Demko AD 20.5 VS Spyderco Para 3

[@metal_complex]

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

[@danielwasused]

it is the same factory that cold steel uses so you know the heat treat on the 10A will be as good as possible

[@destro6971]

My God, that snickclickclickysnikt sound on the Demko is just delightful

[@krismartin1181]

I was just thinking the opposite maybe I’d have to play with it

[@andyhayward1261]

I totally agree the sound makes me want it so bad lol

[@rhapsodical]

Brilliantly said! 😂

[@JoelHunterGun]

Yes yes yes

[@danielwasused]

the sharksfoot blade shape is really really attractive to me

[@rubicon615]

At 13:37, It looks like the sheepsfoot blade version of the Demko isn't flush with the handle like the clip point version at the choke up position. I wonder if that was intentional, and how noticeable it is when you're using it.

[@davidcherry3107]

Thanks, MC. This was super helpful. I was about to pull the trigger on the AD 20.5. Let's face it. We love everything Demko touches. I carry a Para 3 (almost) every day. I went out and bought a nylon belt sheath so I could also carry my AD 15. I don't need to carry the AD 15, but it's a Demko. I think I'm going to pass on the 20.5, for now. Instead of buying my next knife, I'll put that money aside. In a month or two, when I normally would be buying yet another knife, I'll put all those funds into an AD 20. Hopefully, by the end of the summer, we'll see a 20.5 with upgraded materials. But man, it sure is hard to pass in the AD 20.5.

[@Crybotenabled]

They have them on Knife Center in K110 D2 steel. Perfect steel for EDC imo.

[@beyproctor7673]

I’m still so in love with my Para 3 Maxamet that I can hardly believe there is any knife comparable! This is partly why I like your channel though. You’ve really got me looking into the Demko AD 20.5 now though. The shark lock and tumbled spade finish among reasons I would like one. Like you, I look forward to a USA made version too. Awesome content as usual!

[@JoEYHiiGHRoLLER]

This is the content we’ve been waiting for. When I got into knives, (watching your channel is was bugout vs pm3) lord did I ever think I would have not one but two ad-20’s and a 20.5 on it’s way? No but this is the video we neeeed baby! A demko at the same price point as a pm3? Wow

[@NathanKrick]

The AD 20.5 is very temping, but I will probably hold out (at least for now) for upgraded steel and/or handle materials. 10A, even with a really nice heat treat is still limited by the composition of Aus10 (primarily low carbon content compared to other options). D2 could be used at the same price point, and IMO would be a better option. A slightly higher price point should open up the option for CPM S30V/S35VN, as Spyderco's Tiawan made knives show.

[@anthonyschutz7201]

I'm sure you know this by now but just in case, the knife center exclusive is D2 and currently $125

[@NathanKrick]

@@anthonyschutz7201 KnifeCenter has it in K110 (German D2) and CPM-3V. I haven't pulled the trigger yet, but would probably go with the CPM-3V.

[@anthonyschutz7201]

@@NathanKrick oops I accidentally said knife works. I didn't realize they had 3v in not titanium but dang that's a good deal.

[@kbd13-n9c]

@23:02 exactly how I feel. Would be an instant buy, which is why I'll probably wait it out and see if that becomes an option. Willing to pay more for it. Also agree on the sharkfoot shape.

[@Greenmachine305]

Good comparison. Good move by Demko on lesser materials, not so much on the price. There is room to improve, which is great.

[@sueschenosky9079]

Para 3 LW doesn't have a clip problem, unless you don't like the look of the wire clip. The lanyard hole is out of the way and it is easily deployable. It also is lighter and you can get S90V, SPY 27 for $140. Plus made in the USA. I think at this time the Para 3 LW is clearly the winner!

[@metal_complex]

I did mention the wire clip on the Para 3 LW either verbally or in text form.

[@davidinghram2494]

I have these two knives along with an Ace Biblio Ti. My Para 3 has the S110 blade, but for me the steel is not a deciding factor. The little Demko gets carried three or four times as much as the Para because of it`s thinness and that stupid pocket clip. That being said, I have that same pocket clip from Lynch Northwest on order. Also, the g10 scales of the Para will get lightly sanded down so they don`t grab my pocket so much. The Biblio is the best of them to carry, but as a user is a little bit smaller in the hand. I like all three of them, but the Demko gets used the most.

[@manifestgtr]

I’m definitely picking up one of these 20.5s. The smaller size alone would fix a lot of the carry issues I’ve had with demko designs. My 15 is a lot of fun but it’s easily the most beastly knife I own. I carry my Shamans and larger Civivis waaayyyyyyy more often for the simple fact that they’re so much more practical. Seeing the 20.5 against the para 3 (which is a *great* carry size) makes it infinitely more intriguing for my purposes.

[@_BLANK_BLANK]

I want the para 3. The steel choices alone win it for me.

[@patrickmccrea3455]

Hey bro I just subscribed love the channel I just watched your videos on the Ontario Rat 1 and because of that video I ordered it today can't wait I don't normally get excited about a 30$ knife you sold me thank you😁👋

[@joshstarkey8883]

This is a smart comparison. At first, seeing the title, I thought "why would you compare those, they're not very similar," but looking at the thumbnail, seeing how the edges, choils, handles and overall length line up I see they really are rather similar in a lot of relevant ways.

[@everydaycarry1328]

The 20.5 in S45vn with micarta scales would be perfect!!

[@alexandregraulle607]

I just receive the Spiderco PM 3 titanium handle and the Stich from Microtech. I am so happy !! ^^

[@tryxxor]

cant wait for flytanium dropping some nice titanium scales for that bad boy

[@AudibleVisibIe]

Oh man me too. Textured would look sick

[@HammerSmashedFace92]

Maybe demko would too. He's doing this size as a custom too

[@shadowcastyt]

I pretty much got the Demko for two reasons 1) shark lock 2) flytanium titanium scales

[@phantomstrike3310]

would you buy the Demko Sharks Foot in Grey with AUS10A for $85 dollars in todays market? I can get it brand new for that price. Im going to DLT on Monday, as its only an hour from where I live

[@_BLANK_BLANK]

Blade stock may be similar, but what is the thickness behind the edge on them both?

[@sueschenosky9079]

Also forgot to mention, PB washers compared to bearings and easy of disassembly, especially the Para 3 lw. Ease of Maintenance is paramount.

[@metal_complex]

Actually, I did mention that in the on screen text

[@sueschenosky9079]

@@metal_complex Yes you did. I saying that you don't have to pay extra for a different clip on the Spyderco. It feels like the 20.5 in it's current iteration is a test to see how many will want it. As you also say, wish it was in a different steel and handle material. Why do we have to wait? Love your video.

[@moxieblade]

Preordered but aside from the cool shark lock I have zero desire to own this knife. $150 to fidget a different way with a knife is my conundrum. The more I see this knife the less I want it. Grivory, AUS 10a, 73 scale screws vs shark lock.

[@wolfdna788]

Got one from DLT should be here Monday. Can’t wait

[@jameshealy4594]

What does anyone think of Spyderco making a lightweight version of the PM2 instead of just the 3? *I'm just leaning into it now, ALL the comments haha, it'll improve your interaction score or something anyway, right? 😅

[@Transamchamp]

Thanks to DLT i managed to get both a clip point and a sharks foot version of the AD 20.5 super excited for these to arrive!

[@anthonyburas5818]

I have the AD 20.5 with the 3V steel. I've never owned a knife with grivory handle and I'm not a fan. It feels cheep to me. Are you aware of other material scales available for the 20.5 and where I can purchase? Maybe G10?

[@sinister_knife]

Sooooon. Can’t wait. Just got my viper storm (thanks for the recommendation). Despite some lock stick, I love it. Haven’t taken it apart yet, so that issue may well clear up.

[@airwolf2001]

I've got a Demko AD 20.5, clip point, black scales, DLC coated 3V Knife Center Exclusive on it's way! Haven't been as excited to get a new blade in a minute! Guessing a Shark's Foot will have to follow quickly!

[@CKshouta]

Aus10A and 14C28N are probably the best available ingot stainless steel for pocket knives.

[@evanb123]

Somebody please PLEASE come up with some aftermarket pocket clips that are better than the standard clip for the 20.5

[@AudibleVisibIe]

They will. For sure. It's Def ugly

[@bunyipdan]

PopCustomClips - does a ultra deep carry titanium clip for the AD20 (most likely fits.....Bit too deep for me, overhangs the end of knife, but an option)

[@Eknight21992]

Curious on a comparison now that we have s45vn para 3 and a 3v ad20.5

[@williamschmidt3261]

Just wondering how are the tips on the 20.5 is it also thinner than the para 3’s or is it thicker?

[@gOOnz901]

The fidget factor alone is why the para 3 gets pocketed a lot less compared to a Demko ad20/ad20.5 .Spyderco para 2 and 3 are a must have also . I love them both. But honestly the demko is FUN ! Way more fun and less boring .

[@littlerougue]

I got a Demko on the way and going to get a Spyderco at some point

[@IlliniDog01]

I finally got an AD20.5 recently. It is much smaller in person than it looks in the reviews. The only thing I don't like about it is the jimping on the sharklock release tears my fingers up. It doesn't seem like it needs to be so sharp.

[@j.savage1228]

I can't wait to have the sharkfoot in hand next month! I haven't been this excited about a knife drop since my Manix 2 m390.

[@AudibleVisibIe]

Hopefully next month. Demko said the knifecenter pre orders probably won't ship til July

[@danielwasused]

grey is a criminally under rated color!

[@ericiverson721]

I’ve got a Spyderco para 3 maximent on layaway at Blade HQ. But I will definitely definitely be picking up the AD20.5 in sharksfoot as soon as it hits stores

[@orendz7740]

I ordered the sharksfoot today and I was a little hesitant because of the steel choice but after thinking it through it was the hype that got me to buy it. I like the shape and the blade size. Like recently all I’ve been carrying is a Vero synapse, the mid size and to me it’s perfect size. But yeah long story short and to end my pointless typing, it was because of the hype

[@firstlast2514]

Where did you order yours from? I am waiting for my dlt trading od green version right now. Ordered it when they dropped this last week. Also do you know anywhere to get scales? I have found one retailer with a few micarta scales but if there's more out there, I'd like to check em out.

[@orendz7740]

@@firstlast2514 I ordered mine at REC. the only place where I’ve seen scales for them is at DLT. I haven’t checked at REC yet. Which I probably will.

[@bunyipdan]

FYI, you seemed to have neglected to mention a few after market options which can provide solutions for some of your nit picks - PopCustomClips - does a ultra deep carry titanium cip for the AD20 (most likely fits.....Bit too deep for me, but an option) - ODC4EDC makes the Compression Made Easy (CME) for most compression lock knives which can make compression locks easyier to manipulate esspecially for those cursed with ghe left handed gene.

[@metal_complex]

But those things add cost, which is something I mentioned when I talked about the aftermarket clip on the Para 3 in this upload. You can remedy this stuff, sure.... for a price.

[@bunyipdan]

@@metal_complex No worries, guess you had to explain the deep carry clip you had installed on your Para3, just thought some of your audience may not be aware of aftermarket solutions to the minor issues you identified. Have you tried the CME on any of your compression lock Spyderco's?

[@metal_complex]

No I haven't. Might be something I need to check out

[@normal1972]

I can disassemble a Para 3 in about 2 minutes, which is way less than the 45 for the Demko after finding that spring. Popping that tube out with a small dowel rod is simple and takes a couple seconds. And the P3 LTW is even easier. I would like to try the Shark lock, but not at that price for that steel. I agree that if they put better steel on there I would pay a little more to try it.

[@AudibleVisibIe]

Aus10a is solid with a proper heat treat

[@normal1972]

@@AudibleVisibIe I am sure it is solid, but at $150 you can do alot better than solid. So, at that price I am going to pass on aus 10a and grivory. I hope they do release more versions like Spyderco does with it's models.

[@metal_complex]

I kind of covered the whole "this is about way more than just the base materials" thing in this video. That's fine if your decision making process is based on bang-for-buck materials, but I discussed about 5 arguments that add value to one side or the other. Probably a few things you should consider.

[@normal1972]

@@metal_complex Actually, it was considering those other factors that made me say that I want to try one if they do improve the materials. I wasn't interested at first, but now I am.

[@ZmanOutdoorz]

Are bestech knifes in the $200 rang worth getting or am I paying for the materials used rather than a higher quality?

[@franksalem8580]

Bestech knives are great in any price range.

[@Sleepy_spartan717]

Yup. An ad 20.5 clip point will be my next with knife. Replacing the protech /Emerson cqc-7.

[@GBall_Vision]

The Para3 maxamet was my first spydie. Now I will have 5 or 6 before this week's over

[@DanDannyDanielleBob]

All I want is a set of contoured g10 onlays for my spydiechef and the rest of my folding knives would be kicked to the curb. The contour and texture on my ad10 is just about perfect

[@camhester4251]

i like Spyderco but i think i would go with the Demco myself i like it a lot and have never touched one , i have Spyderco , rat 2 QSP Penguin , elementum , civivi ortis , Senco Sache and i like the Penguin bcause of the blade i think that's why i like the Demco sheepfoot

[@anthonyschutz7201]

I wish I could buy both. The para 3 is getting pretty tempting though with the s45vn. Either way I'll probably wait until ones on sale because I'm not paying full price for either of these. I think about $125-$135 would be good.

[@kylegordon1520]

Well today is your lucky day lol. Knife center has the basic versions of the 20.5 in D2 for $125 right now

[@ftlaud911]

Para 3 all day. Origin, tons of Steel options, and G10 colors. The shark is very cool though. Once it has more options in the next couple years, I may pick one up.

[@Killlerbee]

Nice comparison MC. Thanks!

[@red19841984]

Hey Metal,by any chance you have any extra large ad20.5 pivot to you willing to sell?

[@AudibleVisibIe]

Pre ordered mine on knifecenter 👍 got the clip point. Supposed to ship late June early july Does anyone know if there's a way to get them sooner than that or is the KC pre order probably the best bet?

[@FriedPi-mc5yt]

I think I’ll buy an AD-20.5. Maybe that will hold me over until Demko comes out with their cheaper version of the regular AD-20. I like AUS-10A, so I won’t mind having a full size AD-20 in that particular steel. If these Demko knives are being made in Taiwan, I hope they will eventually do a version in G-10 and S35VN for a couple hundred bucks.

[@riderr1011]

IMO, a really good comparison of 3 knives I may want to buy. Thanks. I'm a newbie to knives so, may i suggest you do a video of knife steels? I am confused - s30v, s 35, s 40, m 390, and so on and on, etc What are the differences between so many blade steels?

[@franksalem8580]

Just do a Google search. Many reviewers including this one have already done this.

[@jameshealy4594]

Knifesteelnerds is a GREAT resource, be careful of just googling as there is a lot of bad info out there. Pete (from the channel 'Cedric & Ada Gear and Outdoors') has some great videos on it based on all his sisal rope cutting tests. Try "knife steel tier list" and "the A-Z of blade steels".

[@CKshouta]

Knife steel nerds. It even has an article on why popular knife steel ranking lists are wrong and has test results to back it up. For your question though, S30V was the OG powder metallurgy stainless steel designed for knives, it is very wear resistant and has average stainlessness but pays for it by being no so tough(a bit tougher than 440C and ingot produced 154CM). S45VN is more recently developed steel, slightly less wear resistant but slightly tougher and more stain resistant than S30V. 20CV is Crucible's copy of M390, which is Bohler's 1st gen powdered stainless steel originally designed for plastic molds, and has great stain resistance, great wear resistance( a slight bit better than S30V) but suffers from less toughness than even the S30V which in itself is not tough to begin with.

[@richardmallon7192]

Nice vidya. Do they still have you demonitized?

[@telemarktumalo6978]

You are just teasing us with the 20.5 comparo? Can't wait to try one.

[@tacklecentralfishing1051]

I'm getting one today with g10 and 3v 😊

[@David-vi9mm]

Gotta try that 20.5, but I love the P3; especially with LW scales and Maxamet 🙌

[@baloneylorddonkeyhammer2273]

I'm in love with my ad 20.5 . Been in my pocket everyday for 3 weeks now and the aus 10a has surprised me I use it every day regular EDC task and all I've done is hit it with the strop and still hair popping sharp so if your on the fence don't let the blade steel deter you the aus 10 a is done very well well worth every penny and flytainium is coming out with scales ranging from g10 to ti . You won't be disappointed I promise if you pick the ad 20.5 it's a home run fosho

[@WestCoastEDC]

Just got my pre order in 😁 So excited. Great vid!

[@jameshealy4594]

I think Spydercos from Taiwan are significantly better made than the ones from Japan and have been for a long time now. Anyone who doesn't think one of the world's most prolific semiconductor manufacturers can manage precision tolerances has been imbibing WAY too much of something.

[@MykeD913]

Para 3 in maxamet, Haven't even watched the video yet. Thats my vote👍🏼👊🏼😁

[@danielwasused]

a tanto para 3 would be sick but interesting

[@AudibleVisibIe]

Definitely

[@genoedcknifecollecter1538]

I'm warming up to these dempkos

[@davidm8253]

I loved the Info Overlay lol

[@stevecrawford7814]

The 20.5 will be in lots of people’s hands this week. Mine is do Tuesday. Can’t wait to hear from more end users. I really have waited for this knife. Let’s see if it kicks my Para 3 out of my pocket.

[@Crybotenabled]

This was the knife that finally got that Malibu out of my pocket. This knife ticks off every single box, especially the K110 steel version on KC.

[@AlmightyAnt300]

I'm good with my spyderco sage 5 lw. The price of the ad 20.5 is a little high. Besides the lock I don't see anything it has that's better than the sage 5 lw

[@antny5705]

Right? Love my sage 5. Definitely underrated knife.

[@ranman1959]

As a lefty I'm all in for one.

[@2DLogic]

The AD20 series is really polarizing for me. The Shark Lock is great. I love it. Its ambidextrous, strong, fidgety, and keeps fingers out of blade path. But aesthetically they just do nothing for me. Maybe I'll grab a 20.5 and look into a reblade and custom scales, I can probably still get away for less than the price of a full size on the secondary market. 😂

[@AudibleVisibIe]

20.5 with titanium scales 👍

[@IlliniDog01]

I hope there will be aftermarket scales available quickly for the AD20.5. Grivory sounds like FRN to me... meh. A nice deep carry clip would be great also.

[@dcamnc1]

AD 20.5 all day. Never cared for my Para 3, has sat in my drawer since the week I bought it.

[@BobDyl]

Not trading my Para 3 maxamet in for this quite yet. An M390 version in G10? Different story ... maybe... great vid MC, thank you!

[@Lobo1bronxmade]

Those ad 20.5 have a great snapping sound I need one lol

[@myvids3115]

I do not like this hooked gap on the back of the blade in closed position. And bearings are a small down factor to me, though very popular.

[@Patriot-rising]

Well it would be a easy choice for me. The Demko of course ! There are so many knives I would take over any Spyderco ! There are a few Spydercos however that I do like because they kinda changed the old boring design. The Shaman, Rubicon ( which I do own ) and the or the Spyderco SpydieChef.. I really do love the Demko knives. When I was growing up my dad would have knocked my block off fir playing with knives. But the Demko knives are just too much fun and work well as an adult fidget toy.

[@Southernknife_addict]

I just ordered mine in classic knife addict fashion I also ordered a set of RGT fat carbon scales that cost more than the knife 😂😂

[@nathannettik685]

Para 3 wins on economy of scale, Regardless of his connections Demko can't price compete with Spyderco, yet.

[@CKshouta]

Keyword "yet"

[@tiredrummertube]

Would love to have a DEMKO SHARK but will have wait for better steel. 390 or at least 35vn

[@AC-lq4zw]

I came really close to going for it, especially with the DLT buy one get one deal. It just came down to the fact that its an extremely boring design outside of the lock. It looks like generic walmart knive #98. Made in tiwan lost it points. Not saying tiwan cant make good stuff, i just prefer to support the home team. Finally the lack of aftermarket so i cant make it any less boring.

[@JR-5465]

I pre-ordered the shark's foot the other day mainly because I have had no luck getting an AD20 I'm hoping I can get one of them at the blade show.

[@cerealmaster8501]

Howd you pre order ?

[@davidm8253]

@@cerealmaster8501 knifecenter

[@JR-5465]

Yes Knifecenter

[@HammerSmashedFace92]

I prefer the AD20.5 BY miles. Regardless of steel

[@danielwasused]

as a righty it doesnt effect me much. but i will say. demko loves making fully ambi designs.

[@randyf.9188]

I was hoping for a deep carry clip on the smaller versions.

[@mattdagger1480]

I’d really love to try this knife out but at the 160$ price it’s so overpriced for the materials. Idk if it’s worth it or not. I wouldn’t mind that type of steel or material on a beater knife. But I’m not at that point yet in my life where 160$ is beater money 😅😅

[@ryanjennings6541]

Gotta give it to the para 3 . Love the 2 and 3 but I been stuck with my p3 LW spy27, since it dropped Ive carried nothing else ... and I can buy another para if I want it ??

[@imrankhawaja410]

Shit! I had the Para 3 Max in my cart and then I saw this. This is the 3rd time I was going to buy it and another knife came along and distracted me. Which one MC? Para 3 Max or Demko 20.5????

[@tormentedslayer7498]

Dude I live like a mile away from Wampum! Where Demko is from!!!! I live in Ellwood City....

[@idwolverine1867]

Great comparison! Looking forward to the AD 20.5 release

[@LuisGonzalez-gl4wc]

Demko AD 20.5 in g10 and CPM MagnaCut or Cruwear.

[@2adave]

I’m an happy because I have all 3! 😀

[@NicFpv91]

i have both i like the para3 more ad 20.5 comes not very sharp and the blade geometry and also handle geometry on the para3 is much better and also the materials

[@alisuperhornet]

Unless you're just super into the shark lock, para3 is the way to go.

[@alpine1600s]

The Spyderco may be made in the US but all the materials etc. aren't coming from US supply.

[@CKshouta]

Most of the US spyderco's blade steel ARE from US.

[@Whitefire12414]

I have just one question. How are you doing? :)

[@TheDontbeEvil]

sharkfoot would have been a clear winner if its in better materials.

[@Speedykev07]

Para 3 is a bit over hype I’ll the the AD 20.5 over the Para any time much comfortable for heavy use.

[@GreyRock100]

The 20.5 is a knife you don't hand to people.

[@willedward577]

Hope when they release blade length is 3.5

[@AudibleVisibIe]

I think they're gonna be just like this. I like it