Cold Steel AD10 Best Cold Steel Ever

[@davidpape9179]

I bought an ad10 with a black blade and dark earth g10 and have to say in my opinion it’s far more visually appealing than just a satin blade with black g10 handle

[@brianf9619]

As far as the Aluminum liners , the Voyagers have had Aluminum liners for years and those knives are indestructible , I've beat mine on the Construction site for years and it's never failed me , dirt , rain , snow , no problem, so don't worry about those liners , I actually think they should use them more , it's an Awesome Blade , don't miss out on this one ....👍👍

[@sturmgewehr70]

I think the blade should've been 4" instead of 3.5." In my humble opinion, the SR1 is a better "beastly" knife, not to mention the new affordable 4 Max Scout.

[@CoordinatedCarry]

I’m excited to tell about the Cold Steel 4 Max Elite.Contoured G-10 scales, titanium liners, 4 inch CPM S35VN blade.

[@jordy703]

Since i bought this knive I’m a Cold Steel folder fan… love the AD10. Problem is now i want more… damn knive addiction..

[@doctoruttley]

Fellow Canadian here brother (Ottawa). Great job, keep up the great work. 😎👏🏻🇨🇦

[@SliceyDicey]

I didn't notice that you put this up! I'd have held my review back a day. Just put mine up. But I do concur that it's pretty awesome.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

no worries its an ADouble feature

[@rickyhurtt5568]

I got an AD10 a couple months ago and love it. Been carrying it regularly and have really enjoyed it. Really like the pro lite because of the weight also

[@survinenathan]

Its a real brute. Would be awesome for hiking trips when I don't want to have a fixed blade dangling off my hip along with my back pack.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

yep great for that role

[@armenarakelian9876]

I got the SR1 and I absolutely LOVE it, I heard Lynn Thompson sold cold steel so I bought an AD10. Very excited I’m getting it in a few days

[@armenarakelian9876]

By the way I would pay extra for titanium liners and skull crusher. I really wish those parts were titanium it would be a near perfect knife.

[@CaptDavesSportfishing]

could not agree MORE!!! your title is spot on. Had a 4 max, loved it like a ole dog. but even old dogs become in the way when under feet. my 4 max was sold as soon as I saw my first AD 10. it'll be hard for cold steel to ever top this one, im sure Nr. Demko has easily with his custom. but, mine is in my shorts plier pocket (in florida short pants are 365) on my AFTCOs - aka: best fisherman wear ever. never has it been too big. the other pocket has a cold steel tiger claw serrated blade, for emergency cutting/slashing if needed. As a boat Captain with customer resposibilities. Im Ready! with the two Cold Steel's. not all CS people wanna be Ninja big game stalkers like Mr. Thompson, but I respect his life style, and theories.

[@MikeMcCormick1325]

Kevin, I love this knife! The best Cold Steel ever is the AD-10. I carry the Code 4 on duty because it fits so well in my work pants, but this knife is about to kick it out. Your right about the action... it is crazy smooth. I just love the entire package and can't say enough good things about it. You could do another 5 more reviews on this knife and it would be well deserved. It is knife perfection!

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

sounds like you like it as much as me

[@HammerK99]

Which blade shape do you use on your code 4?

[@MikeMcCormick1325]

HammerK99 I have the Clip Point. But I think all 3 blade shapes are great and equally useful.

[@MikeMcCormick1325]

@@HammerK99 Michael McCormick Michael McCormick 4 hours ago HammerK99 I have the Clip Point. But I think all 3 blade shapes are great and equally useful.

[@wadepage7809]

Just got mine today. It does feel pretty great. Not sure it will bump my Recon 1 edc, but great nevertheless. Thanks for the review.

[@skillmaster2255]

It bumped the hell out of mine.

[@deeboy5588]

Couldn't have asked for a better review! Just ordered mine today. Thank you.

[@skillmaster2255]

The secret of the Cold Steel AD10 has always carried with it a mystery. You must learn its riddle. You must learn its discipline. For no one - no one in this world can you trust. Not men, not women, not beasts. This---the Cold Steel AD10---you can trust.

[@brianf9619]

Cold Steel Baby !! I agree with 95% of what you said . The AD10 is easily the Best knife of the year ,so far , IMO . The fit , the finish , the action , and most of all the huge value , make this knife a must have for any collector. And even if your not a fan of CS , this knife will definitely change your opinion of them .

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

yeah this is a stand out

[@Kris_Stiletto]

I absolutely agree! I absolutely luv my AD10 Tanto; it absolutely "ROCKS!!!" :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)

[@yankee2yankee216]

I AM interested in this knife, even though I just bought a Demko AD20.5… I am glad to know that the ergos and action are good!

[@husafel]

The ad10 is a knife with great ergonomic handle and design. The hollow grind is the best for slicing which is what knives do best.

[@vabbe71]

Berst foldin k nife I ever bought in my life, absolutely fantastic ergonomic knife with at killer blade

[@IndianaJoe0321]

Demko knocked it out of the park with this one! As much as I really like my Recon 1 (I've had three), the AD-10 takes the #1 spot. Aside from design -- I have large paws and like that the AD-10 fills my hand.

[@a.d.c7941]

I had asked earlier in the comments if it was good for big hands. Im glad to read your comment on that.

[@vulpixgrant]

I am not a huge fan of Cold Steel, but I have a fixed blade tanto from them in the family's cars and camper. I've been eyeing this knife for a few months now in December of 2022, and it's price pretty much everywhere is $239msrp and they are going for around $189. I never spent more than $35 on a single knife before so I wasn't willing to purchase one, but one of the Sites had it 56% off post Christmas and for just over $112 total I had to jump on it. Gawd it is a nice knife, chonkie as hell but it feels like you could use it like a crowbar without hurting it. My daily carry has been the Kershaw Volt SS on and off for years now, but it's steel is so soft it looses it's edge to fast for my taste. This might be my new daily carry, will need a bit more pocket time to see for sure.

[@maulstik]

You should've compared the Manix 2 XL vs the AD-10.

[@kenmarapese9085]

Agreed on everything! With a little wrist this triad lock is middle finger flickable. I'm going file the inside of the aluminum where my fingers contact it as it is a bit sharp. For me this is knife of the year!

[@markw7303]

Best modern cold steel maybe:) , I still might prefer a large Espada also aluminum framed, but this is as close to a perfect heavy duty EDC u can have,

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Espada is a very cool blade

[@markw7303]

@Lee Dawson tiger claw maybe. Iv said this a million times I want to make a fixed kydex sheath for the large and medium Espada . The xl is confidence inspiring sure but there's also the large tallwar to consider :)

[@markw7303]

@Lee Dawson ha! Fair enough iv carried the rest in public all cs xls. But never the espada xl. Its embarrassing ly big to deal with ppl large carnivores on the other hand

[@CineresCineribus]

Me and my AD 10 absolutely agree!

[@CoordinatedCarry]

The AD-10 is great, I love mine, but I’d take the 4 Max Scout all day long.

[@wcreview8227]

hi Kevin, My name is Will and I am a Knife Addict! "Hi Will" I just did a vid on my new AD10 all black!! heck it out! Love the AD10!!

[@rickyhurtt5568]

Yeah I was surprised when I started carrying it. Didn't bother me a bit and I honestly wasn't sure to start

[@Allislandrenos]

Waiting for the postie to deliver mine. Blacked out version.

[@ROE1300]

👍 Good review, although I prefer reviews where the knives are actually shown doing their intended tasks. I believe you supported the claims made at the beginning of this video. I really like my Cold Steel AD10 and would not be considered a Cold Steel fanboy. I dislike pocket clips and removed the one on my knife which allows me to fully enjoy the ergonomics of the handle. I carry my AD10 in a belt sheath as I do my other large folding knives. A Victorinox Huntsman SAK is the largest knife I want to carry in my pocket. Thus far the AD10 has done everything I have asked it to do. Prior to purchasing this knife I bought the Cold Steel 4Max Scout, but found it to be too massive and I much prefer the AD10. Admittedly, I am a Buck 110 fanboy and enjoy this Cold Steel as much as my 110s. Knives are funny objects, they can be too small to use comfortably, but they can also be too large to realistically perform knife tasks. IMHO the Buck 110 and the Cold Steel AD10 have found the sweet spot for large folding knives.

[@NewtonWashinton]

I like my AD 10 although mine has flat grind.

[@eachday9538]

Massive CS fan, I have several large/xl folders, I agree about the looks of this one, nice design (looks like CS and Lion Steel had a baby), and it's nice to see a hollow grind on some of the bigger knives (the American Lawman even more than this one should have stuck with hollow grind), but something that turns me off is the fasteners. I have the SR1, which is overbuilt in most ways, but the piddly little fasteners they used drive me crazy. I stripped the thread on one of the pocket clip fasteners, and the torx size they use doesn't lend itself to regular maintenance, weird for a hardcore field knife to need fkn rocket surgeon skills to disassemble/reassemble/tension. The AD10 looks like it might suffer from the same oversight. They should copy CRKT's field strip design philosophy... except they might get sued.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

yeah this one is not great for taking appart especially becaus of the aluminum

[@jimmylucas527]

what is the best angle to sharpen this knife please?

[@evanacey1414]

What about the Chaves 229 Ultramar?? It’s got that same thick stock with deep hollow grind, good ergos and it’s pretty big and overbuilt as well. Of course, it’s 2 times the price of the AD-10 though.

[@Mr007Dog]

That's a rare one, they don't make the hollow ground blade anymore. They are flat ground now.

[@evanacey1414]

I’ll use your affiliate link when I buy my next microtech from DLT!!!

[@josepmariaaguascaribot9239]

The AD-10 and the AD-15 embodies only part of the A. Demko skills.

[@franksalem8580]

Mine is arriving tomorrow but it is going to have to be really good to make me like it more than the AD15.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

wait till you feel it

[@franksalem8580]

It didn't feel great at first because it was much too stiff. I have strong thumbs but it pained me to open it. So I took it apart and removed the tension spring and bent it about 1/32nd of an inch. Now it is perfect and the jury is still out as to whether it is better than the AD15.

[@yankee2yankee216]

Not the Demko AD20.5, which is made by Cold Steel’s principal designer, especially in titanium? I think that knife may be everything this one is, and more!

[@stevezumbro7383]

How does the Bush Ranger compare?

[@abodi941]

It's a flat grind now. Do you recommend it or the recon 1

[@carlostovar8585]

Flat grind makes it stronger. And it’s supposed to be a hard use knife 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@meoffjack]

Liners out of aluminium why a problem? Liners can be made out of SS and then lighten the shiat out of them by cutting away as much material as possible in the centre and back. That Skull Crusher could be made out of SS as well.

[@Boltbacker83]

Did you need to loosen or lube this knife to get it to open so nicely with the thumb-flick?

[@dalecarpenter8828]

if I ever see another flipper liner lock it would be to soon !

[@PeterC585]

If the aluminum isn't for you buy the custom AD10, I have two they are incredible ! And yes they are expensive but so worth it!

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

yeah I love the custom and may eventually do that

[@misterbaker9728]

Agree this is my favorite even over my Manix

[@grandriver3152]

Matt Baker ... Do you still feel that way buddy?

[@birdlaw1019]

How did you order those custom crooked river scales? I can't find them on the rogue bladeworks site or etsy shop.

[@dalecarpenter8828]

I to have this knife addiction! I have owned it and told my kids that I have a problem ! and no one know of a program for this addiction !

[@allemander]

I, *too...

[@larstueschjth2658]

Having the 4maxScout....looks like i might switch blade😍😍😍

[@TylerWest0]

Can anyone comment on the difference between the modern Cold Steel AD-10 Tanto w/ Hollow Grind vs. the AD-10 Saber Grind? I am leaning towards the tanto w/ hollow grind however I want this to be a "forever knife," and I understand it's way easier to sharpen the flat grinds. Open to all opinion. Ya'll have convinced me I need this knife.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I did a comparison here kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6qkqHdjoJ6ZrLM

[@TylerWest0]

@@Kevinclearysharpstuff Thank you for responding. This is perfect. I think I'm going to go with the new tanto w/ hollow grind AD10. This format offers incredible versatility as a cutting and puncturing tool. The only thing I won't do w/ it is field dress animals, but I have another blade for that. I appreciate your videos and assistance! Long live the blade enthusiasts!

[@metalmansean6040]

wish the AD10 had the thumb disk with the wave

[@CaptDavesSportfishing]

ALUMINUM LINER QUESTION if it's good enough to build my 26' charter boat out of, I think aluminum knife liners are just fine. Cuz, you aren't doing anything with it, that'll hurt it. I'm watching all the ad-10 and 4 max videos, to see if a obvious question gets answered. So far, NO ONE. Doing my own video on why obvious things never get discussed especially on 4 max videos. You made me buy this, damn you. I love Cold Steel. 'I'll be callin ya'll out in my up coming video.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

HaHa, I'll look forward to your video I am a huge fan of healthy disagreement, and your right the Aluminum isn't that big a deal, what is it you were looking for?

[@CaptDavesSportfishing]

@@Kevinclearysharpstuff if I told you it wouldn't be a video topic. Don't worry, NO ONE else covers my questions either. You may stumble upon my video, and learn. Maybe, its all because I don't view knives as something to play with. Gotta get back to my edits and uploading.

[@clarkcuts2720]

I've had cold steels in the past and wasn't a huge fan. BUT you have made a valid argument for this knife. Therefore, I will consider it when I am looking for a knife in this size and use type.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I dont think youll be disapointed

[@douglassteltenkamp]

Was that a reference to Baby got Back👏

[@gtothee5723]

Just picked one up brand new for $100. Consider me a converted cold steel fanboy already!

[@49giants3]

Too bad cold steel changed the hollow grind to a full flat grind. I still got one though

[@krazykat64]

For real. I was pretty disappointed to find that out after having watched all the reviews praising the hollow grind. Imagine my surprise when I took mine out of the box.......

[@49giants3]

John Montgomery exactly how I felt my friend

[@rickeybullington68]

Kevin I dearly love that knife .and one day I will have one .kevin I like big knifes too.

[@kerryrwac]

Would skeletonizing the liners have shaved a significant amount of weight off ?

[@hyssean12]

No. They are already light weight aluminum liners.

[@jeffslater2133]

I have an unused Master Hunter. I am in Vancouver Canada, not sure if thats convenient, but hey let me know

[@ulary]

How much is it for?

[@johnl.8616]

Would have been better if it was deep pocket carry. And a not so shiny clip.

[@Noah-vm4ib]

Any good aftermarket clips out there for the Beast.

[@isaacarnold4635]

I have a ZT 561, when I saw the AD-10, I recognized right off they are similar. Triad lock wins over the 561's lock, but I'd say the Elmax steel wins over the AD-10's S35VN. Today I'd pick the AD-10 over my ZT 561, and I DO like my 561, though the Elmax is a bitch to sharpen. NOW, when I can, I think I'm gonna pick up an AD-15.

[@cassanoa]

i think the spider hole is a huge weakness in a knife - to much steel removed - cold steels weakness seems to be the hole where the thumb stud is but it would have to be a extreme situation or a really bad mistake in handling the blade - spiderco is much weaker in general

[@samstterhamstteer]

The Ad10 is strong enough, regarding the liners ,aluminum is more than enough for anyone using the knife for what its intended to and more actually . The lock works pretty much as an engineering perspective . More then the liners the backspacer would have been more important . Stainless doesn’t add that much weight I never understood people complaining about weight on a large knife as if you couldn’t find a selection of small Knives . A large knife is going to be heavy deal with it or don’t but nick picking weight on a large knife is stupid unless you’re a puny girly guy or something. There’s worthy weight and useless weight and a knife like this is worthy of its weight . Iv abused the living hell out of this knife 200 to me personally isn’t much so I can easily replace them so I don’t go easy on them cause I’m picky with knives. Iv even did demkos test and put over 400 pounds of weight on it never failed I even held the weight up and dropped it on itself while the knife being on a vise . Apparently he tested it at over 500 and I don’t doubt it. I mean who would ever put more than even 100 pounds of pressure on a knife even during chopping wood which I don’t get unless you think you’re bear grylls or something use a damn ax . But it can do it surely it’s a good damn knife and the aluminum doesn’t diminish anything I mean we in the knife world are so used to exotic materials like stainless and titanium and tend to think that aluminum is weak and it is technically but let’s still respect the steel I mean planes are made out of aluminum aren’t they. The knife is great a guy like this guy reviewing it I get it cause I’m the same way but we tend to be extremely to be frank unnecessarily nick picky about things . Don’t mind us like anyone passionate about anything get overly picky about anything. The knife is great extremely strong and to me Nice to look at even beat to shit . Don’t bother me at all carrying it and I carry a leather man phone flashlight and even the tool attachments with the bits on it . All in a kydex sheath besides the knife . Doesn’t bother me and I carry 15 keys with me as well. It feels good knowing it’s there it’s solid will never fail you and there’s a safe feeling to it too I mean you can seriously hurt someone with that kind of knife in self defense. If you’re not some weight punk and want a ridiculously solidly built knife just get it you won’t regret it at all . With proper use it will outlive your life

[@jimmydaplumber4999]

they need to bring back the mini lawman back to me one of the best ....

[@computerwarez]

I like cold steel and have quite a few variations, the AD-10 looks awesome but if you had to choose Compared to the 4MAX for hard use? which?

[@ChaplainDaveSparks]

Most people who like the AD-10 would probably pick the 4Max ... *IF* they could afford it. The 4Max is nearly the folding version of a Becker BK-2 or an ESEE 5. (Then there's the Cold Steel SR-1 ... )

[@computerwarez]

Chaplain Dave Sparks Yeah I watched some comparisons between the 4Max and the SR1 and same issue the price difference yet still the 4MAX is the top choice negating the cost. I’m willing to pay if quality is present in most circumstances :) Thank You for your response

[@natek1993]

What's the little hole in the handle for by the finger choil?

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

on the 4max the explaination was that you could put a pin through it to secure the knife open

[@natek1993]

@@Kevinclearysharpstuff if so.. this is the true best knife ever.

[@cassanoa]

it is a super looking knife - the only knife thats better looking is the AD10 tanto - that's a totally gorgeous knife

[@justinwaltower6474]

Can you do a comparison between the AD10 & Swift, which has similarities of each other? Please?

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

If I get a chance I absolutely will I dont own a swift now but I think I have a friend who does

[@dalecarpenter8828]

aluminium is 1/3 light than titanium and if its heat treated well it's nearly as strong like the code 4 ! I would boton with the triad lock and have often and I trust it with my fingers ! but everyone misses the real issue about batoning ! its like your out in the woods or some place that the knife in your pocket is the only one you have and if you don't baton you freeze to death and you don't have a friggin choice but to baton ! thats why I can't hardly leave home without my custom (by me )recon 1! And I don't want to be stuck with a liner or modified liner lock ! I do admit I have A problem and I don't want help at leased yet !I'm getting the AD 10 ! changed my mind about the 4max don't like the AD 15 either .

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Yeah triad is great and this is a great example of it, I like all three knives you mention but this one is special

[@mondoreptileofficial4524]

I love my code 4. This looks thicker, the code 4 is just so handsome. How much is this thing?

[@mondoreptileofficial4524]

Oh 130.

[@francistakacs2972]

Aluminum?

[@Ryan-ef4xn]

I would have made the handle thinner/flatter.. like a true pocket knife. I'd change nothing else

[@a.d.c7941]

Is this a good grip for big hands?? Full purchase on it?? Thank you

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Yeah great for big hands

[@rockd8946]

Great review!

[@pigpaul]

Is this still the undisputed champion of cold steel 2023?!?

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

100%

[@James-ke5sx]

Opinel has a stronger locking mechanism concept wise. 360 steel ring surrounding the pivot point. Warriors has a AD10 in the mail to MTL for me. It should be here by Monday hopefully

[@thomaslanders1162]

I'm not a big CS fan. Being in the city, I rarely use a knife hard. But, if I were to pick one hard use knife the AD10 would be the one. I have MT Socom Elites, Military, ZT's but nothing beats the strength of a back lock. I think people worry way too much about the strength of aluminum. I've never heard of a BM 940 handle breaking. It's lighter then titanium and plenty strong enough for any knife.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

agreed on all points

[@TylerWest0]

Excellent review.

[@natek1993]

Fellow Canadian here. How much total did this cost with shipping to Canada Kev?

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

This was only 150 when I got it I think they have done 2 price increases sinse then now I think they go for about 170 I got it from DLT and shipping was like $15 so 185 USD all together I think I bought the AD15 at the same time

[@BabakPA]

Love the handle! Not so much the blade and the hollow grind.Thanks for the video

[@marrenmiller]

Absolutely agreed

[@francistakacs2972]

Big knife with aluminum?

[@hyssean12]

Ya. They make strong large knives with just g10

[@DrDennis]

Tanto or spear point?

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Both are fantastic I do have a full video about blade shape options and performance

[@zaa2892]

In catalog said saber geind not hollow grind

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

These were initially hollow ground then they changed them

[@nathannalley8470]

I'd like to see a comparison between this and the spyderco shaman

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

another good one Ill just have to make this an AD10 channel

[@nathannalley8470]

Lmk if you need one, I've got a nice s30 one you could use

[@saidhamed3920]

الله أكبر سبحان الله وبحمده سبحان الله العظيم

[@mitchellgardner2193]

Check out the cold steel 4max

[@krazykat64]

Mitchell Gardner He reviewed it when it first came out like two years ago.

[@roel.vinckens]

Convinced. Thanks!

[@mondoreptileofficial4524]

Fantastic review

[@sambrown4424]

The AD-10 just doesn’t do it for me for some reason.. code-4 is my CS knife of choice... and I’m just not going to pay for an AD-15

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

the code 4 is a fantastic knife

[@Guncleana]

Any issues with the pocket clip?

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

I haven't had any but I could see some wanting to loosen it off a bit

[@Guncleana]

Kevin cleary I watched another review and he was saying that the pocket clip didn’t sit flush on the knife and that one of the screws couldn’t be flushed up with the handle scale I was wondering if he just got a lemon or if that’s the case with all of them?

[@SomoneTookMyName]

Yep. I love my AD-10

[@thekeystonekid8687]

Does anyone know why you used to be able to get these for under $150 and now they're $180 everywhere? It feels like I missed something.

[@MPerry-ox9qb]

Knife companies have raised praises across the board. Partially due to inflation, some companies are using better knife steels, which cost more and collecting knives is more popular than ever thanks to social media.

[@thekeystonekid8687]

​@@MPerry-ox9qb Since I originally posted this I have found out that Cold Steel is introducing a MAP policy. So prices will go up online because Cold Steel said so basically. Unfortunate, but I'm certainly not able to pony up for a real Demko AD10/15 so I guess my wallet has to take the extra hit.

[@MPerry-ox9qb]

@@thekeystonekid8687 Spyderco did the samething. I think so storefront distributors dont go under competing with online retailers.

[@mannycano4599]

The clip on that thing is hideous but other than that it looks like a HD use knife and looks nice

[@mforrest1508]

Hollow grind isn’t really the most durable grind. Flat honestly makes more sense. I know you know that. Maybe you just worded it weird

[@scotteger6271]

Seems like, at least based on the conversation on Massdrop at the moment, that the new AD-10's are now flat ground

[@rickeybullington68]

Kevin any one who does not like this knife has a real serious proublem .

[@Pharto_Stinkus]

I love my AD10, but my all-time favorite cold steel for EDC is still the large Voyager. I'm not arguing it's a better knife than the AD10, but it's much more pocket-able.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

no question, great knife I have a friend who has one carries it a kot and its held up really well for years

[@Thom_S]

I like my Cold Steel American Lawmen - thin profile, a couple of steel options, very sharp, good value. The clip on the AD10 is the ugliest I have seen, it looks like a dollar bill in size. Ugly, ugly! Passing on this one.

[@totallyrandomstuffandrevie9609]

Triad lock marketing? Yah, but is it true? Oh he'll ya !