The Cold Steel AD-15 Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

[@NickShabazz]

Dearest Fans: The Simple Fact is that it's been a long few months. I'm trying my best over here, but sometimes, you film a bit tired, and wind up with a verbal tic or two! 🤣

[@starkparker16]

Fuggedaboutit

[@twilly9022]

Never noticed anything different or out of place at all Nick. I guess I'm not very observant. 😆

[@douglaselkins952]

Hey, Nick. You take care of you! We'll be fine, and thanks for another great review!

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

We love you Nick just the way you are !!! 👍👍👍🤗🤗🤗🤗

[@delemerson9306]

I enjoy several KZbin content providers such as your channel Nick. Without question, The Simple Fact is your opinion and ideas regarding knives rank at or near the top of my list of knife information provider's that i believe and respect. This didn't happen accidentally, your efforts in providing accurate, reliable and mostly unbiased information for us viewers is fantastic and i thank you for your hard work and dedication to you being you. Your honesty is arguably the single most important factor that i and many others like me consider when choosing content provider's. This episode may not have been your best effort in your opinion but to us users and collectors the information you've provided is extremely important and beneficial and we look forward to more. Take care and thanks again for your ongoing honest and helpful work.

[@csknives]

Thanks Nick, great video and a fair review.

[@e.v.i.]

First reply

[@justlooking2183]

I need this knife ,Cold steel rules !!!

[@AdvancedKnifeBro]

I concur! I should have talked more about how secure the lock feels... but this review covers that! For example, you can't take the blade and apply downward force with your hand and get the lock to lift.

[@bach5780]

Who bought dinner?

[@starkparker16]

@@bach5780 Batman bought dinner then AKB broke out a few nice warm Zimas for the road in the parking lot.

[@bach5780]

@@starkparker16 sounds about right

[@Zaque-TV]

The best of dry humor

[@mitchyyy18]

I'm in love with this dudes voice. Like Allen Alda and Peter griffin put together. Legend

[@hunterlawrence7228]

The simple fact is, your reviews are always practical and non-biased. This one is no exception. A big folder like this with a S35vn blade at this price is a pretty good deal.

[@Slippindisc]

“Mind the gap” A thigh man can always spot another thigh man

[@TheBuccleuch]

In honor of Cold Steel, or perhaps in memory of Cold Steel - the jury's out - I grabbed an AD-15 off their website as soon as the news broke. I have to say first off that my AD-15 arrived absolutely stupid sharp right out of the box! And, in honor of Mr. Shabazz here, after an hour of careful file work followed by polishing with a Dremel cloth wheel and compound, 3/4 inch of the G10 texturing under the pocket clip is like, well, glass, and the AD-15 slides in and out of the pocket like buttah! Nick, love the channel!

[@gracieedc3192]

Got mine for $145 😎 I really love this knife. It’s now my go-to camp knife. I’d always wanted the AD-15, but couldn’t justify the cost on a knife I wasn’t going to ever EDC. But at $145?! It’s an absolutely amazing value! My first Cold Steel, and I was really impressed with the execution. Great review, as always! Love ya, Nick! ✅

[@fuzzybutkus8970]

Got mine for $31 on wish same exact knife. Same weight same material. $145 is a ripoff. Same kids in China building the same knife just sad.

[@skubasteveskilla3316]

@@fuzzybutkus8970 I guarantee it’s not the same

[@Wzrd100]

​@@fuzzybutkus8970 it's not made in china

[@peen2804]

you didnt tho, you bought a piece of pot metal and tinfoil garbo with about a BoM of like 3 cents. the ad15 also is not and never has been made in china lol @@fuzzybutkus8970

[@franksalem8580]

I received mine today and it was stiff out of the box. I took it apart and tried different springs until I found the perfect one. You can cut a ball point pen spring to fit perfectly. The action and lock up are perfect and it is as smooth as the custom version which I also own. Great review, Nick.

[@michaelmostardi1327]

Great video. I just got mine last week, it's truly an interesting lock. I love how mechanical it is.

[@barkingspider2007]

Nick, Just picked up the AD-15 in S35vn.. Got a great deal $136.00 (MSRP $269.00, Blade HQ price $215, Knife Center $215.) Your reviews have helped me make better choices in gear. I was looking to buy an AD-20 initially. $825.00 list and not currently available... The AD-20 would have stayed mostly out of the rotation... The AD-15 will get used and is likely to become a camping knife for me. The rough scales will get a sanding down. Something that would never happen to a knife above $300.00. Thanks again.... Excellent review

[@roberte8564]

Hi Nick, I really enjoy your channel. Based on this review I went out and purchased the AD-15. Believe it or not you can still find it below the original MSRP. I'm really happy with it. it is an over built chunky and incredible knife for the price. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. Keep up the great reviews.

[@franksalem8580]

You made me buy the original custom and now I have to buy one of these. Great review. Great sense of humor.

[@d4mdcykey]

Not really a knife that grabs my interest, but I can respect the design and solid construction. Now...onto the truly relevant question here: did AKB baton his dinner, and if so did classical music suddenly begin to play from the ether itself?

[@wpymes]

Great video. 100% persuaded to buy one! Yesterday at the knife store the salesman offered me one of these in black. So I wanted to check before making my decision! Thumbs up.

[@Joe.dirt7909]

I personally like Cold Steel.....will be getting this model to my Cold Steel collection.

[@MajorGenralDizz]

Your video review made me buy the ad15. Thank you!

[@ladev91]

Are you happy you got it?

[@MajorGenralDizz]

@@ladev91 yes and no. I like the ad10 better

[@grahambliley8604]

The simple fact is... it is called a leitmotif, and it will look great over a picture of a gem on the next round of shirts. Keep up the great work, these reviews are a bright shiny distraction during the doldrum week for a lot of folks.

[@thefactor6909]

A little late to the party but I have one and love it !

[@derickrichards1105]

Wow! Your voice sounds like a cross between Saul Rosenberg and Frank Rizzo!

[@WillEDC]

I feel the lock is closer to the spyderco pits. It’s a special knife for sure. They deserve the hype

[@carlstanland5333]

Feels big in the pocket and even bigger in the hand. Insert Birdshot IV pun here.

[@ilijabosnjak76]

I have never seen that type of locking mechanism,,Thanks for the video, I have learned something new today…

[@stevewelborn8744]

I took the clip off and sanded just under where the clip grabs your pants. It not hurting my jeans. That's really the only part that matters. Great review.

[@brianf9619]

WOW Nick , that's a great in depth review . We'll make you into a Cold Steel fan real soon , and I think the AD10 might do it . Imagine that , 2 back to back GEM's from CS in one year. I can't wait to hear you say it , because there's no denying it . I have both and your going to like it ...

[@michaeltilly6208]

Just got one as a nice gift from work. The mechanism is so odd and hard to get used too, especially with one hand as im used to carrying an axis lock. Feels super solid tho, definitely a nice knife

[@keng5170]

If Benchmade made that knife it would be 500 bucks 🤔😂 the butterfly tax 🤣😂

[@mikeappleget482]

Now it’d be $800 bucks!

[@dewarner12]

I appreciated this video and your overall opinion on the knife. I agree that it is amazing. I never expected to own a Cold Steel knife, but I will definitely keep and carry this. I found that after one day, it was already breaking in and would completely drop shut when the yolk is raised. Also, it is easily flipped out and Spydie flicked. I appreciate the level of quality and innovation that was designed into this knife.

[@bingoknows]

Unique lock on this knife and the price is awesome, gem indeed! Just pre-oredered it, thanks for the review Nick!

[@chandlersanders]

Came here to decide if I want this or a shaman. This will be it. Thanks!!!

[@Slippindisc]

Is the AD-10 the same but bigger? It seems like I’ve seen some in back lock, and some in the scorpion. What’s the deal there? Am I misremembering?

[@Bwbravowhiskey]

I got mine when they first came out; and after some use and excessively gratuitous fidgeting it actually is drop shut smooth

[@EDCwithAaron]

Nick I really hope you are going to do the AD10 too, IMO it is better than the ad15 substantially... Its like an EDCable 4max. I'm not easily impressed and it is by far one of the best purchases I have made in a long time, oh and literally the most ergonomic folding knife handle I have EVER seen.

[@bach5780]

I agree. I bought the 15 first because I thought I would like it more. When I came across a 10, I realized I was wrong.

[@timothybecker8605]

Jim Slash says the same thing. If you can only get one, choose the 10. I am going to wait to handle both. But my problem is I already have a sr1, finn wolf, and Italian 4 max, so I am leaning towards the 15.

[@csknives]

This

[@bradyoung3536]

Great video. I've carried mine since Valentine's day. It's awesome.

[@anthonyp7051]

Thx for pushing through,,, you being sick and doing full reviews. This one has zero thrill for me custom or this. The AD10 as you agreed on its review is where to go. Thx coldsteel and Demko for bringing us two outstanding customs without much change for affordable prices.

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Good job Nick totally agree on all points

[@sublyme2157]

Dude, you're four to five years away from becoming a huge Cold Steel fan. Resistance is futile.

[@AK-hg6vr]

Sublyme I’m not a fanboy, but Lyn Thompson is a hardcore man. Charging a buffalo with a spear and then having the reflexes to pull out your sidearm and fire it in a split second takes something

[@soulzzplaysgames]

@@AK-hg6vr Haha, yeah. For everyone who doesn't know Lynn, that video might be the best introduction to give 'em.

[@telemarktumalo6978]

"Tryin' not to die over here...". And that is killing me. Now, I think even more of a bargain. Demko's not making the AD-15 any longer and going on secondary for $1200-1500.

[@jayingle151]

I may need to pick one up, if someone makes micarta scales for this, I’d be all over it

[@Phaminator525]

You can get drop shut action on this knife with no blade play! I sanded down the scales with my belt sander, clipped one coil off the back spring and oiled the pivot and loosened it to the perfect drop shutty action. Got it for 109 dollars. Literally the best value ive ever gotten in a knife hands down. Custom design with a little bit of tweaks it feels almost as good as the real thing. All i gotta do left his sand down the gimping a bit.

[@matkhairi6206]

good presentation 👍

[@roel.vinckens]

You got me at "compellingly weird". Now I will have to handle one of these...

[@natureandknives]

Love it , just grabbed one today, trust your reviews alot, I don't always agree but none the less you give the best reviews there is papa nick! Btw are you ex Mafia? I could see you being that with that voice , gratzi!!! 🖖🏼🖖🏼🙏🏼

[@danielgeng2306]

Thanks Nick, interesting knife !

[@atherisgreen1391]

I just found your channel, dig your reviews. I love your New York style accent lol...subbed.

[@The4cp]

I just got an SR1 from Cold Steel. Damn is the stock thick. I do like it though it's a tank.

[@sputumtube]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the thumb stud being in the way of the cutting edge...

[@redastrachan8978]

Good spot, paul...

[@jtoth1995]

I’m completely amazed at that too, this one is a bigger offender than many others.

[@BeardmanDan]

Indeed 🤔

[@michaelvoorhees5978]

Are there clones? I'm seeing some on ebay supposedly with s35vn for like $60

[@standodge5536]

Love the blade, just not a fan of the locking mechanism. Put that blade on a Triad lock and they’d fly off the shelf. I bought the AD-10 and I’m very happy with the knife. With such a big blade what do you think about a spring assist? I think it would enhance the knife over all.

[@alpine1600s]

The Cold Steel AD-15 is an example of why the Benchmade Bugout and similar knives are way overpriced.

[@deadpoollee9497]

Do explain.

[@graniumhdz419]

@@deadpoollee9497 think he was referencing the materials used

[@laidbare819]

@@deadpoollee9497 It's pretty obvious if you watch and listen to this review 👆

[@myfloridalife2651]

$140 on sale on Amazon right now. Had to pick it up at that price!

[@samfxnz]

Is this Alan Alder reviewing, great review!

[@andrewemerson9319]

Can you try to get your hands on a off grid black mamba? They are on amazon for $190. Made by We. Under 3” blade ti frame lock and m390 blade steel.

[@bach5780]

I thought for sure he would mention the thumb studs being in the slicing path.

[@adambradford4918]

I kept waiting on it myself

[@mpurvin]

Have to agree. I bought this knife and it’s awesome! Great review Nick!

[@LaumanJr]

Thanks for the video, Nick! Good as usual!

[@ezahamm]

Do you have cs SR1? If do , could you do the disassembly video of it?

[@prestonnormile9996]

Will we be getting an SR1 review, Mr. Shabazz?

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

Nick. The simple fact is.... you said "The simple fact is" way too many times.. the simple fact is you need a few other phrases. 😂🤣🤣😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣 still loved the review

[@ethanviolet1]

which is a beautiful thing

[@mpurvin]

Any tips on chamfering the sharp corners? Love this knife but want the corners smoothed out more

[@915knife4]

Hey nick hope youre doin well. Did you happen to notice how the tang of the blade comes out into the choil of the handle? I thought that was kinda weird but i haven’t heard anyone complain about it. It not huge deal but i thought it was something to mention.

[@anotherknafguy3679]

Gem status confirmed....well done Nick!

[@The4cp]

Did Nick just call a Cold Steel a gem?! I fainted!

[@NickShabazz]

I've done it before

[@xabalba555]

Nick Shabazz when?

[@BaconBeast11]

@@xabalba555 cold steel spartan of course

[@brianf9619]

There's no denying it , it's a Frickin Gem ...

[@xabalba555]

TheRealGiblet did that video get removed or something? I wanted to watch it again but can’t find it

[@Evan_Onyx]

I picked this up for 90$ after tax. Looking forward to using this! I feel like I got an absolute…cold steal. ….I’ll see myself out

[@jdunk1309]

Great review as always ! Thank you

[@GabrielDeMfromNY]

Nick! Great review! I'm getting one!

[@jacobmanalang8162]

i pretty much knew this was the knife i was gonna buy after the first demko review. well there goes another 150 bucks

[@sturmgewehr70]

Nick, have you seen the black G10 version of this? If so, which one looks better to you? I can only afford one and cannot decide...

[@CalebMcFadden]

Nick where do you get your knives? I can find some but only for something like $220

[@mwvanwyk]

Been enjoying mine. Value for the money it is impressive. I am going to knock off the sharp corners and regrind it most likely in future but enjoyed the video.

[@Acre00]

For me, the natural comparison is the Buck Marksman, another fairly hard use knife with a similar locking mechanism. Personally, I'll take the Marksman over the AD 15. It's on bearings and is $70 cheaper. Sure, you drop from s35 to 154cm, but I'm a big fan of 154 and it isn't that big of a step down; certainly not a $70 step down

[@Sasquatch214]

Actually if you find the sk knives exclusives you get s35vn for around 120-130 with the bos heat treat. Either way you geta great knife i own both and they are both amazing in their own ways.im leaning towards the marksman because its so lightweight with its g10 handle. I recommend them both!

[@yankee2yankee216]

Maybe a ceramic rod? I might get one, and might like to finish it… A ceramic rod would take material off slowly and in a controlled manner, and maybe most importantly, it will cut hardened steel. It should leave a finish which can then be (carefully) buffed on a wheel.

[@pitiedvod]

Nick recommending a Coldsteel blade as a gem? Next you know he be carrying around the Espada XL everyday.

[@NoncBear]

Do a little over a year and a half later and this knife is now being sold for $215 and expected to increase even more with the recent news of Cold Steel being sold to GSM. With that said , I feel this knife is still a great purchase at the $215 price point.

[@moparhemi1777]

Thanks Nick, now I need to buy one...

[@jefflanterman7805]

can an end user replace the teflon?

[@sagepini9844]

Great review. I want one now.

[@johnnickerson8214]

Nick please take a look at the qsp pelican

[@bluelivesmatter3600]

I just purchased this knife for136 on Amazon on 3/25 /2021. Very unique but I like it.

[@Hepta.Asteras]

You gotta review the Cold Steel Recon 1 and American Lawman. The R1 is probably CS's most representative model, ie flagship.

[@davidmarshall7752]

Reminds me of Hinderer. Looking forward to the AD10 review ;)

[@brucemcintyre2383]

If they ever release the Parata, I will be curious to see how the “new” Stop-Lock will work. I’ve seen toggle locks before. I hope Spyderco does it well... Sage 6?

[@theKAHUNA144]

Subbed for the accent , you remind me of that mma guy .

[@satoapendragon1257]

Love it. It's my fav knife

[@MacheteStrikeR]

currently in 2020, AD-10 grind are hollow or flat? Thank you))

[@DDFFFFDDFDFD]

Use a ceramic rod

[@Mrbowgod]

You should compare this to the buck marksman. The g&g sls system is extremely similar to the scorpion lock

[@clintonlewis1261]

nice looking knife, im more of a folding knife guy to , great review .

[@ViaMatt47]

Where is it made?

[@ahilbilyredneksopinion]

First time ever findin yer channel.nee sub fer shure.great vid.

[@wesadams5128]

Amazon has them for 136$ :) just got mine and it's definitely a beast

[@E1337N3SS]

Drink every time you learn a new simple fact! 😘

[@MetalsForBrunch]

Smooth solid lock actiom and beastly blade. What more can you ask for at $160? lol. This beats most tactical knives on the market.

[@peacefuljeffrey]

What do you mean by “half-teflon washers”? You say it like a dozen times but don’t explain what it means to those of us who don’t know. Are you saying that one washer is teflon and one is phosphor-bronze? Also, you gave them an excuse for using cheaper washers as if that’s a significant production cost that was what helped them keep the price down. That doesn’t seem like something I can take seriously. How much could better washers possibly add to the price?

[@EvilNick81]

The g10 texture is perfect , it's a work knife , not a letter opener for hipster ...

[@kiltymacbagpipe]

Yah but, it’s a cold steel so how good is it at stabbing things?

[@peacefuljeffrey]

It’ll go through three stacked car hoods.

[@I_N33D_M0R3]

When I first saw this knife, I thought to myself “hell no!! Way too out there for me!” I’ve come to realize how wrong I was. I’ve procured just about every Demko design since I found the cause of my ignorance.

[@TrilobiteTerror]

PB washers cause more wear on internal surfaces than Teflon washers and Teflon washers will still work decently without proper lubrication. I also don't understand why people seem to think using Teflon washers over PB is a cost saving measure on expensive knives. There's a couple dollar difference at most and in the context of any knife over $100, it's negligible.

[@soulzzplaysgames]

Truth be told, I always liked big knives. And because of that I've become a fan of Cold Steel since it's the best way to get yourself a nice lil pocket sword. So everytime I see one of your reviews where you're like: "This is a big knife", I just can't help myself but to grab my Rajah 2 and flick it open and close it one-handed while thinking: "Oh, that's cute". No criticism on you in any way; I really enjoy your reviews. It's just a little something my sassy brain tells me to do once in a while...

[@AtafalWonder]

I'd like to see an AKB/Shabazz collaborative knife video.

[@DeadnCold]

So basically the locking mechanism is essentially the same as a lockback style but instead of being hidden and using a pivot to unlock, it's open and you pull up on the bar.