The Demko Knives AD-15 Pocketknife: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

[@porkfat8109]

Nick, as you know x-mass will be here before we all know it. Can you do a review maybe of good folders around $100 or below of what is available now as possible gifts....a gift knife series perhaps ?

[@rustyshackleford851]

As if this guy celebrates Christmas 🇮🇱🕍📰💲✡🕎🐁

[@Kevinclearysharpstuff]

Nick your coming over to the dark side feel free to just start calling me for all your new knife recomendations next you'll be complaining about any blade under 3.5"

[@dfailsthemost]

Yesss!!!!

[@dfailsthemost]

I keep some 3 inch blades around to pick the lint out of my 3.75 in knives.

[@johobo2038]

So much yes!!!

[@adelmomew]

Cold steel has a ad15 for 269 lol

[@dfailsthemost]

Also "whatever it is, it is what it is." - Nick Shabazz 2018

[@BluetoothBlades]

I really like your energy in your videos Nick, awesome job as always.

[@Dont_Poke_The_Bear]

I wish he would do a mini version of this with a 3" blade. I would definitely be a buyer!

[@dankbuds6171]

Nice video nick. I have the ad15 in full Ti handle with 20cv blade. Payed 950$ for it,I'm not rich nor even well off but I'll never regret getting this beast by Demko. Andrew talked about the lock strength in an knife forum saying it has comparable strength to the tri ad lock of the ad10,the ad10 being the strongest one obviously..the ad15 imo is a trade off of the lock strength for fidget factor(can 1hand open and close with speed like an axis lock) Andrew has done some testing with the cold steel weight hang,I believe some where around 600lbs of static weight is the limit for the full Ti and around 400lbs for the G10+ti liner models and the ad10 being the king holding more than 800lbs. If you like and care about the lock strength on a folder go cold steel man. Any folding knife can slice and dice with a master sharpener but not any folding knife can withstand the abuse a well made locking mechanism can provide.

[@miked6367]

Glad you’re liking it Nick, Demko knives are really something special. I have this and an AD10 custom in M390 from Demko, the AD10 is the best knife I’ve ever held period, no contest at all. People who complain about teflon washers might be a bit uninformed on them. Yes they both work, but in your head pb washers feel stronger and give you that piece of mind because metal vs teflon etc.. Do people actually think Demko cut corners and saved 15c on washers by using teflon? Do people think they know knife hardware better than Demko? Seriously guys. No, there’s a reason, just like Hinderer does. Teflon will never oxidise in any way, they don’t permanently dent and bend and get ruined by accident, they generally just press straight back into place. They need no oils and have lower friction also. They dont wear at all basically, and there is literally no difference in structural integrity because they perform a minimum function to the action on the knife with the surrounding structural strength. Even AD-10’s which are arguably the strongest and most well built knives on the planet use teflon, there’s reasons :) Cheers

[@christamu2]

If you're on the fence about one of these, just go for it. It's crazy and has one of the smoothest actions you'll find on washers. It's the frame lock version of a back lock which is just cool.

[@moparhemi1777]

I like the idea of the scorpion lock. It functions like a frame lock in comparison to a liner lock, with the exception, that it is basically the evolution of the back lock mechanism. Oh, and it takes less space from the blade when it's closed.

[@amo757]

I would not want a secondary lock, it doesn't need one. I like the cleaner look as well.

[@johobo2038]

amo757 I agree fully. I wouldn’t have wanted one with the secondary lock myself.

[@SuperPlastered]

I like the secondary lock. To each his own. 😎

[@ctaber2011]

I bought the AD10 too. I love Demko so much...I have the 10,15, USA 4maxx, Italy 4Maxx, and a few customs.

[@deesevrin8570]

Been waiting for a newer video to comment this on, but teflon washers have the advantage of not being bound up by grit nearly as much as bronze and with them being self lubricating they're ideal for the kind of person that doesn't want to lube up their pivots. Neroknives has a great video demonstrating this.

[@savethemanual5960]

You love it because of its uniqueness.

[@NASHKEY750]

After following you for some time I'm still not convinced you aren't Seth MacFarlane that has taken on a knife and gear nut alter ego. All jokes aside I really enjoy your content!

[@dfailsthemost]

YOU'RE changing! You've seen the allure of the big knives. Tale up your 0452 in hand and tell me I'm wrong!!

[@melissahoman8521]

Are you going to do one on the cold steel AD-15?

[@Hepta.Asteras]

U gotta review Cold Steel Recon 1, American Lawman, and AK-47. Do all 3 in one.

[@twilly9022]

Hey Nick. Have you had an opportunity to try the new Cold Steel version of the AD15? If so do you feel it's worth picking up for someone looking to get there first hard use "beater knife" ?

[@paulhelm5384]

A gem, from the alter of Lord Demko. Strange days indeed.

[@gabesailer1171]

I was lucky enough to get to try one of these AD-15s at blade show this year. I’m really regretting not buying it then because of how crazy it really is. If you get the chance to buy one, don’t pass it up, jump on it. You won’t regret it.

[@hothamandfauri]

Just got a CRKT Swindle from Amazon today and i love the knife, but i dont recall Nick ever doing a review for one. Maybe im wrong?

[@OLMmedic]

What do you think of the new cs ad15 and ad10 for that matter. Do u feel the need to handle one now that ya bought the real deal. Do you still have this knife Nicky? Or did u trade it away?

[@charlescollier7217]

I'm curious to hear what you think of the Cold Steel version, which is a fraction of the price.

[@fanofactionflicks]

it would be interesting to compare that ad 15 to the cold steel ad 15.

[@Nudel-nc1cp]

I love the click sound of that lock :}

[@KaneRizzel]

All the effort to design and make a unique knife but having the back of the blade sticking out in the handle finger choil just looks ugly to me

[@ensampojken]

I was really expecting that to be a bad-thing, but apparently not.

[@f22shift]

Marc Rosenberg oh you are right. Why didn’t I notice this before

[@Stahlwerk88]

It looks like a weird oversight, I can’t imagine it being comfortable being mashed against your knuckle during use.

[@miked6367]

Marc Rosenberg its not uncomfortable at all, actually the polished tang there feels nice actually pressed up against your finger.

[@dankbuds6171]

To add to my long blah blah..Andrew commented saying the blade snapped before the lock can fail and he later heat treated the blade steel for more strength so the final version might even be stronger. The washer thing I do wish to have some phosphor bronze washers but really not a big deal for me,maybe Andrew felt that the Teflons have a smoother feel idk lol but as you can already tell I absolutely love the ad15! love your vids Nick keep em coming!

[@monkeyfaceII]

Something pretty unique! I really enjoyed this review

[@robertdouglas4293]

Thanks Nick, your channel just hit awesome in respect to a lefty!

[@devjock]

All the good Coldsteel's are probably from Andrew. And in XHP as well. Woah. That kind of makes up for the steep pricepoint.. Although, I've had 3 double whiskeys so I shouldn't be making purchasing decisions right now..

[@dankbuds6171]

These were andrew's exact words i copied and pasted here from blade forum. hi guys, The AD-15 is proving to be a great knife, in some tests the blades break before the handle or lock. However this all depends on the frame, for example the all ti frame holds more weight than the g10/liner model. The thickness of the ti liner also makes a difference in total strength. I tested a knife with .053" ti liner and it held about 275-300 pounds (weight 4" from pivot). The failure was the lower g10/ti it spread (under compression) and eventually buckled. Also the ALLTI went to about 400 pounds 4" from pivot and the blade broke,like a triad does. I have now modified the heat treatment to the same as I do on triads, so I do expect even higher numbers in my next round of testing.

[@telemarktumalo6978]

The must be the most amusing Shabazz video I have seen.

[@Outpost_76]

I've been able to handle one and what an awesome knife. Worth it for sure.

[@keithandrews7696]

Hey Nick, thanks for this review. Just got a 4-Max and sent it to ApostleP to sharpen.

[@Stahlwerk88]

Keith Andrews ugh is that guy still around?

[@patrickpatterson2360]

Nicely done Demko. I'd like one of those.

[@DarkFox717]

I'd love to see a smaller, production version of this knife!

[@ryanfinco6849]

I've asked the Demko family - I sincerely believe that a smaller version may make this a perfect EDC. His brother laughed and said every time they've tried....the drawings just seem to get bigger as they talk.

[@carlb2727]

So are you carrying the large Espada now?

[@007Entropy]

I want one but I could never justify the price. If any of the major manufacturers picked up the design they could offer the same materials at half the price.

[@johobo2038]

Aaron Miller I’ve heard cold steel might do just that.

[@miked6367]

Aaron Miller and half the build quality and precision. Nobody builds knives like demko.

[@Throatwobbler_Mangrove]

Cold Steel just posted today a list of 2019 products. The AD15 in S35VN is among them. MSRP $270, will likely retail somewhere between $150 and $180 if I had to guess.

[@paulx7620]

That is an odd choice for you Nick, thanks for the review.

[@brucemcintyre2383]

Is that some rustitivity in the jimping and lock-notch?

[@johnj.baranski6553]

No

[@MetalEffort]

I just review the SBD Micro Typhoon. It's like the exact opposite of this knife. A high end custom designer who made a very small inexpensive knife with Reate knives. Where this is a cheap knives designer who went custom. It's great that they are both Gems and totally different.

[@ocomegashadowstacking5886]

Awesome knifes review!!😎👍

[@EDC_Bond]

I hate it when I find myself covered in fire & spirit and can’t get a good grip on my knife.

[@arctickilla5424]

Demco makes some of the best lookin knives!!!!

[@zackslaststand]

Somebody's been watching the last avatar :P

[@MrWoodyBalto]

I see this knife as unique and interesting. But certainly not something I would pay top dollar for.

[@miked6367]

Woody Balto demko knives are built better than anything you’ll find out there. Until you hold one and use it you’ll never understand.

[@seanb6986]

Last time I was this early, there wasn’t a time I was this early.

[@JohnFrumFromAmerica]

A full titanium version of this would be nice.

[@johnj.baranski6553]

Get one. I have 2. Great

[@moparhemi1777]

Last time I was this early... Are we still doing this?

[@tamashorvath7954]

Last time you were this early, we were still doing this...

[@The4cp]

Spirit element knife? That would be interesting and compelling.

[@mountainmanwatchreviews8081]

I wish they’d make a 4 max style with the regular triad lock but more that size cause the 4 max is too crazy to carry.

[@mattfinish2196]

How would you compare this to the Buck marksman?

[@MrWoodyBalto]

I think he only made reference to the Marksman because it too has a unique lock system

[@miked6367]

Matt Finish its built about a hundred times better than a buck marksman.

[@mattfinish2196]

Thanks!

[@jandlp14]

Let Spyderco build it, shrink it a half inch and price it below $300. They would sell a bunch of them.

[@johobo2038]

jandlp14 it’s a demko. If anyone builds it it will be cold steel.

[@IndianaJoe0321]

The AD-10 is $239.00 at BladeHQ

[@davidtishar144]

@@IndianaJoe0321 get it for half that now on Amazon

[@krikun98]

Try the Cold Steel Recon 1. Its ergonomics are insanely great, and it's light...er.

[@maxw2207]

loved this one esp.

[@f22shift]

You may be in love with the fidget factor of the lock.

[@zoltanvonsomogyi7272]

On the ugly side, if you dropped it in the closed position, it could cause serious damage to the smoothness if the protruding radius of the blade hit the ground. Ouch!!

[@ryanfinco6849]

This is the ONLY good reason I've heard as a negative for the scorpion lock with the exposed radius. It is very smooth, but yes a nick in that and the knife becomes far less smooth - you would "feel" the nick when you opened it. The stop pin rides 100% on the radius through the whole pivot of the blade. FYI - one of the things I love about this knife is how Andrew D. figured out that a "oblong" shape to the end of the radius would act just like a detent. the blade "springs" back into position if you don't get it past the oblong part, and just like a detent - the blade gets sucked into the scales when closing the knife. A known feeling without the mechanical component behind it.

[@jaystrongbow9435]

Hey Nick. Lotsa knives use some form Nylatron, thats a nylon with a solid lube mixed in. Prolly what you have there, no lube needed. Tons of info on the internet, very durable, maintenance free. Prolly not quite a smooth as phosphorus bronze, but plenty durable. Its not a cheap down, no worries.

[@jaystrongbow9435]

@FlamQ Dbltap I am not sure what's Hindered uses, but if you call them he can tell you. I am a retired technician and many times one of the high tech Teflon are the correct choice. Some Teflon is more expensive than phosphorous bronze. Some slick actions use Teflon. Very little maintenance

[@marrenmiller]

This isn't nylatron. Nylatron looks totally different and is more stuff than these things. These appear to be regular, run of the mill Teflon.

[@jaystrongbow9435]

There is good and bad phosphorus bronze as well. The one that works best is called "oilite". Its micro porus, prelubed also maintenance free. When they finally go dry, you lube them with turbine oil, as its the oil thin enough to rempregnate the bearing. The correct thing to do is simply replace them. Most of the phosphorous bronze knife washers are are not porus so you lube them when the action gets sluggish. So pick your poison, no free lunch as they say.

[@korling99]

I want a sage with that locking mechanism

[@mountman5386]

I can see the attraction of larger knives (Endura beats Delica every time) and weird/cool locks (still loving that Buck Marksman) but I'm picking this one will join the Planet Ocean as being just too damn heavy for real life. A brick in the pocket is as bad as a brick on your wrist. But have fun with it for a while.

[@mountman5386]

FlamQ Dbltap yeah my pants would head south too. The Marksman is far from perfect but mine flips really well, the lock is cool and real different, the free fall close is neat (I have no axis lock knives) and it cuts well. In titanium with a nice ano finish not black and with some smoother edges it would be even better😎. What don’t you like about yourself?

[@johobo2038]

Annnnd mike free drops even even with the scorpion lock against the tang of the blade. With it lifted up the blade is like a pendulum.

[@carlstanland5333]

Using my left hand. There’s a stranger in the house!

[@TheKillerKlok]

Someone who claims to hunt Gem's has yet to find the American Lawman or holdout 3... yet has reviewed the espada XL and 4 max... That just seems wrong to me.

[@darichard11]

I have one. Actually, the wife took it so I kind-of have one. This is an odd knife I should not like as much as I do. I generally carry a Native 5 or Chaparral. I'm fine carrying this thing. No idea how or why that is. Carries well and feels great in the hand. Many qualities of this knife should be repellent to me and aren't. And yes, it's expensive and may be overpriced.

[@christamu2]

I see a 4 Max in Nick's future.

[@KnifeCultureUSA]

I made a video called I have a problem, witch explained how my knife addiction has grown and how it got to where it is now. I just wanted to put out a challenge to you, how did it start for you , and what have you bought that you never thought you would?

[@anthonyp7051]

Nick I think you found your match! This knife has you saying words and sentences that sounds like their the 1st time they left your mouth! Spiritual Connection

[@mattfinish2196]

I like the mystery.

[@tm1182]

Teflon is slick and tough, will never oxidize, malleable meaning if you take it apart and bend a washer who cares it bends back perfectly flat. Also if it's 675 dollars, there's no point in trying to save 15 cents by going Teflon

[@marrenmiller]

Teflon lets you get away with less tight tolerances in the pivot, which is one reason why so many cheaper knives use it.

[@johobo2038]

I haven’t been able to get mine out of my pocket since I got it honestly. I was bored with the flipper framelock of every knife I came across. It’s a breath of crash air for sure.

[@CottonBoxer]

they did that shit because they think many americans and owners are ignorant. not buying it is the best way too send the message and tell them why. even if those issues were done it's not worth the price imho.

[@williamdennis1256]

I wonder if this knife’s daddy is also responsible for that over the top course texturing found on Cold Steel’s medium Espada handles? I’m partial to that $66.00 knife, it really lands hard into my whimsy zone, however, I’ll wager the unpleasantness of shoving a shark into your pocket is somewhat akin to all the wrangling necessary to get that Espada clipped in. As for Demco’s Tri Ad lock contribution to Cold Steel, the $66 verson doesnt work too well apparently.....however i suspect it is more a matter of casting pearls before swine. I sent my one and only one forever Cold Steel out to get civilized to the tune of a couple hundred dollars extra. Not my best knive investment, however, this AD-15 looks and sounds absolutely cool to me....not so much the $675 though.

[@markhill4419]

give it too them NICK ,honest NICK SLAPPING THEM FOR CUTTING CORNERS

[@sputumtube]

I wonder if Andrew Demko has done one of his famous lock strength destruction tests between this and, say, the Recon 1....? And whichever of the two failed first..how would he justify it..? Wouldn't THAT be nice to watch..? .... Lol ... ;)

[@johnj.baranski6553]

Do one

[@ryanfinco6849]

He has. this lock is much stronger. the Triad Lock however is the strongest lock in the world -- go look at his tests on the AD10 (not coldsteel - AD10).

[@sputumtube]

@@ryanfinco6849 Thanks Ryan - I'll do that. Thanks for the suggestion.. :)

[@sputumtube]

@@johnj.baranski6553 Do one what..?

[@johnj.baranski6553]

paul greenwood a failure test

[@steveman751]

The last airbender reference?

[@Howardsheppard]

Very nice knife but more than double what I’d be willing to pay. 😒

[@johobo2038]

Howard Sheppard people have said cold steel might incorporate this lock into production knives going forward.

[@oceanwaves83]

Production model by cold steel coming out soon. Check the price 😏

[@lobotomite9767]

If it has titanium it’s too nice to have Plastic washers!

[@tamashorvath7954]

@@johndesper9425 $30*

[@johndesper9425]

@@tamashorvath7954 $10*, I waa really too generous originally. $50 or less is much more sensical.

[@johobo2038]

I actually Wouldn’t want the secondary lock. I wouldn’t have got mine if it had it. It’s an unnecessary additional lock. The scorpion lock is strong enough for my purposes.

[@Bushcraftandknives]

It's unusual to see at knife with two pivots. A very interesting knife, but not at that price. It's strange to see teflon washers on a knife this expensive.

[@jeremyfreed6202]

$675 is not a lot of money.... don’t you have a CNC grimsmo for $950 table.

[@beck4218]

Andrew stopped putting in the lock because people didn't want it. At least that is what I've been told.

[@IndianaJoe0321]

The AD-10 has the Tri-ad Lock.

[@beck4218]

IndianaJoe0321 the secondary lock.

[@EldenLord84]

Carbon fiber instead of G10, phosphor bronze instead of plastic, 20CV / M390 instead of XHP / S35VN and I’d be sold at $675.

[@IndianaJoe0321]

The Demko AD-10 with S35VN and G10 ... for less than $239.00 at BladeHQ.

[@johnj.baranski6553]

That exact knife is now available. Check with KnifeJoy.

[@braidyfisher]

Welp, next thing you know you're gonna be carrying an Emerson custom.

[@illiniguy399]

Lock reminds me of the Buck Marksman.

[@johnj.baranski6553]

Probably the greatest knife ever made for the money.

[@ryanfinco6849]

I've got an all TI custom AD15 with the secondary lock, that I really like - but I've talked to the Demkos and compared the "machine ground" to the customs -- they really aren't distinguisable. the custom AD15 have the secondary lock FYI. the customs are 800. I don't agree on the secondary lock arguement. Teflon washers are fine on hard use knives, in fact they're recommended. The "machine ground" are made by a few people - they're very close to custom - it's basically Andrew and his brother. 675 for a custom knife isn't much when you think about what people get paid to work. Demko made the AD15 because the AD10 is much harder to make. you love the knife because it may be the perfect EDC (if it was a tad smaller).

[@BParker55]

Man the coldsteel version of this might be better lol which is always sad to see. The biggest thing that pisses me off is not including an option like the second lock BUT STILL LEAVING IN THE MACHINING FOR IT?? that is an unforgivable sin. You know how easy it is to omit a couple tool paths in your machine to make it without this? 100% freaking EASY. We do things like that commercially on $5 aluminum parts all the time!!! Yea no. Just no. No

[@oromoto]

Teflon washers does not corrode.

[@steveman751]

David Lawman neither do oiled washers/bearings

[@oromoto]

True, but you can't always keep them oiled. If you used the knife and need to wash it because of blood, dirt, chemicals, salt, paint, acid, etc. It's easier with teflon washers.

[@The4cp]

I believe my ears have failed! I thought for sure you would hate the crap out of it! It looks like a Cold Steel with a weird lock up. I was waiting for the I hate it!

[@jayweast1306]

Some people prefer teflon washers especially on hard use knives, hence why you frequently see them on Hinderers. There are claims on the forums that, among other things, they run better without lube and don't wear out the metal they run against as easily. You can take those claims for what they are worth.

[@JohnFrumFromAmerica]

I can't see bronze washers ever wearing a tool steel blade even with a life time of use

[@steveman751]

JohnFrumFromAmerica it's simply a much softer metal, so it will not wear hardened steel down at all. Hence why we switched from using bronze for weapons to steel

[@jayweast1306]

The washers could also run against aluminum, titanium, or non metals such as g10, FRN, and carbon fiber. In the AD-15, the washers run against the blade and the liners which are advertised as titanium. Could PB washers wear out titanium or other materials? I really don't have the expertise to say but titanium tends to have a much lower HRC than steel.

[@JohnFrumFromAmerica]

@@steveman751 I know that's why I said I can't see bronze wearing a tool steel. :)

[@3rdaxis649]

Is this Woody Allen?!?

[@tamashorvath7954]

How the heck is the price not ugly? 675??? I haven't had it in my hands yet, but from what I'm seeing, the value is NOT there (imo)

[@johobo2038]

Tamás Horváth the strange part is everyone who has one in hand that I’ve spoken with has loved them.

[@tamashorvath7954]

@@johobo2038 Well I'm looking forward to the day (one of my friends have one as far as I know) But 675 is still a crazy price for such a plain knife like that.

[@johobo2038]

Tamás Horváth there is so much to it though. I know it’s expensive. Not anymore than the hoback kwaiback it almost any shiro. I fully understand that most people will never buy knives that expensive. Once you’re in that realm it’s one of the best I’ve had honestly.

[@kerryrwac]

Kevin gets associated with Rambo , nice lol . Kevin did have an AD15 but had to sell it .

[@OLMmedic]

I didnt see that coming. Whats next , you edc a strider😂

[@ryanfinco6849]

the workmanship on this is so beyond strider - they're not even compareable. honestly, the workmanship on this is much closer to CRK.

[@touchMelilbro]

0:45 tries to flip delica

[@ctaber2011]

What do you mean about the price, these are $159.99.....lol

[@ctaber2011]

www.bladehq.com/item--Cold-Steel-Demko-AD-15-Scorpion--93381

[@johnj.baranski6553]

Those are the Cold Steel interpretation of this Demko design. Not the same knife at all.

[@joshstarkey8883]

This is to a lockback what a framelock is to a liner lock

[@neokuji]

G-10 at $300+ should not be a thing. Above that there’s better scale/inlay/overlay materials that should be being offered.

[@reds7vn644]

This really isn't anything new all they did was copy the AG Russell One Hand Knife™ which was originally debuted in 1987 .

[@SREvans2626]

Not a fan of the design. But good on ya to the design... I guess...

[@robertdouglas4293]

Any knife in your pocket is, the right knife.