In Episode 657 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco counts down his personal list of 10 great combat knives—real-world fixed blades built for fighting utility, not just show. From the IDF-inspired TKell Knives Outrider to the legendary USMC KA-BAR to a Bill Harsey-designed Spartan Blades Kukri, Bob walks through each knife with honest commentary on steel, design, ergonomics, and real carry experience.

Whether you are a collector looking for your next fixed blade or just want to understand what separates a great combat knife from a great dagger, this episode breaks it down clearly and without the fluff.

Before the main event, Bob runs the Pocket Check with four knives he has been carrying: the Off-Grid Knives Polaris XL in Vanax steel, the Jack Wolf Knives Timber Jack, the Bald Man Knife and Tool Serpico, and the TOPS Wild Pig Hunter. He also covers the latest Knife Life News, including the WE Knife Co. Nivron flipper, the Boker Club Knife modern traditional, the TOPS Lil Chete, and the RoseCraft Blades Barren Fork Jack, now featuring 14C28N steel.

The episode also includes a First Tool segment on Nessmuk—the 19th-century outdoorsman who argued that lighter was smarter and changed American camping culture with a short, wide-bellied fixed blade and a philosophy that most bushcrafters still follow today. Bob also shows off three daggers from the State of the Collection—a Randall No. 2-7 Combat Stiletto, the Ek-44, and the Spartan Harsey Dagger—to draw a clear line between a pure fighting blade and a true combat knife.

Also covered: the February 2026 Gentleman Junkie giveaway knife, the Knives by Nuge Textured Wicket, and going to one lucky Patreon member or YouTube member on Thursday Night Knives, February 19. And a shoutout to sponsor 3 Dog Knife—Alaska-made outdoor fixed blades available at theknifejunkie.com/3dogknife, and save 25% off with the code knifejunkie.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/657.

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