Demko AD-20S / Slim Folding Knife - Overview and Review
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- Опубліковано 24 сер 2024
- Full review of the AD-20S.
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Demko knives are badass! Never completely understood demko until I got the slim and full-size in hand. I used to get caught up with materials until I held them and felt the quality. As someone who has owned hundreds on knives, nothing beats them once I gave the big boys a shot
Ditto....what he said!!
I was fortunate to be able to get a jade 20.5 a few weeks ago at regular price. After working it many many times and then cleaning and oiling it several times, it has become a really nice knife. For me, the size is more useful than the larger ones, and the quality of the steel is all I will ever need. The texture of the FRN handles has caused some to complain, but is not a problem for me either. This action takes a little bit of time to learn just exactly how to use it, but once you figure it out, a liner or frame lock seems to be a pain in the ass to use. It is a good size and weight for every day carry, and is tough if you need it to be. It told me all I needed to know about Demko design, Taiwan build, and aus10a steel, because now I`m breaking in a Cold Steel ad15 lite which came yesterday. The little 20.5 is going to be my EDC buddy for a long time.
What do you think about the ad15 lite for EDC? in terms of size and weight?
@@rodrigolaporte274 Hi Rodrigo. I`m 5`7", and 175 lbs, and for maybe 30 years my edc was a Benchmade AFCK full size, so a full sized knife in my pocket isn`t a problem. The 15 Lite would be fine if I was still working (lineman) but have been retired for 20 years, so the 20.5 is the better fit for me now. When I go hunting or fishing, the 15 will probably get the nod. I didn`t notice the 15 taking up any extraordinary space in the pocket of my jeans or bibs, my hand still went in and out just fine, like for change or keys.
MC thanks for clearing up some of the concerns I had with the demko knife line in this video it was quite informative on everything I needed to know about everything thanks and I’ll see you in the next video!!!!!
Andrew says you can swap the bearings out for pb or teflon washers that are 0.015" thick. On the AD-20S, it works even better because you can flip the steel liners to have the flat side contacting the washers (regular AD20 also does this) and the AD-20S blade isn't pocketed (uses smaller bearings) so the other side of the washers are also contacting the flat surface of the blade.
I just scored an AD20s! Never really "got" Demko Knives until i picked up a 20.5 on sale a month ago.
Magnacut? I've got one coming and I can't wait. I think Knifejoy still has the camo versions up on the site.
Great one MC. The width of scenarios and depth of analysis….the imagining of different perspectives and situations…is just so refreshing to hear and learn from.
If we ever get a version of the 20.5 (that is, compact and slim) with the normal AD-20 materials, in the price same price range as the standard AD-20, that would be pretty much perfect.
It’s coming. Next batch is the slim with CTS-204p blades, Grivory, G10 and Ti slims are gonna be awesome. Be on the lookout for those Prices will be the same as the reg AD20.
I have the Demko Knives AD20 MG in CPM 3V and an AD20.5 and absolutely love them.
MC out here doing us the service of letting us know we can consolidate our indignation into a single comment. A real knife community hero 🤣
To me, these are fully *tool steel* knives. With a knife of this beefitude and apparent sturdiness, the package isn’t complete without a steel that exhibits strong edge stability and superior sharpening characteristics. Even the slim models are thick and having them goofy sharp at all times helps to offset the bte thickness, etc. I can understand why someone would want 20CV and even AUS10A (if they’re not looking to spend big). But for my tastes, it’s 3V, M4 and D2 all day. It’d be sweet to see these in something known for extreme “sharpenability” like cruwear or maggy if you’re looking to go stainless…but doing runs with extremely expensive steels isn’t exactly the easiest thing for a smaller knife company. I fully support Demko all day long though…I had some unusual difficulty getting a thumb stud off for sharpening one time, minority stripped it, emailed them about procuring a new one and they just offered to send me one. I didn’t take them up on it simply because the offer was so “above and beyond the call of duty”, I decided the correct response was to suck it up and not be a baby. Great company with great ethical practices and sweet designs.
Has the James Brand thing going on...
I went outside and yelled at the sky. I feel much better now. Thank you MC
I've been trying to get an ad20 full size since before they were released. I eventually settled for the AD20.5, which I think that's why most of us bought it because of the price and no AD20s around. It's just so frustrating. I have email notifications, chat group, the whole 9, and I just can't get an ad20. If I break down and buy titanium scales for my 20.5 that will be the end of the road for me. Seems like he's pleasing those that already have Ad20's verse getting them into the hands of those that don't have them. I've never wanted a knife so much, it's so perfect I really hope I find a ad20 soon on a actual knife sight ( not second hand) but retailers snag them so fast under 50 emails tricking the website when your supposed to buy 1 or 2 and so on. Sorry guys for the long comment, but Krikey mate .
Check out Knifecenter. They are now available.
@CV dude you just helped me so much! Wow. Thanks. I see they are the ad20s and I really want the the ad20 but man still thank you so much I'll definitely get this one!
I am always thankful that I don't put too much thought into knife steels. I'm able to enjoy my knives much more! *I do want to try magnacut though. I love my little AD20.5 and have been carrying it more than my Hinderer and Senenza. Thanks for a thoughtful comparison of these different but same models
Great vid describing all of the differences! Now that I know the 20.5 is still smaller than the slim I'll stick with the 20.5. It fits my hand size perfectly and is enough blade for my edc needs and then some.
I changed my 20.5 scales to micarta and had the spring under control. But boy when I put it together it went flying through the room.
Lol... I Did the same exact thing when I put on the micarta scales... Luckily my cat found the spring for me...
I just scored a Knife Center Exclusive, from Knife Center Demko AD-20.5 DLC DLC coated clip point for $175 and also purchased from them Flytanium Purple G10 scales for it! Saturday can't get here soon enough!
I hope to get one of these in hand some day, to understand why the materials are getting such a pass in comparison to any other manufacturer. Obviously it's making a great impression on a lot of people. I know Demko has their costs, but I really feel like they are the only ones being given anywhere near this much leeway by the community.
Well said
Emerson gets a lot of leeway. I think Demko is a small batch manufacturer similar to Hinderer. Andrew and John do all of the tuning on the AD20s. So, you’re also paying for the man himself to basically assemble and tune the knife. So, it’s scarcity, proven but not exotic steel, small batches, a proprietary locking mechanism, titanium liners, and then there’s absolutely a name up charge. I think if these were more readily available, they’d be catching much more flak.
The full size flag ship ad20 uses 20cv, 3v, cruware, magnacut, etc. tons of great quality ingredients. The lower model ones use cheaper materials and are cheaper but still made incredible. The reason people like them so much is that d2 ad20 slim feels like it will chop that m390 titanium knife clean in half. Plus it is such a unique knife that feels like it made to work for days. The d2 has a monster heat treat and holds an edge like a freak. I was shocked how well it performs. The slim is made for someone who literally uses and beats the tar out of their knife. The guy who pulls the knife out to dousche it and lube it weekly and look at it will not appreciate this blade. I have many of those too. This is not that. This is a knife you use to chop down trees
Love the clickity click sound they make everytime you open and close them.
Latest updates from Demko, seems like they're working on upgrade g10 scales for the 20.5.
Also there's an incoming run of AD20slims with 204P steel same price as the standard AD20.
I just hope that they come up with either a 20.5 or slim in S35VN and grab some titanium aftermarket scales
I’ve got the 20.5 and the Slim. The Slim gets all the pocket time, and I have no problems with the D2. Though, I think they could have used 14c28n and gotten more bang for the buck.
Just got my first Demko. Ad20.5 20cv ultem (slicy). I always wondered what the buzz was about and now i know.. super fidgety and I can't put it down.
It would be nice to see a "Compact Slim MG" aka an American AD20.5 for $300.
Man I really hope demko makes a 20.5 from their own shop. I prefer the size of it but would love it a lot more from demko. Also the production pivot looks so much nicer lol. I do love my 20.5 though don't get me wrong. That being said though I'd also love to see demko come out with another knife with the shark lock and I'd prefer that over a US 20.5.
I have the 20.5 on my BHQ wishlist, but can't bring myself to pull the trigger for $150 for AUS-10A.
Buy the one from Knifecenter in K110. Or just wait for something better that costs more. 👍
basically a 50$ knife with a 100$ lock
^here's one. They force their way in one way or another^ 😆
Have the same issue Ian , had it in my cart and just couldn't pull the trigger . Feel like it's actually going to cost me $225-250 considering that gonna definitely want to swap out the scales . Think waiting for the ad20 is the move
For me its not the steel its the grivory
Yes, the 20.5 comes with the right clip on, and the left one in the case.
350 bucks?! You could buy an exquisite 1/16 waifu statue with that kind of cash! Priorities man!
😆
About time someone says something about using washers on knives made and advertised to be used heavily. So sick of everything having bearings. A well made knife with phosphor bronze washers can be amazingly smooth,it just takes a little patience to break it in. You might have to just wait a little while to be able to cut anything since an edge cant be sharp unless the blade DROPS SHUT. 😂
just picked up a knifecenter exclusive 20.5 and fell in love with it but now i need the big boys so there goes all my money
Now knife center is offering the 20.5 in 3V steel as of beginning of June. about $190. I ordered one. The 3v finally pushed me plus I had been wanting a shark lock
Hi MC thanks for great perspective as always.
I always smile when your frustration comes out trying to explain pricing to people who have no clue how the world works. Just tell them they cannot afford and shut up! I have a small custom business and people do the same to me. Drives me NUTS!
I think if you don’t like the price, and you can afford to compromise on lock strength, you will be much more satisfied with a button lock knife. Check out the Civivi Altus. You’ll get similar functionality and slightly better steel for like $70
I really want one in cru wear with a spydie hole mod/ thumb stud removal. Like the mod on your contest. With the sharksfoot blade though.. not the crazy Bowie blade regrind. Just a folding chopper of a pocket knife.
Love the 20.5 the edge does need to be touched up much more often (monthly) than I expected, but it does sharpen easily.
Yep waited on the Rubicon
Just took a slim in CTS 204P (i have a full titanium and a grivory in normal thickness) and cant wait to come in my hands. As you said for D2 was a lot of money so i waited for a better steel and demkos did it offcourse.
I'd like to see a 20.5 in G10 and D2 for under $200. D2 isn't my favorite but I'd that's what we get I would certainly accept it as a functional steel
I believe Flytanium is making scales for the 20.5
I got a bhq exclusive sharksfoot a few weeks back in aus10a and just got my kc exclusive in k110 in the mail 2 days ago, love them both but I noticed the d2 version seems to stick a bit, but hopefully it will break in as well as my other one did… love ya complex, keep up the good work
I'm a Big A.Demko fan , but he can Cheek them at those prices , I'll wait for the Cold Steel versions ....🤞🙏
I really liked the line “ demko is not a charity,” but conversely, neither is the consumer. So hopefully there’s a market for $350 American made D2 knives. As someone who has worked in American manufacturing for close to 2 decades, specifically in machining, I also hope they think it’s prudent to invest in themselves and develop more competitive processes to manufacture their knives. Because they make some really cool stuff.
There's definitely a market for their current scale of production. They sell out insanely fast no matter what their made of. But ya, I'm sure they will shoot for larger scale production to meet demand. I don't know if we'll ever see the prices go down though. Demko would have to go from a 3-4 man operation to a company the size of Spyderco for that to happen. That's assuming demand stays high and he's reaching for customers who exist outside of the extreme enthusiast community.
@@metal_complex yeah I hear you. I also didn’t realize they’re just a 4 man operation. That’s really impressive. I don’t think they necessarily need they’re prices to go down, but hopefully they can put in some nicer materials for the same price. Because like you say, the material cost is a small portion of the price, and if that’s true to justifying the high price of craftmanship it should be inversely true in justifying the higher quality materials to accompany said craftsmanship without changing the overall cost much.
I know ad20 is all the rage rn... but what about an ad15 micro?????
Watch out for the We Shark Lock knock-off later this year. They were really proud of it at SHOT Show.
Ugh. Yikes
It’s not that they can’t give us better materials, they just won’t for now. And Putting out lesser material to string us along and keep loyal fans purchasing multiples in the form of “upgrades” is exactly the kind of marketing strategy that is effective but I don’t like it. That being said, I own several variants waiting for a better steel….
What are everyone’s thoughts on the BHQ AD20S in M4 with textured titanium scales coming out for $650?!?!
Hopefully they do a less contoured handle at some point.
I totally agree with what you are saying on this one.
An American made titanium 20.5 would command a huge price and I would be in line to get one myself. Thanks MC!
I have an AUS10A Demco 20.5 and I'm a bit pissed. The grind was wavy (fixed that the best I could, but couldn't all the way and of course can't return it now) and the AUS10A is soft. I use my knives at work and have experience with many kinds of blade steels and this blade is soft and dulls quickly. For menit was supported to be a work knife and my 440C TuffLite lasts just a bit longer than my Demco. I would love to swap mine with someone with a k110 blade. Someone that doesn't work with their knife like I do and just uses it for edc.(don't really want to because I think my heat treat was a bit soft on this specific blade)
OMG! I am so ANGRY! This knife shouldn't.. nah, I just ran out of creamer. 😁thanks MC.
The slim is at least partially produced in Taiwan.
When do we get to see the review of the Cold Steel Colossus you unboxed a while back?
AD20.5 could be made in the U.S. for a good price. All the other company's can. I am sure coldsteel could help out
I vote for Three!
I purchased a lefty clip and spare screw set. $12 to my door
Stop yelling at me, Bo.
MC, any information on the Demkos focusing more on producing more full thickness AD20s in the future. Right now, there are a lot of folks who are willing to pay that $425 and $625 to get those knives. I have been looking since they were released and am on every email list possible and never get contacted or have ever seen them listed for sale anywhere. What is the deal? How are some people getting them anyway? Frustrating.
There's an official Demko group on facebook where production/company updates, drop announcements(faster than email listings because of the hivemind), and a BST/ISO are posted. Slims and 20.5's are the ones mostly in circulation and sometimes you can grab a full size 20 if you're lucky, as well as other Demko produced models like AD10 and AD15.
Also the Demko's are currently preparing to move into a new facility so production capacity will increase in the future, as well as problems with the current supply chain slowing things down considerably.
From the most recent livestream they have a run of CPM 204P slims slotted and not slotted coming in the next few weeks to dealers. Can't remember exactly if they're gonna focus more runs on the full sized versions in the near future so check the livestream for that.
I've wanted full ad20 but can't seem to get one. I noticed ebay has slim clip point for 450$ I really want it but it seems like alot
Do the scales from the AD20 fit the AD20S?
No
@@metal_complex Yes they fit perfectly...ad20 and ad20s have the same scales when we talk about g10 or grivory... just the TI scales are different but they fit as well...ti scales on ad20s are thicker than ti scales on ad20... you just need to keep together the hardware and the blade...and you can swap any scales between them...
@@cristian4219 oh wait really? Wow I'm glad I said something. I legitimately didn't know this
@@metal_complex i talk from experience... I swap the Ti scales between ad20 ti and ad20s ti... and I swap the scales between ad20 g10 and ad20s cf..... Measuring the scales they have exact the same dimensions... just the thickness of the hardware and blades are different... like I said ti scales on ad20s are thicker than the ones on ad20...by the way...I have mounted washers on all my ad20's instead of bearings... same washers that demko used on ad15...0.10pb+0.5tf...250id...650od...they work perfectly...smooth and stable ... game changer in my opinion...keep up the good work man...your doing an awesome job...🍻🤜🤛
They’re working on a batch of drop point slotted slims in 204p right now
I saw that last night and moved this vid up to today for that exact reason
And we won't see them.
@@metal_complex that's good news . Fingers crossed
Wait I think Andrew works out of his garage which I think he says in an video. Unless he's not anymore.
I agree with everything MC said. I agree that these are expensive knives especially relative to the blade steel (20.5 and 20S). All that said, I own two AD20S (a clip point and a sharkfoot). These knives are a delight to manipulate, feel amazing in hand, and pocket well. I decided that I would buy fewer knives this year in exchange for the higher price of these. Call me an idiot for paying this much for a knife, but I am a happy idiot!! My $.02!!
If you’re an idiot then so are many of us. I have all three models in both blade styles. I did have BGM do a hollow regrind on the clip point and it’s great. If you’re get a chance, check him out. I love all of these.
I bought a 20.5 thinking it was gonna be s35vn, sadly disappointed, especially for the price
We can act like we are mad, but everything Demko puts out flies off the shelves. He could probably get 100 for aluminum blades. I also think that Demko is concerned with brand equity. As a business person I am sure that he would prefer an element of prestige around His products. Think Apple or Rolex. Going full "budget" doesn't really make companies more money. Just means they gotta work harder for the same money.
I think it’s a good design, but manufacturing may not be their strength. Smaller volume manufacturing is a tough road to get to economies of scale. If they switched the Taiwan (likely made by Cold Steel) 20.5 to CPM154 the $150 might be more interesting to me.
I got a 20.5 a few days ago and I'm sending it back for a refund. All the hype turned out to be disappointment. It's an okay knife, but the thin, brittle, extremely plasticky scales, the temperamental shark lock that caused me to slice some skin off the tip of my ring finger, and the overall feel of the knife were a huge letdown. Plus, it's too small for my decidedly average hand. It's not a bad knife, it's just not worth the praise you guys are lavishing it with. Get a PM 2 or3 instead, it's superior in every way that matters.
Why do you and everybody else complain about plastic scales? If you want a more premium knife then go buy a more premium knife quit getting mad at tools for being what they are, which are tools. The scales are not the problem, the problem with this knife is the bulshit steel, and iffy quality control for the price. Not only is the budget version garbage steel wise for the price but the grinds and beveles are bad from what I've heard and the 3v on the full size is stupid. 3V is a bushcrafting tool steel I do not want it on an EDC knife. It's not that 3v couldn't make a good pocket knife steel it just doesn't catch my eye, it's not something that I was asking for. The overall design is absolutely amazing but I will not be buying this knife until the second run comes out when he has more time to give this knife the materials and attention it deserves. From what I understand these were rushed and he had to make do with what he could find hence all the weird steel choices. And honestly everybody should be happy that he need a plastic version. It shows that he wanted everybody to have this knife. He didn't want it to be exclusive to one class of buyers.
I bought aftermarket aluminum scales for mine and I love it
I bought the 20.5 and I’m not really a fan of the blade. It’s not very slicey.
I was looking to buy one . . . Was . . .
Ya I can't stomach that for D2. Too bad bc it's a great looking knife
Does anyone happen to have MC discord link? I’d like to join
Thanks for the video! At 13:59, it looks like the AD-20 MG and the AD-20s have the same thickness scales. Based on that, would AD-20 titanium scales fit on an AD-20s? Not that I have a lot of hope of being able to find AD-20 titanium scales to buy, but I can dream.
Demko is starting to get like Spyderco..same models over and over with just bigger or lighter versions and different blade steel.
🤦♂️🤷♂️
I love this design but it use too much 'pillar' or screws. I don't have any table to work on everytime I clean my knife.
Heck yeah
Hot take, AUS-10 is a b+ch'n @$$ budget steel w/proper heat treat, bump the haters that don't understand the plight of a nationally sought-after small business
You think you're real fancy with your your Full Ti AD-20, AD20 MG G10 & AD-20S don't ya ya SOB. Lols j/k♥️ 🧂TF outta them
Give me one of these in Magnacut and with a smaller deep carry clip and they've got my money if they could keep it under $300. I don't mind grivory and I can't imagine the upgrade in steel could add that much to the cost while still paying for the American labor. I'd also be fine with a Taiwan version as some of the highest quality knives in the world are made there. I'm sure the market will get there eventually, and will still be "overpiced" because they will sell regardless, but I'll be waiting it out until they switch away from D2.
very passionate, yet annoyed reveiw.
as much as i like the shark-lock, my ad20.5 was a total disappointment.
it developed vertical blade play after only 2 days of light use, returned it only to discover that the 2nd one had even worse play fresh ootb.
either the taiwan factory just sucks or the lock is faulty by design, definitely won't buy any knife with this lock again, doesn't matter if taiwan or usa made.
hey
Nothing here justifies this price, nothing you have said. Good sales job though. This kind of talk is going to move our costs for all knives further north of where they are today. Something is going wrong here and it needs to stop.
I'm holding out for the 440a version with corelon handles for 800 🤣 people get stirred up over this knife .
Do I think that Metal Complex takes his comments way too seriously? Yes, yes I do. Do I think his responses make him seem a little douchey? Why yes, yes I do.
Does MC enjoy throwing salt back anyway? Why yes, yes he does. Will it stop? No. No it won't.
I will never stop.
@@metal_complex 😁😁😜
Bronze washers, please, bronze washers. Stahp the bearings everywhere
You can put washers in them, and people do.
@@qdp03 really? Where do you find the exact dimensions tho? That would have to be some huge washers right?
Sorry, I don’t buy it. The cost of manufacturing does not justify that price when it contains budget materials. I just cant choke that down. Nice options but I can wait even if it takes years for the price to match the quality of materials.
k 🤷♂️
I wonder what everyone here does for a living to be able to buy thousands of dollars of knives. Doesn’t a person really just need one good knife and a backup?
you would think right? especially since a bag of food costs 100 bucks now days
It's not "everyone". It's a small percentage of my 600,000 subs. I also cover knives that cost next to nothing. You kind of have to go out of your way to lump everyone together. Everyone has a different budget, and not all knives are made for everyone. The more expensive, the more niche. That's how it is in literally every market. C'mon guys. Brains on 👏
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