Testing the Hype: AD20.5

[@arrowheadguys7637]

Did anyone catch how many cuts the Aus10 made? My house is chaos with kids atm but I stopped and backed up the video so many times and never caught the cut total for it...

[@CedricAda]

how silly of me, you didnt miss it, it was on the editing room floor - Was 315 cuts. Pinned for everyones reference. Good result. These TSProf edges have been doing be good lately.

[@arrowheadguys7637]

@@CedricAda Thats impressive! Well, I've bought the Work Sharp and KME because of you...guess we know how this is going to end.

[@arrowheadguys7637]

BTW, does the longer radius of the TSPROF reduce the "smile" on the bevel you get sometimes with the KME?

[@landscapingspecialist]

@@CedricAda I don’t know weather I’ll get the ts-prof or a tormek. We shall see …

[@homeslicesharpening]

I thought I missed it too, lol - thanks Pete. 315 is good for AUS10A for sure.

[@knoxknifemods]

Man we’re getting damn near a video every day lately. Truly the golden age for C&A fans

[@Alexander210]

It's a Australian Christmas miracle. I think they celebrate Christmas is January.. I know Australia is all upside and whatever. 😁

[@DullPoints]

I've already quit my job in anticipation of the C&A upload schedule. Won't be needing that anymore, right? I need my schedule clear for all this content!

[@tombrown4683]

@@DullPoints good move !

[@CedricAda]

I have since watched a proper reviewer, Ned Shaboing, who advises the Lander is made by QSP. He has big hairy hands so I am inclined to believe him.

[@ogenmatic]

Ah yes! The Big Hairy Hands Test of believability never fails! Great vid, Pete. You always make it fun.

[@jlogue751]

Has an accent so loses a bit of cred...

[@ergezinger]

LOL. QSP needs some CQI soon AF, IMO.

[@blistersteel]

Sage advice that.

[@roscomcfarland204]

This is bs. They definitely gave you the best of the best. My AD20.5 in 3v came in a bullshit plastic case with nothing

[@rottenviking6569]

I really like the specific humor of this guy:)

[@tombrown4683]

Me too !

[@kymcopyriot9776]

Pete, you really are a unit. The disassembly terror was highly amusing. I think that ‘post knife crisis Pete’ is some of the most authentic stuff on the toob.

[@justinbaits7149]

Nick Shabazz softened up the corners of his AD 20.5 with a ceramic stone. The full size doesn't have the same problem but the smaller 20.5 lock is a little pokey. I also did the same thing with my spring and was lucky enough to find it. I bought a pack of replacements immediately after I found it.

[@kevola5739]

Buying a pack of replacement springs insures that you will never lose the original spring.

[@arrowheadguys7637]

@@kevola5739 After seeing some reviews of disassembly I went ahead and bought a pack of replacement springs. TBH finding those springs might be just as challenging as finding a lost spring at this point lol

[@NeevesKnives]

i was yelling into my phone but you wouldnt listen or just couldnt hear me lol i seen the spring thing coming ive got replacements for that reason lol

[@CedricAda]

it definitely came for me in my hour of uncoordination. Which frankly is a pretty long hour by this point

[@MLKusername]

I've got two AD20.5s. This review, suggested improvements, and ridiculous comments are absolutely spot on. Excellent review right down to the Shark Fingers comment.

[@Bamablades]

Concerning the spring in the AD20.5, Knife Center sells replacements in 3 packs. Stay sharp my man.

[@CedricAda]

haha this must be a common problem with dummies like me firing them off in their sheds

[@stevenlachance8576]

Some poor future archeologist is going to find grivory rusted scales and spring casts in the same layer and talk about homo plasticus and talk about how we used plastic hand axes to scrape our meat and springs to form our teeth. Let them puzzle it out.

[@jasonodonnell1794]

@@CedricAda similar problem with C clips found in chainsaw gears etc, called Bastard Clips for a reason....🙃

[@c62west]

Thanks for the review. I'm always happy to see someone go out on their own, whether they succeed or fail. Andrew Demko, we wish you the best.

[@CedricAda]

I agree, something about him just seems generally plesant and earnest. I hope he makes a billion dollars and buys a big house for him assumedly beautiful and intelligent family, each captains of their own industry. And at night they all gather around the 8K TV and watch the latest video from their best friend, Pete from Cedric and Ada gear and outdoors

[@ramzcoldlampin5460]

That was the best, most reliable size comparison for the AD 20.5 that I’ve seen yet. Well done sir! Your videos get better and better.

[@CedricAda]

he barely moves so very easy to film size comps

[@Howlin000]

I feel spoiled getting all these videos lately, please don't over do it

[@namesecondname4548]

I just bought two of the, one slicer one cub. They are GLORIOUS. ABSOLUTELY loving them.

[@BenoJ3000]

Wampum was one of first currency items used in North America. Especially river shells. PA is indeed, Pennsylvania. As the state I live in, I can vouch for it being a state with favorable knife laws. Other than Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, most areas you can carry a knife of any length.

[@cataka4849]

LOL on the spring when it went flying off! Just like other reviewers testified to. Thank you for the excellent demonstration of the locks too.

[@Osprey1994]

I agree with what you said about the container for the knife. There is no point for the extra crap, and for those who think that stuff is free well I am sorry but there's no way they are just giving you stuff for free. For someone who is a first time knife buyer it might be mice to get some extras, but for most knife enthusiasts it's just clutter that gets thrown out. If I spend 100 or 500 on a knife I want that money to go into the knife not the packaging.

[@ryewaldman2214]

Hi pete. Put one of those silcone cooking mats underneath your cutting board. the tackiness of the silcone will prevent the cutting board from wandering/sliding around. I do this whenever i have a large cutting board on my countertop and it really saves me the furstration of chasing the cutting board while being elbow deep in whatever meat im butchering. I'd be happy to send you one if you tell me how i can get it to you

[@Lunarpreparedness]

You’re on a roll!!!!! Everyday new content. This is great!

[@xeoknight845]

Over here in the states sadly the knife's competition is the S45VN Para 3 g10 for the same price. USA made too, for what it's worth

[@CedricAda]

that is a pretty strong final boss for this knife to face on the journey to the pocket

[@CorruptionManX]

I'm leaning towards getting the AD 20.5 in S35VN in carbon fiber.

[@xeoknight845]

@@CorruptionManX The non sheepsfoot cf one is probably the best looking out of the lineup. On bladehq it also looks like they're having a stock clearing sale of the non cf cheaper handles too so something to consider

[@leksasdf]

The spring shooting out into the stratosphere seems to be a design choice by Andrew Demko, shared down to a tee by the AD15.

[@jasonchatham4170]

20.5 in 3v is awesome. I went for drop point in grivory. Next one will be sharkfoot in titanium.

[@DeerUNIT42]

Just got s BHQ exclusive 20cv / G-10 slicer model for $119 😊. Ill wait 2yrs to pick up a much more premium version at half the cost!

[@paulthelefty]

Shark fingers…. I actually knocked the ridges down on mine just a little, they were quite sharp.

[@khakicampbell6640]

Thumbs up for the Basil size comparison😸, and also for not slouching on the hard testing 👍

[@rhinejuice]

You are going to wear yourself out at this rate! But good to see you back! Happy new year

[@beck4218]

The cutaway for the spring should be angled down (towards the pivot) slightly to keep some pressure on the action when closing.

[@landscapingspecialist]

I appreciate the live disassembly. You’d think it would be obvious to disassemble it as I did mine, just to see how it works. But not many do on KZbin. I appreciate your disassembly of them. Especially the Sandrin seeing how they differ from shark lock. Also you can buy the ad20.5 springs by themselves. I guess they shoot off for everyone. I got lucky w mine.

[@thomagg]

Did the same with my spring, and my garage was in probably worse shape than your shed. I had resigned to the fact I would never find it and as I was about to hit buy I found it in the opposite corner.

[@thomagg]

I was also not impressed with the blade myself and had it reground with a hollow. Much better for my purposes.

[@bruutus99]

So glad you still make quality knifenut content

[@saltymonk4210]

This video really had me sold especially with the batoning part that I just bought an upgraded one in G120 & S35VN. Great video Pete.

[@ajpend]

I appreciate the thorough thoughts offered here. Cool stuff. Good production. Love the cat to knife size comparison.

[@rbs1889]

I love the video marathon you seem to be on at the moment👍🏻🤘🏻

[@CedricAda]

cranking em off while I have the time! - also my autobiography title

[@PotatoCheese]

@@CedricAda it certainly hasn't gone unnoticed Pete - were being blessed

[@j.hardesty446]

I was literally just waiting for that spring to go flying 🤣 I watched so many reviews of this knife before I got it and so many people lost their spring while disassembling it 🤣😭 I ordered a bag from Blade-HQ that has 3 springs for like $5 😎✌🏻

[@lotriguitarist]

love the upload pace recently! your content always cracks me up 🙂

[@davidaxman]

It feels like this lock could be made with studs on the lockbar instead of the "flippertab", making it more ergonomic for hard use as Pete defines here.

[@sloanNYC]

Just ordered the Tanto version in 3V on sale. So many great options out there...

[@funkpunked666]

Was waiting for the spring to fly off, and "there it goes". 😂 disassemble under a cloth or bag is advised 😁

[@floydmorrison2025]

Was the batoning a subconscious forecasting of another collaboration with Advanced Knife Bro? That would be awesome. Loving the recent proliferation of videos, Pete! Keep them coming!

[@manifestgtr]

I really dig mine…I picked up the 3v version, threw some micarta on it, softened up the lock “actuator” and that was the sweet spot for me

[@buckaroobunnyslippers]

Great review. I'd been waiting for your take on the Aus10. I got the red grivory in D2, honestly thinking it was the better choice. But now, looks like I should have gone with the more stainless option. But hey, at least it is actually red! Cool comparison to the Sandrin lock, despite the painful reassembly that surely followed.

[@Busterarundo]

You overlooked the Cold Steel Engage, a direct competitor with very similar lock!

[@CedricAda]

I saw that on my knife site, it was quite pricey about $100 more than this so will get to it eventually!

[@brianrobinson3961]

You have me cracking up talking about loosing that spring. Been there done that!

[@knottheory79220]

I got one of the carbon fiber 3v variants from knifecenter when they went on sale for 225. Not an outstanding value, no, but I felt like that was closer to the right price. I like mine, but am still putting it through its paces, and I don't have high end sharpening and a knife lab like Cedric so I test it the long slow way, haha. But design wise I do like it, it's small but it's still a 4 finger grip, very solid lockup.

[@davidkinninger0164]

It's good to have you back .

[@gingebrien2408]

I have this in the clip point 3V steel and it’s pretty freakin’ indestructible. I will agree it isn’t the slicer that my Spyderco PM3 is. But it is a hard use knife. Truly love it.

[@MLGB0Yz]

Pm3 is a thick blade stock, there’s way better slicers out there, like a hogue deka. It’s thin for the whole blade instead of just the point on the pm2 and pm3

[@gingebrien2408]

@@MLGB0Yz I have not had the pleasure of holding and cutting with the Hogue. And if as you say it slices better it truly deserves more recognition. When I first saw the PM2 and PM3 thought it was a funny looking blade shape but after handling the knifes the ergos and lock mechanism, opening and closing made my day. As an EDC they are superb. I’ll look forward to playing with the hogue. 😊

[@MLGB0Yz]

@@gingebrien2408 yessir, magnacut deka is premier, the blade geometry is why it slices well and the steel choice keeps it dependable, but I use the pm2 and demko just as much. I hope you enjoy the hogue bro

[@dlrmon1]

Good to see you’re old enthusiasm for video’s rise again...

[@matthewadler1329]

Of course you batoned with it. Well done Pete.

[@ryanbuck1405]

This is top shelf content! Best knife video/review ever. I can relate to the knife disassemble trauma, the size comparisons with your fluffy melon of a cat had me rolling with laughter. It also displayed the great info on the Demko. And much respect for the knife throwing!

[@CedricAda]

I only showed my least embarrassing takes for the knife throwing part

[@tombrown4683]

@@CedricAda 👍👍👍

[@JohnnyQ714]

I’m thinking of getting one of these, and having Transparent Brian reblade it, and then getting American made Ti scales.

[@CedricAda]

Its like the Ship Of Theseus!

[@svn5994]

So a completely different knife.

[@JohnnyQ714]

@@svn5994 , yup! I’m only interested in the lock mechanism, and making it 90% American!

[@knownaigm]

At that point you might as well just have a custom knifemaker build you a full custom

[@JohnnyQ714]

@@knownaigm, I have a few customs. This is some I’d like to do myself. Like I said, I’m pretty much only interested in the lock. I am 100% NOT a “fidgeter”. I have my own personal reasons for this mod.

[@ergezinger]

Man, the tension of those little springs was keeping me on the razors edge.

[@ryanbuck1405]

You should definitely trademark the ranger patch compatible "chastity belt"! The edc fan community will thank you. Awesome video. That casual comment about the chastity belt really got me.🤣

[@arrowheadguys7637]

Pete's "chastity belt" comment is right up there with Advanced Knife Bro's casual "poop knife" mentions

[@tombrown4683]

I laughed so loud when Pete said that !

[@ajpend]

The Shark Lock chastity belt. I appreciated the cat to knife size comparison.

[@marrenmiller]

Loving the video frequency! Keep it up Pete

[@swamp.stomper]

Loved the video! That was lots of fun to watch

[@CedricAda]

thank you, it never gets old to hear people like my ways

[@PhyllisLiao]

Great video. Love how chubby your cat is too

[@CedricAda]

he loves it too, because he gets to barely move and still be complimented

[@PeteAppler]

Absolutely love the background footage or whatever you call this

[@eachday9538]

Lock is cool but needs a bigger blade to elicit a wallet opening reflex action from me. Reminds me, I wonder how that Cold Steel "Mayhem" concept blade going. I don't buy knives often, but when I do...

[@avilavance7915]

In Europe 🇪🇺 you have to pay around 200€ for the AUS 10A and 180€ for K110... the hype costs a lot of money for what materials you get on the knife.

[@avilavance7915]

@@WenzelGrey WTF where in Europe are you? North Sweden?😂

[@brianshapley8092]

Considering fidget factor and over-all feel, I think the Spyderco it most closely compares to is a Smock, rather than the Para 3. I like my AD 20.5 Sharksfoot a LOT for every day "beater use" as you say. I immediately hit the edges of the shark "fin" with a bit of sandpaper, which easily removed the ouchie factor. No need for shark fingers! Watching your initial flubs on opening and closing with the sharklock: you really don't need to "flip" it closed. Even holding it straight horizontal, the spring is enough to bring it to a complete close. Fun knife! I do wish I had waited a BIT longer to get it, so I could have ordered the 3V. But I have a hard-line rule against buying multiples of the same knife. Too many out there to get! Thanks for the video!

[@AlexHand]

Basically it's a $60 knife that costs a couple hundred more than that. I learned my lesson with the Bugout. I do really like it, but I feel like a chode for spending $150 on it when it's not appreciably better than my $40 Kershaws, except it stays sharp a little longer. And then there's the Demko, with steel not even as good as the Bugout, for almost twice as much...

[@billbush1270]

Pausing at the 1/3 point to say you have just very nearly sold me on the Sandrin. The more I think about the fact I'd never open it up, and never need to sharpen it in light of my use case, it might replace most of my knives quite well. Hmmm. Plus I hate fidgeting.

[@cameronchicken8439]

re-blade makers make pretty cool blades for the ad20

[@wadeworkman7142]

I've been wanting a 20.5, but not in Aus10 ☺️. Truly love your videos!!!

[@arrowheadguys7637]

They have 3V and S35VN models out now too

[@norrisfong6445]

Transparentknives does reblades if you're lucky enough to get a book spot.

[@arrowheadguys7637]

@@norrisfong6445 I'm really happy for him he has such demand for his product, but also very sad that I didn't get one from him before he blew up big time and got so backed up

[@norrisfong6445]

@@arrowheadguys7637 I was new to instagram and missed a notice I had won a free blem bugout blade. It went to someone else. I haven't been able to get anything since then.

[@arrowheadguys7637]

@@norrisfong6445 Oh no!

[@Ryan-lz8zm]

I can’t find any citation but years ago a billiard cuemake told me grivory was made initially as an Ivory replacement for the white ferrule at the tip of the pool cue.

[@CedricAda]

sounds wacky enough to be true!

[@Jakoshdw]

I have one of the Knifecenter exclusives in D2. This makes an excellent back pocket knife thanks to the slimness of the scales. What you said about this being a utility cutter pretty much incapsulates my thoughts on the blade. I do a lot of push cuts on cardboard and quick little cuts through plastic strapping and the blade performs adequately for my needs. Seeing how well the Aus10 held up to your testing impressed me. Thank you for what you said about batoning with a folding knife. Nice to know it can hold up in a emergency... but definitely not the intended use for a folder. My main gripe with the knife out of box was the grivory scales just felt super cheap. The edges of the Grivory scales would catch on my skin and make sorta cheap hollow plastic sounds... and just felt cheap. (Not opposed to grivory as I own other cold steel knives with thicker stock grivory with no issues.) I opted to replace my scales with milled billet aluminum scales and also gave the knife a little alcohol wipe and KPL treatment while I hade it disassembled. Feels like a much more premium knife now. Action is really smooth now after breaking in. I played with my AD 20.5 quite a bit to break it in and just get a feel for the action and all the different ways I could open it. The lock is a bit sharp when the knife is still stiff before breaking in... that said I appreciate the agressive jimping now as I know my finger won't slip when actuating the lock even when wet and it doesn't hurt anymore unless I'm sitting around actuating the lock repeatedly over and over. BTW... I appreciate how easy it is to actuate the lock with my thumb as well during those long fidget sessions.

[@mungo75]

Great review, thank Pete. I'd like to try it just for the lock, but the clip point is £199.95 and the wharncliffe £189 over here in the UK. I don't mind AUS10 at a certain price point, but £200 for AUS10 is just taking the piss frankly.

[@sufferedlearnedchanged]

I cannot believe you found that spring! 😂

[@jimm244]

I’ve launched quite a few springs across my garage…with the same inner monologue as Pete.

[@JustGorilla]

In spite of the grivory scales and crappy steel, I love the AD 20.5.

[@jamberrycloud]

Favourite thing about the shark lock is the sound!

[@Trevlee74]

I immediately replaced the scales with OG aluminum ones. Transformed it into something really enjoy using as an EDC.

[@Circa1664]

Great review. I don't ever really end up buying bright colored knives but I actually really like that shade of orange. If I end up getting this I'll likely get the version you got.

[@RileySantiago]

Just got some flytanium g10 scales for mine... greatly improves the experience IMHO.

[@Hungrybird474]

Same here in being behind in this and had to check it out around Christmas . I thought it sucked at first for the price . Edge rolled but it did sharpen into some decent aus 10 , not bad at all . I thought it was a bit much with the scales so added some Original goats and backspacer and it took the knife to decent . I’d rather be rolling that sandrin Torino . My spring went flying like yours 🤣. I knew I’d never find it until I ordered new ones and then immediately it was sitting on the floor in front of me , truth , lol. The action gets better after a 1000 flicks and all in all with the OG scales it’s a decent enough knife for what it brings with the lock design which is what we paid for mostly cuz the knife itself is cheaply made when it came to the scales , the aus10 has always worked well for me on other knives , nothing spectacular but decent nonetheless . After a few weeks the lock broke in and didn’t hurt my finger as much and shark finger is indeed a thing . Little callus on the tip because it has to hit the same spot on the lift up part of the lock to actually get it to close . It doesn’t close until the finger is lifted . It’s a decent knife . I hope I didn’t make it sound a pile of 💩 because with some OG scales it s a ok 👌 . I think it just comes down to for $250 what would you rather have

[@eleahjacobson5044]

Hi, I'm Australian to, I got the new Cold steel engage it's a similar type of lock in s35vn blade metal and g10 handle scales with steel liners prity cool

[@antoniosgwozdz2945]

Great review, touched all aspects. Good job! Id love to watch more!

[@Tony42Rivers]

I live in Pennsylvania and that pa wampum bit had me dying lmao

[@gOOnz901]

When I take mine apart I’m going to do it in the bathroom lol and make sure all drains are covered lol I went with the jade pointed for now from Lynch NorthWest ,I’m going to have to get a sharksfoot next .

[@FarrYaweh]

I don't really buy knives anymore and have been on the fence about this one as a strong utility folder. Thanks for the video

[@tidge879]

You're paying for Demko to buy and own the tooling in Taiwan so it can only be used on his products to protect it from being cloned as fast as it would have otherwise been cloned. I can't imagine he's actually made that much profit from this model yet despite its wide success. Its also why he's happy to make tonnes of versions and exclusives.

[@CedricAda]

this is good info and makes a bit of sense

[@wes.killed.it.5511]

You are correct about the tooling ownership aspect indeed, however, Demko has without a doubt made a fortune since it's release a year and a half ago. A buddy of mine was a childhood friend of both Demko brothers, and is still very much friends with John. The word is that it cost Demko $9.85 per unit to manufacture (not including packaging). Add a generous $2.50 (high estimate) for packaging costs, and were looking at a knife that they make for under $13. With retail at $149.99 and the fact that until maybe 4 months ago these things were selling out at every drop, they certainly are doing just fine in the profit margins.

[@CorruptionManX]

​@@wes.killed.it.5511I believe that the price should go down over time, but I have already tried to patent an idea that I had and after seeing the costs I will let that idea die with me. Only those who have tried to invent something and start everything from scratch know how costly it is. But like I said, I think the value should decrease over time.

[@ericyoast]

Not going to throw mine at a log, but came to a very similar conclusion with my AD 20.5. Nice review, thanks

[@CedricAda]

I throw it at log so you dont have to

[@etherealicer]

Chastity belt... the new name for edc-pouch 🤣😂

[@CedricAda]

apt in many senses

[@jooky5]

How dare you, sir?! Taking flat-lays and tagging them #pouchboiz is a sure fire way to pull loads of p*ssy

[@landscapingspecialist]

I use my pocket knives in the kitchen too. Have an entire cabinet dedicated to pocket knives. Seems as good a place as any to keep some pocket knives imo.

[@tombrown4683]

Doesn't everyone ? Mine are just a couple of places on the counter.

[@arrowheadguys7637]

My 1st Demko was the grivory model in K110 (D2) and came in the same awesome packaging. Every other model since then either comes in a plastic tube (AD20.5) or a tiny carboard box like a case knife (the AD20). So the cheapest Demko I bought had great packaging, and as he raised prices on his upgraded models he doubled down by going cheap on his packaging. Kinda sucks when you expect to get that level of packaging and get the same packaging as a $30 Case knife on a $500+ purchase

[@Osprey1994]

Dude, are you really about to complain about packaging? If the knife could be shipped with no packaging at all, that would be ideal as the packaging is just waste. Additionally, packaging isn't free, so eliminating fancy packaging can help shave cost. Boggles my mind to see someone concerned about waste that comes with the product instead of the actual product itself.

[@arrowheadguys7637]

@@Osprey1994 Normally I consider packaging to be a bonus or a perk. Its not something I usually complain about, but in this case its that the cheapest knife they made had great packaging, and then as they began to raise prices for marginally improved product, they dropped the packaging. I think they raised the price $30 from D2 to the 3V blade. The cost difference in materials isn't that much, so not only was a premium being charged for the 3V steel, but they probably also cut $15-20 out of the cost by changing packaging. I don't mind not getting the extra packaging if that savings is passed on to the customer, but to pocket that savings while increasing the prices does seem like something thats worth mentioning. For the record, it hasn't stopped me from buying Demko knives.

[@KnifeKandy]

Building up my shark finger and yes the Shark lock is a bit of fresh air!

[@jimmy86gti]

Nice review, I have been thinking about getting one. I think it will be my next acquisition after your review.

[@Youtube-Censorship-Police]

this was by far my most disappointing knife of last year: right ootb it felt cheap, not bad but cheap like a $70 cold steel (it's made by the same factory), it also has all the materials of a cheap cold steel (aus10, frn). after 2 days of carry, laughably light use (cut a few veggies in the kitchen) and moderate flicking, the blade developed severe vertical play which wasn't fixable no matter what i tried. so okay, i was disappointed but thought i got a lemon and sent it back to the retailer, it can happen, wasn't my first monday knife. 4 days later i got the replacement, i was happy and flicked it open only to experience that it had a horroible grind (looked like a recurve blade) and that the blade play right ootb was even worse on this one. sent it back and got a nice kizer mini begleiter in m390 and ti for 10 bucks less. what i learned from this experience is 1: never let the hype grab you and 2: never trust experimental locks on a pocket knife.

[@tacticalcenter8658]

Never buy poor performance m390 is what I've learned long ago. 90% of knife companies produce poor performance m390, 204p and 20cv. Spyderco USA @ 61-62rc, and Reate at 60-61rc are two with great m390 and 20cv. Three rivers is good when its 62rc from their heat treat facility (which is peters heat treat in the USA) 61 is not terrible but not amazing. Kunwu is said to be great because of the protocol provided by an expert, but ive not seen it tested. That expert also provided protocols to another knife company but I'm not sure which one. The rest of china under performs and is not valuable or worth the cost they charge for these steels. Yes Pete's rope cut testing may show good numbers for some of these but thats usually due to the thin behind the edge geometry that is making up for the poor performance that would show itself in cardboard cut testing which is testing the heat treat protocol instead of the thickness behind the edge as well. Look for a video called microstructure matters for more information. Your kizer may perform better than the aus10, but not by as much as legitimate m390 should perform with a proper heat treat protocol. But at least it was cheaper than the demko.

[@Youtube-Censorship-Police]

@@tacticalcenter8658 yeah i know that, 8 out of 10 companies treat their m390 below 60..sucks🫠 actually i like aus10, it was just the "bundle" of aus10 and frn that felt overpriced, and then the issue with the lock..that killed it for me. kizer's m390 is okay, maybe slightly better than their s35vn (which is pretty good s35) but i didn't notice a crazy difference. build quality and feel are way better on the ti mini begleiter though, but these knives are very different anyway so yeah. i wonder if us made demkos have lock-rock too, maybe it isn't the lock but a tolerance issue..i'd like trying a "real" ad20, but the risk is too high for me😅 cheers

[@knifeaddict1014]

I been wanting to try out the Sandrian Knife, I know I probably spelled that worng, with tungsten steel. But that price tag tells me to wait.

[@emircolo43]

Cold Steel AD-10 Lite Tanto for the money, without competition yet....

[@dourmoose]

Good stuff Pete. First thing that comes to mind when I see this knife is that it’s a little crude. Reminds me of a Cold Steel Tuff Lite.

[@BenoJ3000]

Pete, what is your opinion of croc cheddar cheese. We have had it here in the states now for awhile and I find it quite delicious.

[@Zero_8347]

i agree with the blade not being thin enough, or needing different grind to be more slicey

[@EvilTwinRC51]

Price to material ratio doesn’t work for me but I do like the blade shape.

[@arrowheadguys7637]

They have other models in 3V and S35VN now too. The grivory 3V version is probably the closest you'll get to justifying the price/material ratio because thats just not something will ever add up for a Demko.

[@karllager2214]

Agreed. Over priced.

[@Olumin37]

@@arrowheadguys7637 Im not quite sure what business 3V has being on a folding knife, as its neither stainless nor high in hardness/edge retention. Its a steel built for extreme toughness in fixed blades.

[@arrowheadguys7637]

@@Olumin37 There are plenty of folders with steel that aren't stainless or super high in edge retention. 3V has better edge retention than D2/Aus10 and is more stain resistant than D2, which is on folding knives everywhere. Its a great steel for people who don't just use their knives to open envelopes.

[@Olumin37]

@@arrowheadguys7637 D2/AUS10 are budget steels, the ad20.5 in titanium is a almost 400$ knife. What kinda abuse do you put your folding knife through to warrant 3V steel? Folders aren't survival knives, they are for light, everyday cutting tasks. For everything else, use a fixed blade. I dont like non-stainless steels in general. Carbon is fine for swords, axes & machetes. For knives there are better options these days, period.

[@steellovingyou8673]

I love mine. I have the D2 version with puke green scales , $125 on sale at Knife Center. Opening by way of depressing the lock is in my opinion not as fidgety as a cross bar lock BUT using the thumb studs for deployment is super easy. Some people struggle with the materials to price ratios , I was struggling my self but I'm glad I overcame it because I love mine and have had none of the problems that some claim and as it appears neither did you . I even love the color and the feel of the grivory . I don't carry it much but have edc'd and used it but mostly now it sits in a small display case on my bureau along with a Cold Steel AD10 , CS AD15 and CS Pocket Bushman , representing the Shark lock , Triad lock , Scorpion lock and Ram lock all thanks to Andrew Demco . I plan on someday getting another one of the 20.5's in either D2 or AUS10 to edc . Thanks

[@arrowheadguys7637]

KC has an exclusive model in S35VN with G10 scales and the big pivot. Its at a marked up price but the stainless might be a better EDC

[@steellovingyou8673]

@@arrowheadguys7637 I appreciate the heads up on this . I had seen that on their new knives of the week and for me that would be the best choice , I would definitely love that one but don't want to spend the extra on it although the buy once cry once theme presents itself. Great info though. Thanks

[@arrowheadguys7637]

@@steellovingyou8673 I'm tempted to get one to swap out the 3V blade from my grivory model to, then putting the S35VN blade in the grivory knife and selling or gifting it. I'm just not a big fan of S35VN. Wish they'd do a Cruwear or Magnacut 20.5 with those scales but those steels are rare to find in a knife made outside the US

[@tacticalcenter8658]

Avoid Asian d2 for more than $30. Its a rip off anything over $40 usd.

[@steellovingyou8673]

@@tacticalcenter8658 Hi I don't necessarily disagree ? About 6 years back I was buying knives from Gear Best shipped slow from China with one stop in Azerbaijan ( irrelevant but interesting? ) , the price was around $5 to $20 each . Brands like Ganzo , Y Start and Sanrenmu all great knives and decent materials . I bought about a 2 dozen or so . I used some for edc gave most away but they were also well used by their recipients all good materials , awesome designs and decent fit and finish but there were some caveats mostly moral and ethical ?. So I get your point of veiw if your looking for D2 and plastic handles you don't need to spend more than $30 . Hey I'm just a blue collar guy and I don't want to waste my $$ but I was glad to get the AD20.5 it was a lot for me to spend on a pocket knife regardless of materials so It was special for me to get it , I wanted it for what it was and not for what it was made from , essentially buying the brand ? You can buy Nike's or no name China sneakers made from same materials at a fraction of the price , eh a loose analogy perhaps. We are so lucky to have as many choices . My choice to spend the money for this knife was not pragmatically based but nonetheless I love it and don't regret getting it. Thanks

[@devilsadvocate783]

Took a few weeks but the finger tip is hard as a rock now. I was very discouraged at first but just have to work at it and ignore the pain.

[@spyhunter6411]

Real review…lost a part in the floor like the rest of us haha. I spent 20 minutes looking for a t6 screw out of a petrified fish beluga yesterday haha.

[@CedricAda]

its all part of a knifes journey to the big drawer in the shed

[@cwsmith17]

Same steel that Cold Steel uses in the Voyager series. Good stuff.

[@seanf5760]

If you want another SNECX designed knife with a lock much closer to how the Shark Lock operated, look up the We Vision R. Has a lot more blade tang contact and seats deeper. If you ever feel inclined to want a side by side comparison or review, I have a Vision R I can post up to you if need be.

[@ctucker6701]

Love the video. 1980s sitcoms want their music back lol.

[@jordangrose698]

Great video. That was one of your funniest videos.

[@pateralus9]

25:30 I really hope they make the Basil 2.0 a smaller model. I just think it's way too big for EDC in the current iteration.