knife & Tool

• Sharif Manganas - Manganas Steel

• Jess Hoffman - J. Hoffman Knives

• Jarrod Franklin - Gunfighter Customs

• Ben Belkin - Jack Wolf Knives

• Dirk Pinkerton - Pinkerton Knives

• Justin Carvin & Chris Harrison - DC Blades

• Michael Jarvis - Auxiliary Manufacturing

Meanwhile, in his State of the Collection, Bob looks at his new pickups from Blade:

• TKell Knives PD-1 featuring a Knives by Nuge handle wrap

• Bald Man Knife & Tool Sicario

• Pinkerton Knives Custom Fighter

• Brock Blades/Joe Watson Magni XL

• Manganas Steel Aurelia

• Gunfighter Customs Gunfighter and Trainer

• Auxiliary Manufacturing Mini Spike

• Edgy American Junkie

• Guardian Tactical Blade Show Exclusive

• DC Blades Sting 

• DC Blades Nameless

• DC Blades Glaurung

• Ameight Ringed Pikal

• TOPS Medusa

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/601.

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.

Join Bob DeMarco for a special milestone celebration as The Knife Junkie Podcast hits episode 600! This landmark show features an in-depth look at 15 exceptional American-made folding knives, from tactical classics like the Hinderer XM-24 to modern marvels like the Microtech Amphibian.

Bob shares his personal experiences with each knife, covers the latest releases from Spyderco and Bestech, and showcases new arrivals from Dirk Pinkerton and APOC Survival.

And in his pocket check of knives, he's got the Zero Tolerance 0200, a Victorinox Compact, the TKell Knives Agent 001, and the Work Tuff Gear Steadfast (Emotional Support Knife).

Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to quality knives, this episode celebrates the innovation and craftsmanship that makes American knife manufacturing the world's gold standard.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/600.

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 for an inspiring conversation with Roger Pearson, the artist behind Savage Creature Defense Tools, who made a dramatic overnight transition from professional tattoo artist to full-time knife maker. After 26 years in the tattoo industry, Pearson closed his Florida shop and moved to Ohio to pursue his lifelong passion for blade crafting, creating what he calls "dangerous functional art."

In this detailed interview, Pearson shares how his background in Japanese tattoo artistry directly influences his knife designs, from the intricate tsukamaki wrapping on his handles to the curved profiles of his popular Masako series. Named after Japan's first female shogun, the Masako knives feature neutral handles that work effectively in any grip orientation, reflecting Pearson's understanding of Libre knife fighting principles and practical defensive applications.

The conversation covers Pearson's technical approach to knife making, including his favorite knife steel, his unique hand-wrapping techniques, and the mysterious "Stormlands" finish he's developed. Listeners will gain insights into both the artistic and practical aspects of custom knife making, from design philosophy to heat treatment challenges, all delivered with Pearson's straightforward, no-nonsense perspective.

Pearson's story also highlights the supportive nature of the knife making community, where established makers help newcomers succeed through mentorship, tool sharing, and collaborative projects. His advice for aspiring knife makers emphasizes the importance of jumping in and learning through doing, rather than waiting for perfect conditions that might never come.

Whether you're interested in the technical aspects of knife making, the business side of transitioning careers, or simply enjoy hearing from passionate craftspeople, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Pearson's journey from tattoo shop to blade shop proves that with dedication, community support, and willingness to take risks, it's possible to successfully pursue your passions at any stage of life.

Find Roger Pearson and Savage Creature Defense Tools on Instagram at www.instagram.com/savagecreaturedefensetools and on his private Facebook group.

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.