In Episode 668 of The Knife Junkie Podcast, host Bob DeMarco tackles a subject that sits right at the intersection of utility and self-defense: folding knives with straight cutting edges.

Bob walks through 12 folders that all share a flat or nearly flat edge profile, and he explains the geometry behind why these blades transfer more force to the tip on a slash or thrust than a curved edge does.

Whether you carry a knife for everyday work or are interested in personal protection, this episode offers plenty to think about and plenty of steel to admire.

Before getting to the main topic, Bob covers a strong pocket check featuring the Emerson Knives P-SARK, the Spyderco Delica 4 (known in the household as Sleepy Bear), the Microtech SBD Dagger, and the Hogtooth Fighting Bowie.

The Knife Life News segment covers three notable releases: the 100th Buck of the Month featuring the Drop Point 112 Ranger in S35VN, the new TOPS Sidekick Diver from designer Anna Espinosa, and a sharp-looking Buck Range Elite Stealth Run with gold-thread carbon fiber and a tritium thumb stud.

The First Tool segment covers the 1918 Trench Dagger, officially known as the US Mark I Trench Knife. Bob covers the history behind its design, including why soldiers needed something compact and fast for trench warfare, what made the bronze knuckle guard so distinctive, and why collectors still prize original examples today. This particular knife was a gift from Bob\'s brother, and the personal story behind it adds to an already fascinating segment.

The State of the Collection segment gives two older knives some well-deserved attention: the Real Steel H6 Blue Sheep, one of the first Real Steel knives to reach the American market, and the Sencut Waxahachie, a clip-point fixed blade with a great profile and a low price.

Then the show moves into the main event, where Bob walks through twelve folding knives with straight cutting edges, including the Hinderer XM-24 Wharncliffe, the Kansept Main Street, the Pinkerton Knives Standoff, the ABW Model 2, the Northmountain Blade BBMN, the Shieldon Knives REV, the Off-Grid Knives Black Stallion, the Sencut Awassi, the Artisan Cutlery Proponent, the Jack Wolf Knives Diamondback Jack, the QSP Penguin, and the Spyderco Yojumbo.

Find the list of all the knives shown in the show and links to the Knife Life news stories at https://theknifejunkie.com/668.

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