Cold Steel For the Win! AD10 and 15 First Impressions

[@OsamaBinDarrel]

You are 110% about the AD10 being a user ! I've used mine damn near daily for the last 4 months and it's still just as solid as day 1 . I think if people would carry a knife before they worried about how much it weighed that whole it's to heavy argument wouldn't exist .

[@johnnorris1615]

i think worrying about a couple ounces is ridiculous

[@edwardwnewland]

Just got an AD10 --- WOW. For the price (paid $114), probably my favorite knife in my collection. It FEELS like 4 or 5 ounces, not 7.

[@csknives]

Great video!

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

great knives!

[@Inspectergadget69]

I got the AD-15 just this week. The fit and finish and attention to detail is just amazing so you were spot on about that. I also watched the AD video on KZbin on how to use it and the bar fits my hand and I use it with three or four fingers to close. I can't stop playing with it...it's like puberty all over again.

[@paulhughes3961]

I love the AD10. Haven't bought a Cold Steal knife in a few years but I think it's about time to.

[@Dhiggins90]

I have the AD-15, but I think I really want the AD-10 now, haha. The scorpion lock is extremely fun after breaking it in 👌

[@marrenmiller]

FYI: those knives have teflon and PB washers, one pair of each. The two pairs are easily replaceable with .625" x .25" x .010" PB washers, though.

[@willc9235]

I will probably go with the AD15 first but I’ll own both at some point. They are both fantastic knives.

[@natek1993]

AD-10 is the nicest Cold Steel knife on the market. Prolly my favorite looking knife out there, that and the Lionsteel ROK.

[@bradyoung3536]

Great video. I can't remember the last time I was as excited as I was and still am for two production knives. I got the CS ad-15 when it came out and picked up both on massdrop. I can't get over the quality on them. I'm just as proud to own these as I am my crks, hinderers, etc.

[@markw7303]

Amazing, I knew these were coming I guess almost 2 years ago, demko has been teasing them, so excited !!!!!

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Yeah quite a thing I remember hearing rumors when the ad15 first came out

[@markw7303]

@@Kevinclearysharpstuff yay just got the 10 so happy I never got the ultamit hunter, but the ad 15 was a no show :(

[@franksalem8580]

I have the AD 15 custom and love it. It is smooth and drop shuts.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I had the custom great knife

[@johobo2038]

This cold steel is so close to the custom I say for a good long while trying to figure out what the point of the custom is now that the cold steel is released. Still a great knife of course but I’m worried these cold steels will affect their value also. Not even sure I could sell it if I wanted to. Which I don’t. Lol

[@EDCwithAaron]

Got the AD10 and have to say it is one of the best knife purchases I have ever made... And ive made a lot of purchases.

[@johobo2038]

Just a little adjustment on the pivot on the ad15 and the action is awesome. I did a side by side with the custom and I was blown away by how close they are. Besides the jimping most of the differences are cosmetic. Well the materials difference of course but for the lower price it’s a great deal in my eyes.

[@sturmgewehr70]

I've had the 10 for a few months and love it. I hesitated on the 15, but finally pulled the trigger on a black G10 version this morning. It should be here soon.

[@joeymaximus8146]

If you could only have the 10, or the 15, which would you choose?

[@sturmgewehr70]

@@joeymaximus8146 The 10.

[@joeymaximus8146]

@@sturmgewehr70 thanks for the reply!

[@Dont_Poke_The_Bear]

Only two blades I want to pick up this year, an AD15 and a para 3 lightweight.

[@edwardkupczak1152]

Kev, i cant make up my mind which one i like better. Thankfully i bought both of them. They are both great knives. More winners from Cold Steel. Thanks Kev for another great video.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

they are great

[@MrCN173]

Love my new AD10! Highly recommend. Saved some coin and paired it w a recon1 instead of AD15 and glad I did! Cold steel and their taiwan stuff is VERY NICE in 2020

[@sst3tz]

Just got the AD 10. Wow the fit and finish is ridiculous for the price. Absolutely amazing

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

agree 100%

[@vincentedgeworks]

Got mine today as well!

[@bronsoncashiola1426]

Have mine for a week and it’s big and pretty awesome

[@SkyPhoenixGear-Collectibles]

How’s the pocket clip work on the ad10. I’m interested but can’t stand when knives are super hard to get in and out of pocket or tear up my pockets

[@sst3tz]

Jonathan York pocket clip works well for me. Not too flat or stiff. A lot of cold steels are known to have stiff clips, but you could always bend it a little to help

[@dalecarpenter8828]

When people talk about recon 1 s I for get that my recon 1s are customized ! I take a pound or two off the lock spring ( make the lock work much more easily ) ( leave enough to retain the blade ), bend the pocket clip so that it bearly touches the handle and smooth the handle under the clip . I take the second finger groove off and grind the hilt that exposes the blade and it makes a cap lifter ( didn't plan that but it's cool ) ( I take part of the big chunk of handle that makes your finer stay way back ( anyway the handle is much better feeling and looking )and I take out the plastic washers and polish the washers drop with no play ! They work like a $400.00 ( cold seel ) knife when I'm done ! Can't make myself leave home without one !

[@1donnatien]

I just got the ad-10. It's one of the most comfortable knives I've ever used! And I've got $300 knives. It slices perfectly

[@SkyPhoenixGear-Collectibles]

Hey Kevin do you prefer the 4 max or the ad10, since weight probably won’t be and issue becuae both are heavy hard use folders

[@paul_schuette]

I can see why you were so excited to get these two in hand! I want that AD-15 really badly, but the AD-10 is a close second. I think both are going to be absolute home runs for Cold Steel, and I'm not sure how in the world they got the price as low as they did. I absolutely love my Recon 1 and Voyager Large Tanto, so I'm not concerned about the size and weight in the least. I'd love to get both of these from the ground up Demko designs into my collection and user rotation. I'm with you in really liking his design style. Where some "hard use" knives sacrifice the ability to actually cut things well, it sounds like he does an amazing job of making a very stout knife that still functions really well as a knife (as opposed to a folding pry bar). That has to be a difficult balancing act, and it really impresses me.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Yeah Demko does an awesome job delivering heavy duty knives that still cut and these follow his style for sure

[@wg8561]

I have both now. I definitely prefer the AD 10. Just the way it fits like a glove in my hand. Not crazy about the scales on the AD 15, also the action is smoother on my ad 10. Seems like the custom ad 15 is much better in these areas. Still both are great.

[@timbo4374]

I'm going to have to add these to the very long list of knives I need to pick up. So damn many great knives out there nowadays, so little money to go around, lol. A little more cutting edge on the Recon. I wonder if that has anything to do with the Recon having a 4" blade, and the AD-10 and 15 are 3 1/2" blades. Just a wild ass guess.. LOL. Your excitement is awesome. Loving it!

[@vincentedgeworks]

My 10 came in today as well! I am super pleased with it! My only thing is that my pinky slips half out of the grip if I squeeze tightly. But I think in normal use I will most likely be using a modified grip anyway. Action is amazing and fit and finish is superb!

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

sounds like you have really large hands and you know what they say about people with large hands....

[@vincentedgeworks]

Kevin cleary yup, super hard to find gloves.

[@williamdennis1256]

Well, I suppose at this stage of knife cash flow diversions, an analogy is in order. My champagne tastes and beer budget can be accurately juxtaposed at this time to read, my Demko tastes and rubber trainer budget. Ouch. Good thing I have Pay Pal. Great pump and video Kevin. Real passion is golden.

[@hantusmostert]

Cleaning blood from the AD15 is going to be time consuming. But a good-looking knive none the less. I will select the AD10

[@natek1993]

Man I love everything about these knives. Kinda wish they made a smaller version of each

[@patricksmatrick6193]

Something about the A10 has been really calling to me and I don’t know why, also, those prices put other knives to shame.

[@tonycanniffe2360]

The more I see do the AD10, the more I prefer it over the AD15. The AD10’s design is beautiful and cohesive. Interesting that they went with a hollow grind (on a hard-use knife). The Ultimate Hunter (a brother from another mother?) has a flat grind. I like a hollow grind anyways. Thanks for the quick look!

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Yeah I was surprised as well I do like hollow grinds, I've sold my ultimate hunter kind of wish I had it for a comparison video

[@bettss4597]

I have the ad 10. Beatifull!! Does not feel like a 150 knife! And I'm currently awaiting my custom ad 15 :D

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I loved my custom AD15 just a little too rich for my blood and yeah the value on these is exceptional

[@bettss4597]

@@Kevinclearysharpstuff for sure man. I appreciate ur videos my man!!

[@brianf9619]

YEEESSSS , I just got both knives , and Cold Steel not only hit it out of the park but ripped the skin off the ball . Both knives are Fantastic Deals , I can't put them down . I can't wait to see the full review . This is the first time I've ever said , wow , the Recon 1 has some serious competition here, and thats really hard to do , but of course it had to be another CS .

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Totally agree these are the best thing Cold Steel has done since they moved away from aus8

[@James-ke5sx]

I bought all three versions of the Canadian Limited Edition Recon 1. I used to work in Antiques and Collectables and I think a collection of all three will be worth something in the future, especially here in Canada when stocks of all assisted opening knives run out. They may not be Cold Steels most expensive knives but they are the finest finished Recons ever made and as I write there's only about 4-5 left of each. How is the locking mechanism on the AD15 when batoning

[@EagleJim62]

Decisions, decisions. I'm leaning toward the AD15, but that could change. I was a bit giddy too about these releases. LOL.

[@soulzzplaysgames]

Don't know your preference for blade length, but if you don't mind BIG big knives, the Cold Steel Rajah 2 has a really smooth tri ad lock as well.

[@NewtonWashinton]

Cold Steel announced they are coming out with AD-10 Lite with AUS 10A Steel.

[@Jeepsteve1982]

The demko sr1 is being neglected in this conversation. Much more relevant than the recon 1.

[@Torqd_Off]

Nicer handle especially with the finger cutout in the blade

[@Apocalyptic-yr6uv]

Have not bought a cold steel yet. I had been waiting on buying the 4 Max for ever.. Might have to start with the AD10 looks pretty cool

[@NewAgeofAwesome]

The AD10 feels light it feels 4-5ounces well proportioned. When I first got it unlocking it and having it drop free at my fingers had me nervous but after some practice it stops perfectly three quarters down then little shake and it’s home

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

If your finger is in the front choil it will catch the blade without getting cut

[@jerseyknifeguy6382]

I can't stop playing with the 10 it's smooth

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Yeah I feel the same way

[@Tiger24kicks]

These two knives and the Benchmade Bedlam when I get all three I will be happy for the rest of 2020 and 2021.

[@wg8561]

Forgot to mention I got the 4max also the itallian version. It's cool but probably a bit overkill if I'm honest. I would probably prefer the looks more in a satin finish and I might dye the scales. If I had to do over again I would have picked up the scout instead. It's basically the same and I doubt the aus 10 would make a big difference. Could have had it for less than $90 shipped. The 4max ran me $270 shipped. Anyways I prefer the AD 10 anyways.

[@Damen0530]

Just got my AD15, very nice but very stiff to open out of the box. Hopefully it will break in soon.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Mine is a bit stiff but it's already breaking in a bit

[@Bwbravowhiskey]

Mine was also; now it’s almost drop shut smooth

[@johobo2038]

A tiny li it adjustment did wonders for mine. It’s smoother than the custom I have now. I equate that to the tolerances on the custom. Even with the pivot all the way loose it’s not free swinging smooth. The cold steel is and still with no blade play.

[@Damen0530]

Joshua Burkhead I did adjust the pivot slightly- better but still I think it needs more break in

[@jonathangarzon2798]

If the AD-10 and 4Maxx we're in flat grind tanto blades I'd buy both

[@kenmarapese9085]

Took off work early, nice! Because of that I'm going to hit the subscribe button. I like the AD10, as you stated "it's a user!"

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

It's quite good and thanks for the sub

[@computerwarez]

I think the scorpion lock reminds me of my Columbia River Knife and Tool 5195 Graphite Glenn Klecker as soon as I seen the ad15 automatically thought of it

[@NewAgeofAwesome]

On the AD10 I would not recommend taking the screws on the show side out took mine out now they won’t go back in. I also tried to bend the clip I tiny bit to not make it horrible to pull in and out but nope now the clip screws won’t tighten back

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

yikes good luck hope it goes back together for you the backspacer looks to be aluminum so take it easy don't want to mess up the threads

[@barrybueler3356]

Been looking at the AD-10 and 15 or the 4 max for my tough as nails knife definitely beasts 👍✌️.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

The 4max is the real beast ad10 is great you may want to consider the sr1 as well

[@Peteyrich93]

The ad15 has both pb and Teflon washers

[@PowerMadHeadBanger]

I was hoping the CRKT Seismic would make the blast these knives did but no, people completly forgot the Seismic.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I looked at getting one for review but Im not willing to pay 120 just for a lock maybe if they come down in price Ill pick one up

[@roejimbo2293]

Ive made a promise to not buy any knives in 2019 (i went too wild last year) or until i can release a review vid on every knife i own.... that said, i better get busy reviewing, because of ALL the new knives from shot show, this new AD10 has tempted me like nothing else. Ive always wanted the 4max, but that price... thought about getting the ultimate hunter, as its got that AD design sense, but it just felt so much smaller than the 4 max... but this AD10!? Perfect middle ground, size and price! 150 bucks? What a home run!! Thanks for the vid, would love to see you compare the 10 to the ultimate hunter in the final review vid or on insta.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I used to have an ultimate hunter I may try to borrow one to do a comparison video

[@roejimbo2293]

@@Kevinclearysharpstuff that would be awesome if your able, they look so similar, like companion knives.

[@spartanj2957]

If I could only have one, the AD 10 but I might get both ,heck it's like getting 2 for the price of one nice knife but your getting 2 !!!

[@carlito5552]

What is the hole in the finger guard for on the ad 10?

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

its to accommodate a possible pin to lock the blade open it was part of the ad10 custom and just got carried over

[@anthonyp7051]

I’m wanting that ad10

[@jerseyknifeguy6382]

But I can't get the 15 yet

[@jerseyknifeguy6382]

Kevin there good

[@Dirtyknives007]

If you loosen the rear screw a tiny bit it gets much easier to use the scorpion lock.

[@johobo2038]

But the rear screw doesn’t control the scorpion lock at all. That’s interesting. That screw just holds the back of the knife together.

[@Dirtyknives007]

@@johobo2038 yes but if the rear screw is too tight it's very difficult to disengage the lock.

[@Alexanderthegreat.mp3]

still waiting for my AD15, it's out of stock everywhere

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Last I checked dot trading had some left it's been a couple days but maybe they still have some

[@VT2NY]

How does the scorpion lock compare to the strap lock on the Buck Marksman?

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

somewhat similar motion but very different

[@zoo2you]

Nice.

[@sputumtube]

The AD15 Scorpion 'lock-bar' is made of Aluminium? Is aluminium really a good choice for strength?

[@macmurfy2jka]

paul greenwood I don’t see why it should be a problem. Those are some robust looking pieces of metal.

[@sputumtube]

@@macmurfy2jka I'm sure you're right - it's just that aluminium isn't normally a choice when strength is important. It's probably good enough though I guess...

[@macmurfy2jka]

paul greenwood you say that, but Lionsteel has an integral frame lock made of milled aluminum. And that’s forgetting all the knives out there that that are made of solid aluminum with steel lockbars attached. Aluminum is a perfectly fine choice for the lock bar in this knife. Sure its not as hard, tough wear resistant, or springy as a good piece of well tempered steel, but for structural application, it’s great! They don’t make boats, bike, rockets, racecars, and airplanes out of that stuff because it’s weak. Thats for sure. Notice that the interface is still a steel pin.

[@sputumtube]

@@macmurfy2jka O.K. bud - you win. It was just my opinion, that's all.

[@willc9235]

They make planes out of aluminum. Beer cans too.

[@kerryrwac]

I'm going to go out on a limb here , and say that the AD10's liners are not skeletonized.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

No not skeletonized at all

[@anthonyb2990]

Probably because they're aluminum.. Kinda wish they were ss

[@johnnorris1615]

@@anthonyb2990 then the whiny babies would complain about weight.

[@treizTUBE]

*refinement

[@danmichell7516]

siding with the ad10 ..function over form

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I get it for sure I think the AD 10 is going to be great in use

[@macmurfy2jka]

I really liked the AD 15 until i saw that the tang extended into the handle area.

[@levi5548]

it's a folding knife, there is no tang!?

[@macmurfy2jka]

Levi yes, I believe that the common consensus is that any part of a folder that isn’t sharp and bladey is the tang. This is usually the area around the pivot and that interfaces with the lock. It is really easy to pick out in knives like ballisongs but is a necessary part of any locking folder. Its steel that extends from the blade into the handle, thus a tang. The naming convention is a bit tenuous but it’s better than the alternative.

[@AcidTripwire]

Yep, can't unsee it. I imagine you wouldn't even feel it in normal use (depending on glove size/grip) but still just really bothers me. They could have just fractionally reshaped the grip to conceal it!

[@macmurfy2jka]

AcidTripwire it seems like a really big oversight for such a good designer.

[@glennsnedeker4989]

There not made in the USA.

[@johnnorris1615]

if they were they would cost almost twice as much.

[@kampferlin2079]

Why everyone is so impressed by the Scorpion Lock? I thought Andrew said in interview, he invented Scorpion Lock as labor saving measure form hand-making Tri-AD lock in his garage. I am guessing Scorpion Lock is "fun" to play with? And most people nowaday buy knives just to "play" with?

[@johobo2038]

It’s super strong too. I’m not sure about what Andrew said but just by design the lock gets stronger the harder you grip the knife. And on top of that it’s fun. So it’s the best of both worlds to me.

[@Sasquatch214]

Where did he say that? Even if its easier to make it still offers similar lock strength to a triad.

[@kampferlin2079]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKGkhWlmjrilkLs

[@Sasquatch214]

@@kampferlin2079 I watched the vid and saw what you refrenced but at the same time im kind of lost where you are getting at.You are upset because he create a new locking mechanism simple thats has strength that rivals the triad but at the same time overs the advantage of being easily opened/closed with one hand?

[@kampferlin2079]

Not upset. The new lock seen nice, easy to operate, even though it is not as strong as triad. But seen like people think it is greater than triad, which I disagree. I have no problem operating triad with one hand.

[@timtim4525]

too heavy to daily carry......wont sell well.....almost 7 oz is too heavy---needs to make mini versions---dumb heavy

[@johnnorris1615]

lift some weights for gods sake ...worried about a couple ounces???? omfg.