Demko AD 20.5 Folding Knife - Overview and Review

Demko AD 20.5 (for future listings) - shrsl.com/2yojt
Demko AD 20.5 (alternate link) - dlt.link/3kp8k9A
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[@metal_complex]

Thanks for watching! My Patreon - www.patreon.com/metalcomplex

[@seaferg5072]

It is infectious when you get THIS giddy over a knife. I can tell you are STOKED these are coming out

[@kn1fe_add1ct51]

The acoustics on this knife are so unique. I can't think of anything else that sound the way these do. Really sweet knife 🔪

[@SRVandDtrouble]

I hope the aftermarket scale makers are getting ready cause Ti and G-10 scale options and deep carry clips would put this over the top. Also putting a wave feature in place of the thumb studs would be cool. Keep us updated because this will be the first knife in a long time that I'll pay full retail for.

[@Tree_Stabbing_Troy_Lmafo]

DLT has aftermarket scales on their site right now.

[@ryansmock2717]

Wow this is a really smart move by Demko knives. Really excited for this

[@AudibleVisibIe]

Agreed

[@theoneandonlysoslappy]

Really interesting that it's being sold as a Demko and not a Cold Steel. I know that CS is under new ownership.

[@metal_complex]

@@theoneandonlysoslappy I think the Demkos fully understand the potential for this unique lock. They were smart to go exclusive

[@IlliniDog01]

It is also smart, because if they didn't make an affordable version of this knife, you know eventually an affordable Chinese clone would have shown up online. Might as well make that money for themselves and beat them to the punch.

[@jagpilotohio]

@@IlliniDog01 excellent observation. Damn Chinese copy everything.

[@jordan-dl2or]

Wow those clicks when you open them 😱

[@jn651]

I love that price point! Sharksfoot lol. Gonna be nice to be able to carry a Demko for under $350. Like the gray

[@dionpage7948]

Thanks for the killer Saturday AD 20.5 vid knife bro! Always appreciate Demko&ColdSteel vids!

[@seanmclaughlin3077]

A year later and you were right, G10 version with s35vn just like cold steel, Some of the coolest knives out there!

[@j.cut_]

I’m gonna try buying both blade shapes! I’m just hoping aftermarket companies make some scales for them!!

[@AudibleVisibIe]

I don't see why they wouldn't. A titanium set would be 👌

[@JoEYHiiGHRoLLER]

You can easily dye grey to any color like red, purple, blue, green.

[@evanb123]

I’d settle for some decent G10....more importantly some aftermarket pocket clips 😂 😆

[@hoss4876]

Titanium or some good micarta

[@sportsmonster66]

Yeah I’m hoping for the same. The AD2.5 on the scale looks rough. Micarta and I’m in 100%.

[@barkingspider2007]

I picked up 3 at Blade Show 2021. 2 in the "Shark Foot" version and one in the "Clip Point" version. The Demko's hit it out of the park with this knife. Thanks very much for the review.

[@destro6971]

All aboard the Hype Train, TOOT TOOT!! I will own that sharksfoot. Oh yes.

[@andyhayward1261]

rewatching this in 2023 and I have a sharksfoot knifecenter exclusive in 3v with dlc coating on the way and an insane amount of aftermarket scales to choose from. They’re really are doing great with this knife. Can’t wait till mine gets here

[@scottmeacham1738]

I am crushing on these knives So much! I bought the clip point first and literally can't put it down...until I got my Shark Foot! I also bought micarta scales. Thanks so much for sharing this video with us!

[@LUC.Knives]

R.I.P. all other knives in this price range.

[@CNYKnifeNerd]

I'm obviously not the target market, because I couldn't be less intereested in anything than I am in any Demko knife I ever handled/used, but I don't really see how FRN and 440C at $150 are gonna overshadow much. Even at ebay prices, $150 can get Maxamet and FRN or Rex45 and FRN, among a whole lot of other options. Obviously the yt/ig horde will flock to it initially, because that's what they do, but I predict an abundance of these for well under $100 on the secondary in a few months.

[@rockymountainlockpicker9606]

@@CNYKnifeNerdlooks like you were wrong

[@J0eMega]

@@CNYKnifeNerd you were indeed incorrect. They have a patent on the locking mechanism, iirc, so it’s not like we’re going to see many knockoffs

[@pateralus9]

I was able to grab a clip point yesterday!!! Which is the one I wanted! I cannot wait! This will be my first ever Demko design! 😃

[@sterlingking9117]

I bought the S35VN version. This is my favorite knife I've ever owned! I've beat this knife up at work and it still cuts like the day I bought it

[@thenubbynomad2828]

I’ve never heard of these but the lock has me obsessed

[@desertsmeagol7073]

ikr it’s hella strong and the fidget factor is absolutely phenomenal

[@thenubbynomad2828]

@@desertsmeagol7073 that snaps addictive Id love to get a asmr vid of this !

[@technicallyaclock5729]

I recently started looking at the cold steel Ad-15s but now that this is coming out and in a more preferable price range. I’m stoked!!!! It can’t come soon enough!!!

[@AudibleVisibIe]

Same here

[@davidrim8309]

I want one! The Demko’s should put out OEM handles like Hinderer does. Maybe even blades in better materials

[@thetoolwatch]

They said they will once they get caught up with all the orders. 👍🏻

[@Apex_grind562]

@@thetoolwatch demko keeps the guys like me , who actually abuse knives , in mind. Beaters. They dont need to do "Hinderer ". Apples and oranges dude.

[@thetoolwatch]

@@Apex_grind562 I agree about them being true user knives. Swapping out handle scales just keeps me from wanting to buy more knives. The use of so many different steels alone shows that they are more concerned with function and trying to create the best tools possible. Andrew Demko said it himself, knives are consumables - use them, sharpen them, replace them when you're out of steel. And FWIW, he and John both carry the Grivory versions. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mitchelloughman8382]

Saw this video, got excited, waited a few day, watched this video again, jumped on the hype train. That sharks foot is so appealing, my favorite work knife is a gen 1 delica which i ground into a sheep’s foot (someone snapped the tip doing something stupid, definitely wasn’t me, i swear). Also as a PA native there’s even the added pride on top of a fantastic lock, fantastic blade shape, and fantastic size. I think the sharks foot is my grail knife now.

[@austinbrown6343]

Just ordered mine in 3v steel...i wanted this knife so bad since it came out and im so glad that my patience paid off and its now being offered in an even nicer steel

[@jonathanklein9168]

I cannot wait to get this knife

[@CultureStress]

Thank you so much for all the size comparisons and measurements! I used them to make a cardboard copy (I tagged you on Instagram) so I could feel what the handle ergos were like and...wow. Blade show can't come fast enough!!!

[@davidinghram2494]

Just ordered my Jade clip point 20.5 about an hour ago. Now the wait begins! Thanks for a great review.

[@jonnychavez1879]

I will be ordering one with G10 scales and in 20CV. Can’t wait to get it!

[@andrewsuppa7468]

Just received my 20.5. It came in the biggest knife box I've ever seen. Thought they sent me the full size. Already fidgeting with it.

[@kennywheelus6857]

I got mine Sunday instead of Monday like they said, technically it was estimated for the 22 or 28th,I ordered a carbon fiber scales with 20cv,man I love how sharp it is an super fidgety,it's so smooth opening

[@NathanKrick]

If additional scale and steel options become available in the future, I hope scales are done the way Hinderer Knives operates. How nice would it be to be able to purchase additional first party scales and hardware directly from Demko Knives?

[@firstlast2514]

Dammit!!! There's so many knives I want, and, the list keeps getting longer. And I don't exactly have throw away money, so I'm glad some more affordable options are coming out. But the more I watch your videos the more I'm confused on which is gonna he my next knife lol. I have a sog tac XR on the way (didn't used to be into SOG but they've really stepped their game up, and I want their new seal XR as well) Can't wait for the AD 20.5s!!! Thanks man. Can't wait for you video tonight

[@tkindschi]

Yeah, if this comes in under $150, I'm probably in. I really like any lock that does not require you to put your finger in the blade path when closing. (I know....liner/frame locks are fine, and time tested. But the knife manipulation required just isn't my preferred method). Give me an Axis, or compression, or button.....or Shark!

[@phillipcoburn1668]

I’m hooked I can’t wait for this to drop. Definitely an amazing knife.

[@Patriot-rising]

One of the knives I am currently hunting is a Demko. A much more expensive variant. I did check out a few older ones and really love the lock. A lot!

[@FriedPi-mc5yt]

I hope they can get the regular AD-20 made in a cheaper version or at least make it more available. I agree that AUS 10A is a great middle ground steel. It does perform very comparable to any of my 154CM Kershaw knives. I personally like folders with a 4” blade. I can live with a 3.5” blade. But I don’t enjoy using knives with a 3” blade. DON’T JUDGE ME!!!!

[@AudibleVisibIe]

I'm stoked on this! Never owned any demko designs. Hopefully I can get my hands on one

[@firstlast2514]

"benchmade bugout uh-huh, that was a weird cough there" 😂😂

[@Timmsie95]

For something that I thought would look like an oversized Spyderco lightweight, those look incredible!

[@CoenBijpost]

Normally you’re pretty anti-frn and grivory, right? Any reason it’s different with the AD20.5? Does it have that cheap, plasticky feeling at all?

[@brettp_DO]

I’m in love with the sharks foot! Please continue to follow this knife. It’s on the top of my list to get!

[@BeagsBlades]

Pre-order is live today at knife center

[@brettp_DO]

Thank you!!

[@BladeBanter]

Done, a definite purchase when they become available.

[@Gwockamoli]

Just picked one of these up at Blade Show 2021 from the Demko booth! They were selling quick.

[@bs2096]

This is the coolest knife we have seen in a long time. This is a state of the art folder.

[@scottyh.6992]

I am really excited about this knife! Many of the great qualities of the American one, but different enough in size and materials that I still will seek after the standard AD20 when they become more available. I hope they come in a few different colors, a red would look really cool.

[@Will-W]

These are juicy. I hope there are enough of them to actually snag one when they drop. I'm sure these are going to go fast. I don't get the hate for Aus--8. Is it the best? No. Does it cut? Yup. Does it wear? Yup If you EDC Aus-8 should you have a sharpening/strop setup? Prolly. Is sharpening a good thing to know and learn? Prolly.

[@metal_complex]

But just to clarify... this is Aus10A 😉

[@Will-W]

@@metal_complex 🤣🤣🤣

[@9mmmike642]

I think AUS10A is popular in Canada, eh.

[@argyle1812]

Love that they put liners in

[@everydaycarry1328]

AUS10a is a tough steel , I have a Cold Steel Airlite in AUS10a and it's a pretty decent "budget" steel!

[@Sherrodja]

Wish the blade was 3.5" ...I don't like going below that blade length. My USAMADEBLADE Exclusive Kershaw Knockout in Bohler M390 has a 3.25" blade if my memory serves me well. That's a little small for me but it's my city carry. And BTW you're spot on about AUS10-A. It's a good user steel and I have no complaints with it in my Cold Steel Air Lite. Its good to go. But will I get one? Yeah, most likely..and some Rit Dye...black knives matter.

[@radioactivesubstance]

Never pre-ordered a knife b4 (not counting my micro evo, lol). But jumped on it when I saw it come up on knifecenter. So excited!!! Always wished for a mini ad20. That locking mechanism is awesome!

[@AntOfEgypt]

Thanks for this video MC, I’ve watched it a few times and snagged one from REC though am not a fan of the grivory so I just swapped to micarta scales and absolutely love it now!

[@ridedingo2497]

They nailed it i bet it's gonna be a huge succes He got everything to me Blade lenght Blade thickness Overall size Weight Fidget factor Price Materials And look's Magnificent Only one down side for me the pocket clip so to me 95% homerun

[@twai8036]

I just watched your cold steel ad15 video and you didn’t seem too happy with it costing $135 for aus10a and frn scales. This is the same thing but costs even more, but why are you excited about this one? Just purely wondering!

[@metal_complex]

I learned quite a but more about the steel between these two uploads

[@jeffscalfano3100]

I'd pop for the expensive one... something is lost in translation. To small?

[@JoEYHiiGHRoLLER]

I’m so pumped. My buddy is getting me one or both at blade. Super pumped. It looks like a tank of a mini ad-20

[@mattg2935]

That was a weird cough...Gonna get the sharkfoot variant as soon as they are available. Great profile and blade shape. Perfect.

[@kennywheelus6857]

I'm a new fan of the shark lock an sheep foot shark foot design,I don't mind the blade length,it's great fore in option,guys at work like it an wanting one,an even though I told them what paid for mine,super sharp out of the package

[@allemander]

I’ve never held this model but I do own the CS AD15, CS AD10, 4Max Scout and numerous other CS Demko knives. I just snagged the REC orange AD20.5 tonight. Sure hope I will love it! 😎💪🏼💥😉

[@j.t.553]

Do you like the ad-15 scorpion lock or the 20.5 lock better?

[@allemander]

@@j.t.553 I ended up canceling my 20.5 order before it shipped due to all the negative reviews & criticisms I saw/heard about the cheap handle material. I decided I’d rather try to invest in a real & more robust AD20 someday. So, I’m not really able to answer your question, specifically, because I’ve still never held an AD20.5 but the Scorpion lock is pretty fantastic on the 15. ✌🏼👊🏼

[@danielvargo4498]

I just got one brandnew in a trade I absolutely love it it's perfect my new everyday carry

[@maxlvledc]

the Sheepsfoot being 3" is very very clever for legal issues.

[@JLRoosterCogburn]

I’ve heard of the AD-20 so when I heard this was going to be made mini as well as a reduced rate I’m hooked!!

[@Corbs627]

Very glad to see this. Will be grabbing one for sure.

[@gladius1275]

These look so awesome as an affordable pocket friendly edc option and I will definitely get one, BUT, I still MUST own a big boy in either 3V or Crew wear. MUST!

[@MrIanstein808]

Congratulations on 50k🙌🏾

[@MrCicatrix13]

Once again brother you show me the way! Much thanks!

[@UnklKenny]

@metal_complex oh man I just watched the video advanced knife bro did with your edits and cuts on this. Laughed so hard 🤣 probably hardest I've laughed at a YT vid in months. So awesome.

[@93DracoX]

At that price point i WILL buy one of these

[@DieYuppieScum91]

AUS-10A is certainly better than AUS-8 (by a lot), but still isn't impressive at $150. Most AUS-10A and 154CM knives come in under $100, especially with plastic handles. I get that you're paying for the fancy shark lock, so it's gonna be a little higher, but really hope they come in on the lower end of that $125-150 range. But if the final pricing is on the lower end of that range and the availability is good, I'll be grabbing one.

[@twilly9022]

I like the idea for sure. But I just can't forget the AD15 in S35VN & G10 for a Buck Twenty Five 2 years ago!! I just feel like there scaling back a bit as far as Bang for your Buck. Regardless how popular the AD20 is. Just my 2 cents worth lol.Wait is this knife even being made by Cold Steel? 😰 Sorry MC just finished the video lol 😅 Makes much more sense now. Can't wait bring em on. 😆

[@scottmurdock1393]

Nice that people will be able to get these at a price more could accept. Cool that you’re excited. I just find no interest in this design. I’m a huge Hinderer fan and love hard use knives, these just seem so, I don’t know how to describe it? Plain? They just don’t seem interesting. Really cool that a popular model will be available to more people though..

[@rickkerans8485]

They are great looking. I am glad to see you gush all over it. That says a lot.

[@maxlvledc]

IMO..this is the best folding knife in the world of 2021 dollar for dollar...

[@SpankyK]

"It's gonna be a good year Otis"

[@georgelabonte2258]

I just picked up the OD Green DLT version, as my first quality knife. I'm really happy with it, except for the color of the scales. I also bought some replacement RGT scales. Have you done or will do a video on dismantling the knife? Thanks for the recommendation.

[@Apex_grind562]

Demko is killing the game!!! This is the year of monster blades! No more bug outs, para 3, elementums. It is time to go big or go home! That is the trend I see for 2021 on

[@balut3_edc]

Ohhh man, definitely going to be watching out for this one!😱

[@esoteric5277]

Pre-ordered from Knife Center today🤗 $149.99 is a bit steep but I just had to get one😑

[@indica_daze]

Been looking into these for a long time because of this metal complex well this channel is awesome but still I'm waiting on my paramilitary 2 first I'll break that in this will be my next

[@stillclaimndp]

Given the same price, what do you recommend for EDC (typical once daily box/package opening, etc), the AUS-10A or the Knifecenter K110/D2?

[@scottbenefield3184]

Those are sweet glad to see something that a lot more people can afford 👌👏👏👏

[@rcjoe406]

Wait the designers and the manufacturers didn't see the problem with flipping the clip and they drilled the holes but uhhh never tried it 😅😅😅😅same with the kizer hyper 🤔

[@firecannon90]

Whoever gets on making aftermarket scales for these in g-10, titanium or micarta is going to make a killing

[@nmnate]

Looking at these makes me think that I'd totally buy a MG AD20 in this size with the 'sharksfoot' blade shape. G10 and 20CV or 3V would be great :D

[@mchlgayheart]

Love it! Seems like the most awesome knife to date however, I don't think "switch hitter" is necessarily a good attribute to promote. 😅🤣

[@metal_complex]

Hahaha

[@cz1always608]

I wish it had a deeper pocket clip . Bought an after market clip for my AD10 Night and day . And yes wish it was the 35vn. Thanks

[@jace1873]

Haven't yet handled the demko but lock system looks kinda cool. Look forward to a titanium or c.f. production model. Hopefully they will so some different handle materials

[@willywinket]

Yay I just ordered one from DLT.

[@tippmann2455]

Finally got one of these so pumped

[@gotsouced4943]

I just bought clip point form dlt $130 $25 discount. I've wanted the full size so bad but at least I'll get to experience it.

[@cosmicnihilist6729]

I just got my first ZT I went with the 0562 and I'm getting my first protech the left handed SBR

[@jagpilotohio]

I’ve discovered a serious issue. SLF. Shark Lock Finger. 😳😂 I got my clip point 4 days ago and I am destroying the pad on my index finger from excessive and compulsive fidget flicking. Ouch!

[@Apex_grind562]

I really can't wait to see my boy Jimmy Slash react to this! Dude is a Demko disciple and really swears by Aus 10a

[@petebec]

You got me with stone washed. I can live with the other compromises. Sign me up.

[@timknowles7710]

Napoleon Dynamite reference................."I want that" Boy oh boy do these look awesome!!!

[@Piklikr]

Fast forward Flytanium is coming out with titanium scales for the baby.. Yup

[@BrokeKnifeLife]

Grabbed a Sharksfoot from bladeshow. Very excited

[@lukepaulson3428]

I hope all you dweebs go for that sharkbutt blade so I have a shot at the drop point!

[@metal_complex]

People still say "dweeb"?

[@lukepaulson3428]

Yeah. It’s making a comeback. 🤣

[@9mmmike642]

Maxi-zoom-dweeby

[@wg8561]

I got the AD20 mg, but definitely going to pick these up.

[@tiredrummertube]

This is a home run; THX Mr. Demko! Legacy*

[@liamroarke7991]

Man, these plus a LynchNW clip???? "IT'S GOLD, JERRY!! GOLD!!!!!"

[@narkfly]

MC or anyone else here: would it be possible to maybe stack 2 phosphor bronze washers on either sides of the blade instead of bearings to make it more bomb-proof / apocalypse ready?