IT'S BACK! The Most Buzzed-About Knife of 2024 Just Got an Upgrade!
Get Ready: The Legendary Agent 001, Our Record-Breaking Collaboration with TKell Knives, Returns with New Steels & Materials. Don't Miss Out!
...it’s coming back and almost here!
This time last year, my collaboration knife with TKell Knives—the Agent 001, the knife that kicked off the Agent series—first debuted.
It was the company’s highest-grossing model in the shortest period of time at that point and created quite a buzz at Blade Show 2024. Since then, the series has produced six additional models, including a design collaboration with Tomas of Tactical Tavern and a new OEM partnership for the blade blanks with NCC Knives, which has significantly improved the quality.
Now, I am excited to announce that a new run of the Agent 001 is in the offing and about to make landfall with a refined build, two steels (AEB-L & 80CRV2) and new handle materials.
In case you are unfamiliar with the knife itself, it was inspired by the Loveless-style subhilt fighter and the modern trend of purpose-built reverse-grip everyday defensive knives. The Agent 001 does not have a sub-hilt but sports the slender double-edged clip point featured on the Loveless.
As for the Tim Kell-perfected handle, there are ergonomic finger wells and a bird's beak pommel that gives your thumb a secure, jimped platform in reverse grip. Teamed up with TKell’s signature slimline Kydex sheath, the Agent 001 is the essential self-defense carry for the modern gentleman, lady, riverboat gambler, tactical operator... or of course, secret agent.
Keep your eyes peeled on theknifejunkie.com/tkell to see when the Agent 001 becomes available and jump on it when it does. (Get 10% OFF when you use the coupon code “BOBDEMARCO.” All caps, no quotes!)
As with all TKell knives, each small run comes and goes quickly, so choose your blade steel and one of 30 handle materials and be ready to hit the “go button.” Or, go to Blade Show and get to the TKell booth early! Good hunting.
Knife Junkie Out!
Roger Pearson, Savage Creature Defense Tools: The Knife Junkie Podcast (Episode 599)
In our latest podcast (episode 599), we met Roger Pearson, whose journey from professional tattoo artist to custom knife maker proves it’s never too late to chase your dreams. AfAfter 26 years behind the tattoo gun, Pearson made a dramatic overnight switch by closing his Florida shop and moving to Ohio to pursue knife making full-time.
What makes his story particularly compelling is how his artistic background translates perfectly into blade work. ThThe same hands that created intricate Japanese-style tattoos now craft stunning knives, which feature traditional tsukamaki wrapping and curved profiles inspired by classical Japanese designs.
His Masako series has become a customer favorite, featuring neutral handles that work effectively in any grip orientation — a crucial advantage for defensive applications. Named after Japan’s first female shogun, these knives embody Pearson’s philosophy of creating “functional art” that serves both collectors and users.
Perhaps most inspiring is how the knife-making community embraced Pearson, providing mentorship and support that accelerated his success. WiWithin two years of his first knife drop, he was entirely supporting his family through his craft — proof that with dedication and community support, dramatic career changes can succeed.
Find Roger Pearson and Savage Creature Defense Tools on Instagram at www.instagram.com/savagecreaturedefensetools and on his private Facebook group.
