Will The Shark Lock Win? Demko AD20.5 vs Everyone Else!

I’ve held off on one of these for a long time. I loved the idea, but the price for the steel offerings was too much. As of writing this, BHQ has their exclusive Ultem scale models in 20cv for $139. That’s a price point I can get behind. Snagged one and placed an order for original GOAT scales for less $$$ than the Ultem one usually goes for.

Did you send cold steel the video of how you cratered the atlas or just the photos after the fact? Just curious is all bud 😊

I just wish I could get my hands on the bigger version I bet the Lox way smoother and if anything I would like to have had the larger pivot 20.5 but when you start hitting that 200 to $300 mark it's hard to justify the price

Good luck getting a larger version that's my dream knife maybe where you have a knife Channel that might open up doors easier to buy one and not overpay on the secondary Market otherwise have to pay almost the same price for a Better Built 20.5

I have one. It was very expensive. Too small for my large hands.

I don’t know, all the makers are chasing competitive advantage which is good, but miss the mark along the way too.

My personal favorites are the larger AD20S and AD20. But, they're next to impossible to get. I imagine the Demkos are losing a lot by not producing enough of the larger sizes for everyone that wants one. Another great Video. :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)

I use the Shark's Fin to open and close the AD20.5, too. :-) Peace, Stiletto :-)

Got an AD20.5 on sale for $120 which still feels overpriced but at least a little less overpriced. Perhaps if Demko spent less on a fancy box and pouch and used that savings to either lower the price or better yet give us G10 and perhaps 154cm steel for the same price it would feel more justified for the price.

Great channel always very informative and professional. Got the AD 20.5 AUS 10 today. Looks can be deceiving for this knife. Once in hand It feels like quality. Demko designs are always gorgeous. Great knife! Hello, Aaron from South Africa.

I’m not sure why the shark lock got such a reputation for overwhelming strength. When you look at the mechanism, it looks to be roughly as strong as a back lock, etc. I’d actually wager a guess that Spyderco’s CBBL is a beefier mechanism. All in all, most of the lock arguments come down to preference anyway. They ALL have pivots and should be treated accordingly.

Wish Demko would do a production version of the AD20s. That would be absolutely perfect edc for me. I like this one too but the handle is too thin & the blade too short

I've been watching for a month after I came across your sr1 review. Im a fan dude I appreciate your perspective on gear. Im broke all the time I have to make my money count so my edc systems are not "instagram cute" I tend to buy cold steel, streamlight, nitcore, and I have a special affinity for turkish shotguns and handguns lol I like cheep but good stuff. I've had to save and strategize to have anything you know what I mean. I've saved money one time already from your videos. Thanks! Keep up the good work.

I got a transparent knives reblade of a 20.5 with 65hrc magnacut and its the best knife I've owned.

An ordinary knife that I bought solely for the gimmick! I'm not disappointed, mind you.

Do they have a deep carry clip for Demko?

as expected Demko is a genius Cold Steel is a previous.

I have both Demkos mentioned in this vid and use them every day for work (cutting plastic pallet straps, boxes, zip ties, etc...) for around two years now. By far-- and this wasn't the case at first--my favorite edc is the Cold Steel Engage. The handle size, thickness, and shape with the full choil just kick a**. It's s35vn so I rarely have to sharpen it. When I do I just use a strop with liquid compound and it's good to go.

Batoned like a puss compared to the engage. Unfair completely

so far i like mine, i have the ad20.5 in carbon fiber with s35vn. i removed the thumbstud and the pocket clip. its so thin and lightweight but it feels really sturdy, i am constantly playing with it for over 2 weeks now, by that i mean, on the couch, in the chair at my desk, walking down the hallway...

now baton with the Manix

I'm fine with my triad lock cold steels in aus10a and s35vn. They are priced better, I prefer the triad lock- it's less intrusive, and, honestly, the code 4 clip is a good competitor for the 20.5: better materials, lower price. The drop point on the AD10 and 4max series is more appealing than either the ad20 clip or sharkfoot. Tge ad20 series just doesn't do anything better for me than the older Demko besides being a fidget spinner. I don't need a fidget spinner.

If you can't sell your knife due to an overcrowded market, then invent another lock and market it as the best... Nothing revolutionary really. Why not buy a small fixed blade like Extrema Ratio Satre and use it and abuse it?

Oh man . I got one of these around the holidays and went all out with OG scales and backspacer but I thought 💩💩💩💩💩 for the price . Great lock tho , solid . It’s not that good mine has some really noticeable side to side wiggle and that’s a fail over here . Yeah , it’s fun to play with but wiggle side to side and see the play . I guarantee I can break it easy

I’ll be interested to see your take on the Microtech MSI. Looks like an upgraded axis-style lock, full size M390 blade, and USA made.

I have the grivory and textured titanium versions. Love the things. And as an owner of multiple $400-$525 knives, the grivory doesn’t feel cheap to me. I think many people are spoiled to hate by titanium Chinese knives for less than 200 bucks. The Demkos are definitely overpriced though.

I was lucky and got the last textured titanium CPM3v drop point version from knifecenter. I have smaller hands so the handle is fine for me. I prefer folding knives that have a blade closer to 4 inch, but I do like the demko I got. I won't be using this knife as a camping or outdoor knife, as I always prefer a fixed blade for that. It's a nice sort of office guy / gentleman's folder since it's not threatening or tactical looking. I bought it mainly cause it was a limited version and I was curious about the locking mechanism. I rotate it with other folders for EDC.

It's fun to fidget with, but that shark lock gets in the way when your cutting. I am used to pressing my thumb down where the shark lock is located. Still a cool lock just not a user for me.

the bset survival knife is the knife you got on you. Gt just proved that.!

You are stepping up your game!

I like my 20.5s (both in 3v), but I don't carry them here in Hawaii anymore. Within 2 weeks of carrying my first one, I had rust spots forming on the blade, liners, and on the bearings despite hitting it with a light coat of oil. I cleaned all the rust off, and look forward to using the ad20.5 more when I am no longer in such a corrosive environment. For now, I EDC either a Spyderco Carribean or Cold Steel ad10 in s35vn, as neither of those have had rust issues.

Love the AD20, AD20.5 great work knives.

Great review on an insanely popular knife

Not that it relates to these knives, but would love to hear your thoughts on the SOG Tellus FLK. Great reviews, btw, I've bought several knives based on them (via your links), most recently the Cold Steel Air Lite, my new favorite EDC!

Looks like a cool knife however I agree with your assessment of the size issues. Probably not worth the money for me.

Too much $$$ for AUS 10 steel....i would feel comfortable at the most $80 but no more that that

These aren't overpriced considering they are being sourced by a mom and pop company and they are competing with much bigger companies. Kudos to Andrew and his brother!

Great review as always .it's hard to beat the manix 2

The thing that really kills me about the ad20.5 is the blade grind...the thickness behind the edge is soo dumb compared to something like the air lite..which is under $60 now btw.

For that much money I'd just get a benchmade griptilian. Better steel, similar fidget potential, and made in America.

What’s with some dealers selling more lock springs or including them with purchase? Why would a new knife require more springs?

At these prices, they should come with nothing but the baddest ass steels on the market. No justification for japanese 440c equivalent.

Is the Shark lock stronger than the Tri-Ad lock?

I like the design of the blade but I'm struggling with the value for FRN handles & AUS10. AUS10 is only a tad better than AUS8 so definitely budget level - same applies to D2/K110. Personally I think the design intention matches better to 3V but the cost is $$$. As you highlight, this design (like so many others) seem to have a finger choil dilemma. It's like the designer can't decide which way to go so includes a half-finger choil which is in many cases useless. If it has a finger choil, it needs to be big enough to use safely!! Sharp blades all.

the Demco is my next purchase

When are we going to get the zt 006 review and get a beat on it

Good video, thank you. Now that you have both a shark lock and an atlas lock, are they the same, or is one better than the other and if so, why.

Thanks for the review, Aaron. The bang for buck ratio is what's stopped me from getting one.

I agree, it's a $60 knife with a $100 lock. It is in my regular rotation but I feel like I overpaid. I do like how slim it is but overall it's underwhelming. Shame because Demko is a mad genius with locks.