The Cold Steel AD-10 Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

[@csknives]

Enjoyed the video Nick, thanks for sharing your take.

[@rtaveno]

A year later I bough the knife and it has the same (valid) issues. Lmao. You guys should have paid attention.

[@brucelaborin2124]

@@rtaveno 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@CrpMag]

@@rtaveno go buy a different knife. You clearly are not the target market for this knife.

[@rtaveno]

@@CrpMag I sold this piece of shit and did.

[@shepherd2148]

@@rtaveno lol meanwhile cold steel had record breaking sales off the AD15 and AD10s and there's new variations coming in 2022. See ya

[@alpine1600s]

The Shaman costs a few bucks more than the CS AD-10, and the Shaman has a S30V while the Ad-10 has a S35VN. You still get more knife for the price with Cold Steel.

[@joeallen2354]

Having s30 as opposed to s35 is not a negative thing.

[@sputumtube]

The example Nick is showing here has the hollow ground blade, but I'm led to understand that they are no longer available and the flat ground blade is now the only option.

[@justaamateur6533]

That summarises my opinion on spydercos

[@MightyRude]

Sebastian m S30V has no N (Niobium)

[@tumblingdown8612]

Spyderco is getting into benchmade tier prices.

[@PersonaN007Grata]

I’m a fixed blade guy and bought one of these. With that triad lock, I feel that it’s basically a fixed blade knife. I never have to worry about the lock to fail.

[@maulstik]

weak parts of the blade or handle usually fail before the lock fails

[@twai8036]

Agreed, I have one too and I literally don't know how you can fail this lock.

[@Louzahsol]

@@twai8036 by hanging 650lbs off the handle

[@everetthunt6140]

That is why I went with this AD10. I have a Gerber Back Lock that is not sturdy at all, but I've had it since I was very young. The AD10 should be a great upgrade folder.

[@PersonaN007Grata]

It’s pretty much the closest thing to a folding survival knife.

[@chrissexton6634]

It's not a real thing... but cold steel won't listen and slowly it's becoming a reality.

[@maulstik]

@@chrissexton6634 mind over matter

[@chrisjaskulski8613]

"... and that's great. So that's the good, now let's talk about the great." Favorite part of every Shabazz review. 😋

[@stanbuchanan5149]

Coyboy boots full of meat?!!! I laughed so hard and long I started wheezing!!! You are the most entertaining and interesting knife reviewer I watch.

[@BrentonCarr]

lol. per lynn thompson, that backspacer is for "mercy" strikes...

[@OLMmedic]

Nicky, oh boy we are miles apart on this knife. This is a great cs knife. Infact i am carrying mine today. I paid like 135 from the first batch. Not sure why the price changed. Mine is hollow ground and it is a sick cutter. Better than most knives half as think. Mine is super contoured. I do agree on the half assed back spacer, but what can ya do right. Yes its heavy. Yes its big in pocket but for “hard use” its hard to beat for the price. I paid 3 times this price for my strider 3/4 ground SNG and i would trust the CS more to be honest. That hurts to even say. Especially in the pocket. Still love ya man but i think your not so much love for heavy folders has gotten in the way on this one. Now, have yourself an absolute wonderful day. By now👍

[@joeallen2354]

No, it's not heavy.

[@stormsigma]

I'm with you and agree with this. I will say that I knew immediately why they increased the price: because they could. This is a hell of a knife at the $135-$145 they were at initial release and honestly would be a deal at $200 for what you get. CS knew immediately they could raise the price and get away with it.

[@OLMmedic]

Uncle Randy heavy for Nick!!! Heavy for some. Not for me either

[@TangoIrene]

Thanks for the video. I've been looking at the AD-10 to keep in my truck as they're currently going for a hundo. thurough, clear, concise. Exactly the info I needed.

[@soulzzplaysgames]

I had some very similar reactions when I picked mine up a couple months ago. My first thought was "Oh yeah, this guy's beefy!" and my second thought - when I opened it - was "Holy shit, this handle's amazing!" Also, on the backspacer, I think it's meant to be a pommel for blunt strikes if you dont want to cut your target or if you dont have the time to open it. Don't know if I ever need that, but it's there. On the clip, yes, it's quite flat, but mine is not as sturdy as yours. That can be cause of various reasons, so I don't know if it already has been fixed or if I just got lucky. All in all, I know very well that a knife like this is totally not your preference, but still made this review as neutral as possible. So yeah, great review, thanks for not being to harsh on my baby and once again, hope you'll be feeling better soon. Have a good weekend, Nick.

[@pedro1970maya]

You mentioned the weight is one of the bad sde. For me it's a positive in the sense that it gives me the option of using it as a kubotan and not necessarily with an exposed blade. I consider this a self-defense weapon. Force = mass x acceleration, and at half a pound that's sufficient mass to be noticeable on impact. Self-defense is measured against what is minimally necessary to stop the threat against you, here having a "mercy" option, shy of the inherit lethality of the blade. Frankly, the intimidation factor of its size and apparent heft is also relevant in a self-defense context, as deploying it might make the assailant stop their attack and run. I've watched a few of your videos already, and really like your perspective. New subscriber.

[@Mike_Y.]

Nick, whats the empty pin hole for? Near the finger well

[@JesseAdams]

"More colder and steelier" made me laugh.

[@jeo1349]

Backspacer is for HAMMER FISTIN' skulls & pressure points in self defense situations.......Boom

[@csknives]

This. Smashing spacer 9000.

[@omegarad123]

@@csknives has cold steel lost their minds?..you realize your shooting yourselves in the foot by making most of your hollow ground blades flat ground instead...prepare to watch your sales plummet..trust me from my own experience I recently was going to buy the large recon 1,ak 47 and American lawman then learned about the blade change from hollow to flat...at least have enough marketing sense to make both grinds giving the customer a choice.

[@benbon86]

@@omegarad123 I'm buying two of these as we speak :-) I guess their sales aren't plummeting after all. Thanks Cold Steel!

[@Tregrense]

I wonder how this knife holds up in 2024? Has quality slipped? Quite a bit of criticism of the connecting hardware, striped screw heads. Anybody know? Thanks Nick for your consistent and excellent style and perspective.

[@ravenoutdoors8623]

I don't care how ridiculous this knife is, it is just cool. Does anyone need this knife? No, but I'm going to get one anyway. Love your channel Nick. Thank you for reviewing this knife.

[@joet.plumber3771]

You never know when you gotta strike an arc with those sharp edges man.

[@jordy703]

I respect Andrew Demko so much to let Cold Steel make this exact production version as you say. Great love the knife👍🏼. Its in my pocket every day. By the way the 4max Scout is also a great great option and a bit cheaper. Both the best folders for me

[@jonnyboat2]

I like this knife. My edc is the Cold Steel Voyager XL and I love it and use it daily. I just ordered the 4Max to use as an edc alternate.

[@migueldias191]

Demko made that front hole when he was making prototypes for Lynn to use in a safari. So he made the hole so that a custom pin is inserted, as to not cut the boss fingers, in case of lock failure

[@TylerWest0]

Good review. That pommel is a glass breaker. No question about it.

[@k.nightravenm298]

The sharp spine is perfect for striking ferro rods.

[@marcobenini3473]

The sharp back spacer is probably meant to get sparks on a ferro rod.

[@ntanglr]

Every time you say 'choke up for detail work', I immediately hear the music our insane twisted sisal art commando has put in his video..

[@MrElnuno]

Such a funny thing - I'm relatively new to the folding knife game and as such I currently own a Cold Steel AD-10 (1 day old) a ZT 0808 and a Ruike P801. 2 of them were over $150 and one was under $50. Of the 3 knives I own, the Ruike has the smoothest action, the best detent, the best centering when closed and is the best to carry. Really does get me wondering now if spending more money actually delivers you a better knife...

[@MrWatson2001]

Nick, thanks again for your always nice no BS upfront reviews. Great sense of humor buddy 😄

[@mikeaze423]

What’s that other knife you showed in this video?

[@dudemanmanguy1957]

Just bought this for my EDC knife I have really big hands so this looks like it will fit well

[@brianf9619]

The AD-10 is Not an edc knife , but it's being reviewed on a edc channel by one of the Best edc reviewer's on KZbin. That said , the AD-10 is a awesome hard use knife,, and I guarantee some military , woodsmen , farmers and a lot of people who use their hands for a living , will have a far better opinion of the knife. Anyway, I personally really like the knife , and I'm a Big CS fan . I have the Hollow ground model and just bought the new Flat ground model , they are all over Ebay for around $150.00, I paid $148.00. As far as the difference in the slicing , the hollow is awesome , and the flat is not that far off , it cuts like the new Recon 1 with the flat grind and it fits the knife , it also has a little longer , pointer tip , which I like better , where the hollow has a short stubby tip. I have XL hands and I shut the knife all day with one hand , no problem, you just have to stop being so scary. If you like CS , it's a must buy .....💰🔪

[@blumorn]

Love my AD10, I use it as a heavy duty work knife.

[@krazykat64]

Im not a big Cold Steel fan, but objectively if this is the type of knife you’re looking for you could certainly do worse in my opinion. One of its main production knife competitors, the Adamas 275, subjectively has a less capable grind, blade steel and lock and outweighs it by almost a full ounce while costing about $60 more. Overall, although this isn’t for me, I still think this it’s a pretty good knife all things considered.

[@GBall_Vision]

The Adamas is an amazing knife

[@krazykat64]

@@GBall_Vision The mini changed my opinion on the Adamas. The size change and Cruwear steel made it just about perfect. Love that knife.

[@dr.stevenpennym.d.3241]

Do you know where it's made? Nice video Thank you

[@bryanmartinez4516]

“I need this knife like a fish needs a bicycle” 😂😂😂. You killed me

[@AcidTripwire]

Nick is the kind of guy who sees a knife as a piece of jewellery or a conversation piece, rather than a tool or weapon. Cold Steel isn't for him and we knew that about 20 reviews ago...

[@TylerWest0]

😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣

[@omegarad123]

Does the AD10 still come with a hollow grind or have they switched to a flat grind?..only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger and getting one is I've heard they'd switched to a flat grind...if so ill not be getting one.

[@davidmarshall7752]

They switched to a flat grind in the second run. Not sure about a third.

[@JamesBartholomew1]

Yes, the back spacer is exactly a glass breaker, that's why it's shaped that way. Haven't you seen this before?

[@dalecarpenter8828]

I find youtubers that say the cold steels are way to heavy either don't mention the weight of knives like the medford or reeves or gremsmore ! the medford is very dangerous because the weaka*s liner lock sticks out so far that you can not miss it in use ! but of course no one is going to carry or use heavy good for nothing knives anyway ( collectors safe queen ) !who would use a safe queen in the field ?

[@patrickharrison4746]

How much do you bench nick?

[@seanschmidt7195]

Patrick Harrison 2 100 millimeter beakers full of Damascus steel???

[@dansaghin1]

I was waiting for this one, thank you!

[@patrickmurphy8008]

Do you still have your zt0452 nick? It's one of my favorite production 4" knives and I never see you use it for size comparison anymore :,( I have the white cf one and love it.

[@kerryrwac]

He sold it .

[@patrickmurphy8008]

@@kerryrwac awww that's a shame. Fantastic action on it, could never sell mine. And honestly a pretty great tool if you like larger pocket knives.

[@kerryrwac]

@@patrickmurphy8008 I have one too , just because it's sexy and has great action.

[@rowdyron4111]

Never got an AD10, but I liked the looks of it so much I got a 4Max. I emailed Cold Steel, and they told me that the earlier prototypes of the AD10 were hollow ground, but that the later production models were flat ground. I sure thought that they looked to be hollow ground though.

[@jmoman5356]

I had a Recon 1 which you can unlock and knock back into your finger then push closed with your knife holding hand. I bought the Broken Skull and the same spot that would go against my finger when closed is sharpened unlike the recon 1 and I cut myself minutes after opening it.

[@JoeyKnifeInnovations]

Very good video Nick. Very detailed video. I was wondering could you do a review of a Russian brand, Kizlyar, model Sterkh with a tool steel blade, walnut Handle or Biker 1 with 65x13 stainless steel?

[@derickrichards1105]

Any relation to Sol Rosenberg? Maybe you're his cousin? you guys have the same voice. Really good review!

[@manifestgtr]

I agree 100% on hard use folder vs fixed blade…it’s never made sense to me either. I do, however, respect Andrew Demko’s designs. They’re just mechanically interesting to me. If someone says they *need* a knife like this, it makes me go 🤨…but I find them interesting either way.

[@stephenjohnson3084]

The spacer sticking out the bottom is a mercy pummel according to Lynn😆

[@chrisjaskulski8613]

Considering similar in-pocket biggitude, price, and the fact that they're both singularity committed to being unique performance leaders in their chosen weirdnesses, is this thing Cold Steel's Caribbean? I mean, if you trade overbuilt jackassery and a few ounces for the pirates life and yellow stripes... same knife? Basically, I just picked up an AD10 (second and maybe last Cold Steel) and unexpected love it... now I'm seeing the Caribbean through "Lynn Glesser" glasses

[@mountainmanwatchreviews8081]

I feel like you've grown as a reviewer and put aside your size bias. It's still your preference and that's fine but a few years ago I don't know that you would have given this a chance and said you respect the 4max etc.

[@NickShabazz]

I hope I’ve grown!

[@johnbarnesNnaptown]

I think Nick has grown up over the years his voice isn't even as squeaky as it used to be

[@thomash4578]

@@johnbarnesNnaptown The Nick has grown Whether he has grown up is still uncertain :)

[@Stahlwerk88]

Rumor has it that his hands continue to get smaller, however...

[@rustyknifelover4463]

#nickshabazz where did you get the micarta scales on the Shaman? Are there any deep carry clips?

[@casimir1]

Check out mxg for your deep carry clip options 👍

[@davidmarshall7752]

Wow! Great review, fast & furious. The sound of a man possessed... and after three espresso shots.

[@zelja.]

Try 0.75x speed... sounds normal! 😂

[@alisuperhornet]

I know right! I was looking for this comment before saying it myself

[@fendushi]

Yes... espresso shots.

[@rorybuckminster1329]

“Cowboy boots full of meat” nearly pissed my self laughing

[@colnagocowboy]

I would use it for camping backpacking

[@SeemsLogical]

This and the AD-15 are the best things in Cold Steel's lineup.

[@sturmgewehr70]

The SR1 and now the 4 Max Scout.

[@nandayane]

SR1 Lite, so chonk so beef

[@ilikedirtx22]

You are biased against big knives and cold steel knives. Big cold steels are some of my favorite knives

[@cz1always608]

Pick up one for 140+ tax I put an after market deep pocket clip . Totally outstanding. It’s beast , for sure . I’m a big guy fits well for me . In my jeans. Got to remember no two people are the same , thanks good review .. my opinion your not going wrong with it .

[@samnero387]

Does it tear up your jean pockets like the the 15?

[@2hp749]

“This knife needs a visit from the chamfering fairy”. Classic Shabazz. Just classic.

[@vyr01]

7:40 yes the back spacer on the customs protrude intentionally as well some have jimping of various sorts and some are smooth , skull crusher/glassbreaker type

[@FoxSolomon1]

Andrew Demko is an awesome guy to talk to! Great knives from a great dude

[@natek1993]

Man I love this knife.

[@willd6515]

Look up some videos how to close a tri-ad lock Nick. It's virtual impossible to cut yourself doing it the right way.

[@mmitch8236]

Just got mine in the mail and this knife is beefy as heck

[@JimAlaska49]

Always enjoy your reviews!

[@2adave]

Available for $99 rn for prime days 2021 on Amazon.

[@nandayane]

they got cheap, that is what puzzles me about the lite model. It’s about $10 less

[@mmitch8236]

$153 on Amazon and I wanna know if it is a knock off

[@chrissexton6634]

I want to say demand went down .... Looking at the same thing myself... Or the shaman... For 50$ not a big deal but can't make a choice.

[@mthello7941]

Does this guy live in the city?

[@osamuelshelton3641]

AD 10 or AD 15?

[@shortyxmoshpigx5488]

a few years ago, when the first triad lock cold steels came out, rumours were that andrew demko was only allowed to make up to 10 handmade knives/year... if this was true and did not change since then, i see what makes a cold steel ad15 attractive for him.

[@csknives]

Well that's certainly a rumor. Lol.

[@j.r.peters7234]

Is it just me or does this thing look like a lionsteel sr11?

[@cytherians]

Definitely not a pocket EDC. It's too heavy. Not really concerned about the one handed closure. I'm feeling like the duty meant for this knife won't be a frequent open/close. The beefy feel of the AD10 looks so impressive, FWIW. But I wish Cold Steel made an AD10 mini. Give it 3" blade, a deeper carry clip, and lower the weight to more like 3.9oz. I'd buy that in a heartbeat.

[@Tom_367]

I guess Cold Steel would rather do an AD 10 L and XL. Imagine a 7.5 inch blade 😂

[@gregs7519]

I actually needed to cut some cowboy boots full of meat just the other day. Guess I'll pick one of these up! Thanks Nick!

[@carlosm.osorio2208]

I do think it might be a glass breaker which is awesome!

[@ocomegashadowstacking5886]

Wow really nice looking knife!!! :D

[@alpine1600s]

Turns out Cold Steel just put a carcass in Andrew's bed, and that's how we have the production customs.🤣 And put meat in his cowboy boots.

[@zippyxp3466]

Dang 138$ is better than when I bought mine when it released for 250$

[@DenyTheZeitgeist]

Well that aged like milk. AD10 is easily the better choice now with Spyderco’s insane pricing across the board.

[@PaulBeetge]

I just want a ridiculous overbuilt folding knife to do normal stuff for. And I like the fact its not the 4Max which is too big. And the AD15 has the spring which is a point of failure. That the AD10 doesn't have. And the look of the AD10 is just like more.

[@horiaatanasiu3173]

I like over built folders and I prefer them over fixed blades for hiking, fishing, around the house. The only fixed blades that would compete with that would be neck knives but they are short, thin, unergonomic handle. A sheath knife is big, carries on your belt, people see it, it's strange for me. A CS tri-as lock knife goes in the poket, is good for picnic, cutting wood, light batoning, prying and the lock wont't fail. I think they have their place on the market. Spreading butter, cutting apples and opening boxes are just a few of the things we can do with our knives.

[@scottyi88]

bought this knife for 91 bucks on amazon think the prices went back up again

[@everetthunt6140]

MidwayUSA has these on sale for 99 bucks. I had to pick one up.

[@carlito5552]

Hey!! Finally someone puts the ad10 against the shaman...thanks for that, I own both and from the perspective of, "which knife do I grab today for hard use" have always thought they were a good comparison against one another...

[@carlito5552]

The Shaman, but I still love the ad10

[@matthewadler1329]

"hang dead pigs off of it until it fails" was very funny. nice job. RIP Cold Steel. We can still get these knives, and that is a great thing, but Cold Steel is diminishing by the week, and I am sad to see that. They weren't everything to everyone, but they were a pillar in the knife world.

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

The back spacer pommel is probably supposed to be sharp, as it's most likely for bashing people in the skull with.

[@nandayane]

“to show mercy”

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

@@nandayane If you have a blade in your hand, yes that would be the merciful end, of course.

[@nandayane]

@@londiniumarmoury7037 Cold Steel’s marketing material will never cease to be a source of wonder.

[@londiniumarmoury7037]

@@nandayane Goes hand in hand with the weapon loving American culture that is the target audience for the sales pitch.

[@TripleEEDC]

Mine is hollow ground as well but I think only the first batch they sold out of were hollow ground. I think the newer batches are flat ground.

[@TheEriclikeseatin]

Would the Benchmade (Super) Freek be a good alternative as well in terms of a beefy, large folder?

[@Samdroid_]

The super freak is not beefy nor large but it's a no joke looks better than the ad-10 and the axis lock is a thing I'd you want a stronger knife go with the ad-10 if you want something more sophisticated but less strong go with the super freak

[@Evan_Schaefering]

The Freek is nowhere as big or as beefy as the AD10. The Benchmade Contego or Adamas are much more in line with this knife.

[@dalecarpenter8828]

Felt a little funny carrying it ! Having to add suspenders to keep your pants up ! How about how many pounds is the lock spring ?

[@icolater27]

Best cold steel knife available!!

[@happyknife8785]

Take a hit of speed before the video Nick?

[@grumpyoldwizard]

Cant you get a ZT 0450 for $180? The ZT is a very nice blade. If you like this, why not get a XL Espada?

[@Samdroid_]

This makes more sense than the espada The blade shape and size of the ad-10 is more of a daily user The espada is more for strapping and self defence On the other hand the zt-450 is more of pocket jewelry

[@kenwithaK]

is this the same guy from mixedmollywhoppery?

[@NickShabazz]

Nope.

[@runrin_]

that glass breaker thing is for when you want to "show mercy" and not use the blade on your enemies. no joke. watch Pete's review for the clip.

[@dalecarpenter8828]

Very good review by the way !

[@husafel]

Pocket clip is quite large. Good knife overall.

[@finnmcool2]

What is the clip for? Doesn't the sheath secure the knife in it? That behemoth isn't getting clipped in a pocket without a baldrick for extra support.

[@MrRuination]

You getting a little cold there, Nick?

[@Krv52]

Sharp sharp sharp everything is sharp to Nick.

[@thomash4578]

But is it a big knife?

[@joeallen2354]

Nonsense. 6 or so oz is perfectly suitable for pocket carry.

[@dougbulldog9947]

I regularly use my edc knives for chopping cowboy boots filled with meat, don't you?

[@Evan_Schaefering]

You still haven't reviewed the American Lawman on the channel which is a damn shame. It's a fantastic knife at a really great price once you look past the silly aesthetic Cold Steel tends to love.

[@mugdays]

9:25 "I'm not a big knife person." Then why do you have a channel dedicated exclusively to knives???

[@jakegay5753]

"Chopping cowboy boots full of meat"😂😂

[@csknives]

@David Martin Portmann You can still watch them :)