Expensive steel was a genius marketing move for the knife industry. People drop all kinds of money on super steel, just to fidget flip them, and break down a box occasionally. 99.9% of people, including us, couldn't tell a difference if the blades weren't marked.
Yeah I think the tempering/heat treatment matter way more than the steel itself - I had a Benchmade Osborne in D2 and it was the worst blade ever but I’ve got plenty of others that are great and hold a decent edge.
I'd call this a hyperbolic generalization of knife users, but maybe I'm part of the 0.1% that actually uses my knives instead of focusing my finger strength on calling a handyman. Without getting too much into the weeds (I was a materials engineer for about a decade prior to my current job), I use my knowledge and understanding of the variety of steels to match it to the knife design best suited to a variety of tasks. Prior to the introduction of Cruwear and Magnacut (replacing 3v, xhp and s35vn) steels generally excelled in certain areas yet had significant weakness for other tasks. Understanding how the chemical composition leads to the properties of the steel allows you to match that steel to the intended function of the knife, the maintenance required before and after the task the knife is used for, and the appropriate angle to set the edge of the knives. E.g. I had (sadly lost) a Spyderco dragonfly in zdp189 that was a perfect knife for high precision delicate tasks with a very acute angle. I also had a delica in zdp189 that chipped without much abuse. To your point I use a maxamet Spyderco military to breakdown cardboard but those knives go back into a humidity controlled environment afterwards and every few months I do a light coat of kroil on it. For tasks in and around water I used to use a Spyderco Caribbean in lc200N that I would strop afterwards. For impact heavy tasks I use a variety of fixed blades in 3V that I maintain convex edges on. There are many more examples, but in summary I use what I consider the right knife with the appropriate steel for the specific task I'm aiming to complete while limiting the maintenance I need to perform on the blade to keep it in satisfactory condition until the next task I need to use it for. Will Cruwear or Magnacut outperform the above better than knives with steels best suited for the specific task? Well, aside from Magnacut replacing my LC200N knives the answer is no. However, knives composed of Cruwear or Magnacut are such balanced steels that can perform almost as well as most steels specific to the tasks. The maintenance before and after using blades in Cruwear or Magnacut may be slightly more than a knife with steel that excels at a singular task (e.g. I may need to wipe down and coat a Cruwear blade in kroil after exposing it to moisture but it's not like using a maxamet blade that will literally begin to form corrosion on the edge leading to chipping before the task is complete, or I may need to strop a Magnacut blade more frequently than a knife using zdp189 but I don't have to baby the Magnacut), but there isn't much you can accomplish most things without anxiety in those steels. Which is why they're great EDC steels. I consider my knives tools, and I prefer to have the confidence that I'm using the right tool for the right job without having to worry about damaging the tool or failing at the task at hand. Maybe I make up that 0.1%, but it's simply untrue that you can't tell the difference. An analogy for what you said is most people can't tell the difference in a vehicle because a bus will get you from point A to point B just as well as a Porsche or a Jeep Wrangler, and 99.9% of people can't tell the difference. And since you live in NYC and take the subway you're qualified to make that statement. I don't just sit around and flip my knives. I use them as the tools they were intended to be.
If it’s like kubeys aus 10 or cold steels I ll be ok with it but hot damn I do like S35VN and I hear there’s a better . seems like everyone wants magnacut or 20v or whatever it’s called . I never used to think too much about the type of night school but I have been. probably from hanging around RU-vid vids too much 😂😂😂.
One remarkable property of the Shark Lock is that it can be safely opened and closed one handed, without the need to use one's thumb. I have a very good friend who lost 80% of his right thumb function in an accident. Using the Shark Lock, he can pull the back on the lock, flick the blade open, and release the lock all using his index finger. When closing, he simply pulls back the lock again, and let's the dropshutty action handle the rest. The knife world often seems locked into a design paradigm where 99% of all locking and deployment controls require some kind of interaction with the thumb. In this way, the Shark Lock stands out as a truly innovative design.
I was gonna say check out the benchmade axis lock since it can be closed with just an index finger but it may be a bit tough without a thumb to support the opposite side. Theres the spyderco compression lock. That can be all index finger and one hand open close too. probably not as accessible as the shark lock but pretty good still just careful cause there are some lefty compression locks that would be useless to him, but most are righty.
@@beebait1464 thank, that's great advice. I did let him try out my PM2 and with a little practice he could get it closed one handed. The Spydie flick had him completely baffled though, lol. Didn't think to try an Axis style lock. May let him try my Super Freek as well. I lent him my AD-20 to carry for a bit and he liked it a lot, but it was a little too large and heavy for his taste, especially for summertime shorts carry. Also, you could have knocked him down with a feather when I told him what one cost. 😝
@@richardcameronlewis an axis lock definitely wouldn't work well for someone missing some thumb, it requires a pinch and pull, it's not a push or pull with just the index and maybe thumb supporting sort of affair like the other comment claimed
Let's just say I'd much rather have 3v or 4v then s35 on a knife like this. Toughness is through the roof. And 3v probably rivals s35 edge holding if treated correctly
Three great big problems got overlooked here: 1) The entire knife was scaled down without taking hand size into regard. Even average size hands are not not going to fit on the handle without choking up as a result of the contouring. 2) Choking up is going to put your finger right up against the blade. 3) The knife is stupidly thick behind the edge. That's three pieces of ugly that got completely overlooked while getting hung up on the steel choice.
@@rockets4kids Have you handled or bought one? Mine just came in the mail today. 1: I’ve got large to extra large hands and far fingers. The knife is pretty comfortable in my hand, though I can’t get a full 4 finger grip on it. 2: I can choke up on the knife and my finger isn’t in contact with the blade edge. 3: It’s not “stupidly thick” behind the edge. The blade and grip are far thinner than I expected them to be. If you haven’t handled one (which I don’t think you have or you would have said you had), then you’re not in a position to pass on those opinions as facts. 1: How do you know Demko didn’t take hand size into regard? Have you talked to him about it? 2: Do you have to choke up on every blade you own? If it’s going to cut you, don’t do it. That’s what a smart person would do. 3: How did you determine the blade is “stupidly thick” behind the edge? What ratio of blade spine thickness to grind did you use to decide? Do you own any knives with a Scandi grind, like a Mora?
@@FriedPi-mc5yt You just got the knife today? There's a big difference between fondling a knife for a few minutes and actually using it. As to the thickness behind the edge, what is the actual measurement on yours?
@@rockets4kids There is also a big difference between seeing a video of a knife and actually fondling it for an hour. Since you’re bringing up blade thickness again. I’m guessing that’s going to be the thing you’re going to focus on? But you’re going to dismiss the other points I made? If you didn’t know the blade thickness, how did you decide it was “stupidly thick”? Just for the short few hours I’ve owned the knife, I have more experience with it than you have with one. The blade thickness is right at .13” if my caliper is correct. It’s .01” thicker than my Kershaw Launch 7 and it’s .02” thicker than my Spyderco Delica. So, I guess any blade thickness over .10” is “stupidly thick”?
AUS10A is a totally great steel, and he had an in from past business. its was the right move to make. He needs to get a kitty going, and then maybe we will have a sweet production catalog from Demko knives to replace Cold Steel and make up for the fact that cash hounds are dragging that brand through the mud.
It goes SnickClickitySnickityClick!!!!! 😆 personally I really dig the design and will buy one for that and, if nothing else, to help reward the idea of producing a more affordable version of a high end knife. Sharksfoot for the win
First: AUS-10A is what Demko knives could get at the time due to supply line issues. Second: Almost immediately after release they started making this is D2, once they were able to get it. Last: People need to stop bashing aus10a and actually try using it. It is a totally serviceable steel, that is reasonably tough and still holds decent edge. People are lumping it in with aus8, and the two couldn't be farther apart.
If the AUS-10A steel is the same as Cold Steel uses, it should be pretty darn good. I have several Cold Steels in that steel and it reminds me a lot of 154CM.
Agree wholeheartedly! Demco doesn't have the buying power that the big boys do. I mean, come on folks, how many knives out there are WAY overpriced for what they are? Cough cough...Bugout...Cough! SMH... Shoot, the Spyderco Delica is damn near $90 and it's plastic and VG10! I have Civivi's that run circles around it at half the price! Heck, my many TwoSuns show up a lot of knives double their cost! Demko knows what he's doing, and I believe in the long run, we will see some reductions and a greater variety from these guys.
When Cold Steel was making Demko designs they could offset costs due to their production volumes etc. Now that AD is breaking into mainstream on his own he has to cover the costs - hence the budget steel. I think as AD moves forward we'll see more designs and more steel flavours. This is the brand to watch over the next 1-2 years.
@@Torqd_Off Demko makes great knives - custom or production. The Demko 20.5 production knife drew some criticism for using AUS10 on a $100+ knife. This is really a personal value choice. AUS10A is a well balanced mid-range s/steel that will suit most people. For me the value isn't quite there with the steel BUT please don't be put off on a quality knife from a well respected designer. US$159 is about current shop price. If you like it - get it and you won't be disappointed. Have a great day.
@@realbroggo I've since found these Doug Ritter knives that I think are a better value and more like what I want... blade shape and accessories. Black pocket clip and hardware. I found a purple gmascus full size I like, but the brown one with black blade will go well with my SIG M17. Always choices... but Thanx for your input. They are getting new stuff in for the AD20.5 at Knife Center, and new knives. So if I do change my mind, they might still be available. I also saw where he's talking about doing an AD25...
I love the shark lock. I hope it shows up more in the future too. I'd like to see some edge retention testing on the 20.5 soon. I feel like there are better knives available to me for $150. Great review at always Nick.
I'd love to own a Demko. But I don't think this will be it. Kinda so-so steel, grivery scales for a buck fifty. Just feels a lil gougeish to me, but I am intrigued by the shark lock. Ohhh hell I'm on the fence now. 👍🇺🇸👍🔪
I really like the AD 20.5 and I'd get one...But then I look over at my mini-RSK, and realize it's better in nearly every way (especially blade steel, 20cv vs AUS 10 is no contest) and also was $10 cheaper.
Nothing wrong with aus10a.. also demko said its was the hardest steel they could still cut with a press. He stated he already spent 30k on tooling to produce this knife. And using a harder steel would have ment water jet,or lazer cutting. Which will be done in the future... Properly heat treated aus10a is on par with 154cm but lying knife makers have beat it in our head so long we all believe 154cm is far superior , when all it is ,is an imaginary improvement to charge you 100 bucks more for a knife edge retention test have proven that the differerence is negligible.. andrew is upfront with his customers and is one of the very few designers that do stuff truly innovative like this and dont gouge you for 500 dollars for a knife. Support him man.. its really not that hard..
LOL people would rather get poorly done SUPER STEELZ than proven cheaper steels. I thought we measured how good a knife is by its performance and not some arbitrary names.
A cool knife for sure but hard to justify it at $150 when it’s rocking AUS10 and made in Taiwan when I can get a made in america para 3 with s45vn for $175
I must be missing something here. Are the people that purchased the bigger $450 knife complaining about $150 for this version. Yes the $450 version is made in America and has better materials but does that warrant another $300 ?
this knife was the ultimate disappointment for me, it felt so cheap, the grind was super wonky and after only 3 days it had already developed substantial vertical blade play and i've cut only cardboard and some veggies. overpriced piece of junk.
AUS10A isn't as bad of a steel as you think. Its pretty comparable to 154cm and VG10. Considering there are companies using 154cm at prices over $150, I don't believe this is too out of line.
Add in the design and ergonomics are pretty awesome and it’s the Demko’s first production knife, Aus 10 is not a bad choice. You’re absolutely right about other knife makers using 154cm and even S35VN on way higher priced knifes. You can get S35VN, Nitro V and other “great “ steels for under $100 now. I think most people group Aus10 in with Aus8 but by doing a little research, you can see the difference.
Outpost76 just did a cut test and the numbers are like 154cm. I don't think most people could tell a difference. I'm fine with aus10a if it's done right, and it is
@@tima7662 exactly. I don't know why people keep saying the price is crazy. Do I wish it was $25 cheaper? Yes, but for $150 this knife is absolutely worth it
@@alexhill828 I agree and I’m just waiting for the restocks to pick one up. It’s a great design with good materials and Taiwan manufacturers do an excellent job on quality control. Nick gets a lot of high quality knifes thrown at him so get the perspective but for the EDC guy, this one is just right!
THIS was an EXCELLENT Review. The Truth. 150$ for an Aus10 steel with FRN HANDLES....... THIS knife is the problem with knives. Think about what you could get for 150$ knife-wise. AUS10/FRN for 150$ LMAO
Another great review! I have a hard time thinking this knife is $115 better than, say, a CJRB Feldspar but different strokes for different folks. The Shark Lock is pretty cool.
Seeing that Wampum,PA on there makes me proud as hell!!! I’m from Ellwood City,PA, Wampum is a stones throw away from Ellwood. I’ve walked there many times... it’s a super small... ummm not city definitely a town. Cause it’s about a few blocks long. In 20 mins you could walk thru the whole town. Small! Lol but yeah... WAMPUM PA buddy!!!! Wooop woop!!
I like both knives but i don't care for how short the sharks foot is vs the handle. It doesn't look right when it's closed. They should have shortened the handle scales for the sharks foot to mirror the length of the blade.
You’d have to get one in hand to see why. They had to. I have both of them. There is no way to make the blade longer or the scales shorter. The tip of the blade very nearly hits the backspacer as it is now when it’s closed.
Your indictment of the steel comes from not using it. The AUS10A cuts as good or better than just about all S35VN from every production company except high end American manufactures like CRK or RHK. Go watch Outpost76 latest video of it.
Outpost76 does a great job there, and I was very glad to see that they're heat treating it well. But that said, I'd still like to see them have pushed just a bit harder at this price point.
@@NickShabazz Fair point. My main complaint is it’s too thick. Can’t sharpen it to 15-17degrees without it looking silly to get that performance sadly. Made everything thinner except the edge LOL
@@NickShabazz Think it this way nick, They are putting out performance on par with super steel, charged what other companies would charge for a super steel, and you get the shark lock. You aren't overpaying.
Maybe just a younger old man opinion, but now that the shark lock exists, i'm gonna hold out for the principle i will dub, "the axis gambit." A more ideal steel, and a slicier grind, and a deep carry pocket clip, and micarta scales. Capitalism engage!
I was focused to much on plastic scales made in China and the AUS 10 thing to even notice they tried to slip in the made it PA label. Now I dislike this knife even more.
They didn't though. They placed the company location on one side and the company name on the other. There's no "made in" mention in there, nor can they be accused of suggesting the knife is made there as the country of origin is mentioned on the blade like it is on the vast majority of knives. Had they been trying to trick anyone, they'd have hidden the country of origin in some unusual spot.
@@LH_Vagrant can you name any other knife that placed a us place of origin on a knife made overseas? All I am saying is that the real knife has that on the knife because it was made in the us and so does this knife. I don’t like that.
Now that I have one of these, I’m shocked there was no mention of this knife’s pocket destroying capabilities. It’s worse in that respect than every other knife I own
If they had used G10 instead of injection molded plastic, and say S35VN and charged an extra 50 bucks, I would pick one up. I was going to pick one up, but I think I would rather wait for a better iteration down the line, or maybe even just save for the real one.
There will be a variety of steels and scale materials. They needed steel that could be stamped and a handle that could be injection molded to meet the price points. Andrew said it cost $30,000 for the tooling to do these.
@@jagpilotohio I understand. I'm glad they got it up and running, and I'm sure they will sell very well. I'm excited to see what's coming in the future. Perhaps they can even take Cold Steel's place in the market after the inevitable changes looming under new ownership take effect.
Nick, long time fan and subscriber of the channel - just wanted to give an unpopular opinion but the AD20.5 is an overpriced hype beast. The everyday working man that buys this knife didnt get it for free we paid 150$ for one that wasnt heavily QA'd and dull out of the box - I posted an honest consumer review on my channel that I bought and paid for, im not sure how anyone can suggest this over a spyderco para 3. _ This is not a slam against you, just wanted to share my thoughts for those who are on the fence and want something quality I cant say this is an adviseable option as long as spyderco provides better quality and value for the same or less money.
Hey, good stuff today Nick. I like your take on the ad20.5 I really like AD’s overbuilt stuff and looking forward to trying the more EDC friendly version. Aus10a isn’t too shabby really for daily use. Lol
Excellent review! I'll admit to being able to overlook some flaws if the design appeals to me. Also, if a knife that's great in many ways doesn't grab me appearance-wise, I'll skip it (examples are Bugout, Griptilian, RSK). So - I ended up with the Shark Foot variant of this Demko for daily carry/harder use and the Wharncliffe variant of the Hogue Deka for dressy carry. I'm of course hoping for a CPM154 (or better) blade with micarta, G10, and titanium scale production versions of the Demko down the road. BTW - I scored the Demko for $20 over list on fleaBay, the first (and hopefully ONLY) time I have ever had to resort to such extremes to find a highly desirable knife.
@@Torqd_Off If you don't have one yet, I'd say yes - pick whichever blade shape suits you! Check with various vendors, though - as they are now available with many more handle colors as well as K110 (D2) steel, and some have it with a black blade.
Tell ya Nickster, i was into a 31/2" Hinderer. Then some years ago I got the 3" and changed my whole philosophy of use for the folder. Much smaller handles, thinner, and just as usable.
I feel the price could come down if they’d do a cheaper box, and not include the zipper pouch, sticker, cloth, and velcro patch. I still like it though.
The US city name on a foreign made product may actually be an issue on the import side, too. Customs import regulations are pretty specific around when US names can be used. Given that it says Taiwan versus clearly stating "Made in Taiwan" makes the presence of a US city name problematic.
It doesnt make a claim about being "made in" that city. Think of it like a souvenir you purchased in a gift shop. It has the name of the place its being sold at but on the bottom it clearly says made in china or whatever. Kinda same here but the key difference is it doesn't make the claim "made in" anywhere. Its just a list of places. This would definitely be a special case in imports control and would likely have to be filed for a lawsuit as misleading consumers, but since theyre not claiming "made in" it doesnt matter with current laws.
@@beebait1464 it's moreso about the lack of a clear and distinct declaration of "Made in Taiwan" vs just stating "Taiwan" that's the issue. Anything that could be reasonably construed to confuse a potential end buyer is an issue in the eyes of CBP, at least it has been in past rulings they've issued. 19 C.F.R 134.47 is the bit of the regulations that addresses this.
I'm all for different concepts for knife locks but.....I found the Shark Lock to be one of the most uncomfortable and awkward knives I've ever used. FYI, it does not open and close like a flipper tab knife. The razor sharp shark lock will bite into your finger like nothing I've ever experienced in a knife. I am befuddled at all the positive reviews and Nick being the only one that mentions the sharp shark lock.
Love the lock and the general design, indifferent about the steel, somewhat disappointed in the scale material (despite it making sense with the faux-pivot collar and clip rest). Honestly I'd be more tempted to save the cash and splurge on a proper mini-AD20 down the line.
Still can't pull the trigger on one of these. $159 for D2 and grivory is frankly pretty gross, thankfully there are aftermarket scales, but then you're looking at $240 for D2, micarta and a proprietary lock system that isn't provably better than most crossbar offerings. If they can even get D2 on a decent set of scales for $159, I'm in, but there's too many fantastic knives in that $250 range for this to be a serious consideration.
I was 100% buying this knife when I saw the price and I love the clip point. And being Demko I never even thought of looking at the blade steel when I saw the price. Just came to RU-vid to see a few videos to see it in hand and such. But hearing that blade steel there’s no way I’m spending that money on this. This is bordering on rip off. And that’s being generous. What a shame.
Them scales are 💩 for the price right ? Thanks original goat and please make as many civivi and kizer scales as popular and will someone for crying out loud make some civivi praxis cF scales . And the mini too and the Brazen . And some begleiter cf scales or fat carbon of all sizes and them smaller sun 3” blades people love . People don’t mind paying more for scales than the knife if they like the knife it’s just the upgraded version basically of the blade steel is somewhat decent . Although I will say I’d rather have a good heat treat over anything and I don’t mind 440c or 8 cr since I ce already been family,air with it for decades it’s not as crappy as people think but compared to what’s new yeah it’s not quite as good but it is indeed still decent compared to what it could be of the heat treat is good . Sorry Nick I lost track of what I was really supposed to be talking about. I’m just going to go with It and end it here. I hope to see more videos from you. I really have enjoyed them this past year and it has helped further my knowledge with cutlery
They're so good I had to buy two! ✌️ It's been in my pocket since release. This isn't typically my style of knife but I absolutely love the AD20.5. If you're on the fence, get off and get one.
@@CorkKNIFE I got both styles as well. One from a knifecenter preorder that was filled last week and one from REC that they brought back from blade show and didn’t have listed on their site. Just had a few for regular customers and I happened to walk in and ask about them. Needed a secret handshake to get one. 😂
@@theknifeconnection9571 It’s the greatest modestly priced EDC ever made. If you’re hung up on the steel you can wait for the other options they plan on offering for a few bucks more in the future.. Im personally fine with Aus10A. Good EDC steel and easy to put a great edge on. I enjoy sharpening so it’s actually a positive.
Cruwear would be a good steel for the people who love to sharpen such as my self. Even m4. Since its a tough style knife. Aus10 isn't bad. I like it on my 60 dollar knives. But it's so cheap. 150 I can't spend that for frn and aus 10. I'm glad you like it. Good looking knife and great design. But not for me. I honestly don't like the blade to handle ratio either. Thickness behind the edge.
Bought both blade shapes, hate the scales ordered a RGT fat carbon set and a micarta set too also some skiff bearings best dressed aus10a blades ever but really not worth the money
I have unfortunately developed SLF from constant flipping for 7 days. Shark lock finger is a real concern if you are a fidget flipper. My index finger is raw. Ouch… I’ve needed to start using my thumb to unlock it. I did take a small file to all the edges of my shark lock nub 2 days ago. As pointed out, they are a bit sharp and increase the speed of SLF development. All in all I LOVE this knife. Mediocre steel? Eeehh. Don’t really care. If they come out with a 20CV version with titanium scales I’m first in line though. 😁
@@Thedoctorkirby Yes, but I want a production version in this size in 20CV and titanium scales at about $225-250. I would be willing to bet that will happen eventually. Different steels and different scales. Certainly G-10 will be available at some point as well.
@@Thedoctorkirby yes they do, but I wouldn’t buy a full size AD-20, even the AD-20 compact are wayyy to massive for me. I too would buy a 20.5 with a better blade steel. I would love one with maroon red or jade G-10 scales.
I'm a Demko fan. Love the AD20 but caught and released the AD20.5 even though I love the size. Here's why: 1. Sharklock release is a fingertip killer. This is not an issue on the AD20 but is on the 20.5 - not sure why - width? gimping? It hurts like hell though. 2. Materials need an upgrade. I'd rather pay $200 for G10 and 20CV than $150 for Grivory and AUS10A 3. In current form it won't displace my Para 3 Maxamet (but probably would with a materials upgrade and some fix for the release)
These AD20.5 Shark-Lock Folders absolutely "ROCK!!!" I absolutely luv mine. They're awesome UEDC Folders. That's my opinion. I think they're "Greeeeat!" As Tony the Tiger would say... :-) But, you're right about the price. But, these are the most affordable Shark-Lock Folder... So, I'm torn on the materials and price... All I can say is that my Shark's Foot AD20.5 has become my favorite UEDC... So, I say "Get One!" These "ROCK!!!" Great Video, Bro! :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)
