AD-10 vs Engage

Which would you choose?

  • AD-10 Tanto

    Votes: 12 52.2%

  • Engage

    Votes: 2 8.7%

  • 3V AD20.5

    Votes: 9 39.1%
  • Total voters
    23
tony281sc2

tony281sc2

Gold Member
Joined
Feb 13, 2017
Messages
2,357
Hey guys I’m thinking about getting a new Cold Steel knife. I have a Recon 1 and an SR1, but they really don’t get pocket time, they’re more novelty pieces. I’m thinking the AD-10 or the new Engage would actually end up getting carried. The weight isn’t so much annoying as the size of the damn things lol (like my 0200).
So I’m thinking about getting either an AD-10 or the Engage. Does anyone have experience with the new atlas lock? I read one review that said it was in an awkward spot. I do fidget sometimes I’ll admit it lol… so if it’s really inconvenient to unlock I guess that could sway me towards the AD10, since I find the tanto blade more interesting over the drop point of the engage. I don’t have enough tantos (but who does?). Edit: also on BHQ I read a couple reviews about the knife having almost no detent, any info on this?
And a Demko 20.5 in 3V (drop point) has been on my mind also, so I’ll add that knife to the poll, but I have an aus10 version and I’m looking for something a bit bigger. If I pick up anther 20.5 it will be to try out some 3V steel.
You can write in another option if you’d like but I’m pretty sure I’ve narrowed it down to these 2 (or possibly the demko.)
Also this isn’t going to be my edc, However I would like to work it into a rotation once or twice a week.

Tldr
So if anyone has an engage (or AD-10/15) I’d appreciate any feedback, thanks guys.
Ad10
https://imgur.com/a/SOlYyoI
Engage
https://imgur.com/a/VXIbJlX
Demko 3V (middle black one)
https://imgur.com/a/Eq9Xs0q
 
Last edited:
tony281sc2 said:
Hey guys I’m thinking about getting a new Cold Steel knife. I have a Recon 1 and an SR1, but they really don’t get pocket time, they’re more novelty pieces. I’m thinking the AD-10 or the new Engage would actually end up getting carried. The weight isn’t so much annoying as the size of the damn things lol (like my 0200).
So I’m thinking about getting either an AD-10 or the Engage. Does anyone have experience with the new atlas lock? I read one review that said it was in an awkward spot. I do fidget sometimes I’ll admit it lol… so if it’s really inconvenient to unlock I guess that could sway me towards the AD10, since I find the tanto blade more interesting over the drop point of the engage. I don’t have enough tantos (but who does?).
And a Demko 20.5 in 3V (drop point) has been on my mind also, so I’ll add that knife to the poll, but I have an aus10 version and I’m looking for something a bit bigger. If I pick up anther 20.5 it will be to try out some 3V steel.
You can write in another option if you’d like but I’m pretty sure I’ve narrowed it down to these 2 (or possibly the demko.)
Also this isn’t going to be my edc, However I would like to work it into a rotation once or twice a week.
So if anyone has an engage I’d appreciate any feedback, thanks guys.
Click to expand...
Can you fidget with your Recon 1 or SR1? Most of my Cold Steel folders are not flick able.
 
whp said:
Can you fidget with your Recon 1 or SR1? Most of my Cold Steel folders are not flick able.
Click to expand...
Nah I can’t flick it. They close very smoothly tho, to the point where I would fidget with them but I might chop a finger off closing the SR1 lol
I’ve seen a video of a guy from cold steel flipping the Engage open and closed quickly but some of the reviews also said the Engage has almost no detent to keep it closed.
 
I don't have any experience with the Engage, but FWIW the AD-10 is an incredible knife. Easily the smoothest of the many CS folders I've owned, and the one with the best fit and finish. Easy to flick open, locks up like a vault, and closes scary-smooth and quickly.
 
Don't have the Engage (yet?), but based on what I've seen so far, and the pricing, it would be at the bottom of the list. I have the AD10, 15, and 20.5, and would rank them as follows, based mainly on bulkiness/carryability:

1. AD20.5 - Slim, smooth, and fidgety
2. AD15 - Basically same blade as the AD10, but a bit less bulky in the pocket, and more fidgety
3. AD10 - Bit bulkier than the 15, but smoothest TriAd out of the box I've experienced
 
jlauffer said:
Don't have the Engage (yet?), but based on what I've seen so far, and the pricing, it would be at the bottom of the list. I have the AD10, 15, and 20.5, and would rank them as follows, based mainly on bulkiness/carryability:

1. AD20.5 - Slim, smooth, and fidgety
2. AD15 - Basically same blade as the AD10, but a bit less bulky in the pocket, and more fidgety
3. AD10 - Bit bulkier than the 15, but smoothest TriAd out of the box I've experienced
Click to expand...
This is exactly what I was looking for. I think I’ll stay away from the engage until they get the bugs sorted out. Gonna give a better look at the ad15 now, thank you.
 
I currently have an AD20.5 and the Engage, had an AD20.

The 20.5 has all the characteristics of the larger 20, just in a smaller package.

The Engage is a nice knife and not what I would consider large. I can deploy the blade with the thumb studs just fine and the Atlas lock is similar to others, maybe set back just a bit farther. Came very sharp with a good finger choil to choke up comfortably.
 
P.C.E. said:
I currently have an AD20.5 and the Engage, had an AD20.

The 20.5 has all the characteristics of the larger 20, just in a smaller package.

The Engage is a nice knife and not what I would consider large. I can deploy the blade with the thumb studs just fine and the Atlas lock is similar to others, maybe set back just a bit farther. Came very sharp with a good finger choil to choke up comfortably.
Click to expand...
How’s the detent ? I’ve heard people say it was so loose it would shake open no problem
 
tony281sc2 said:
How’s the detent ? I’ve heard people say it was so loose it would shake open no problem
Click to expand...
It does have a lighter detent than other folders I have. However, it will take some force (at least on mine) to have the blade fly out and I don't handle my knives that way so it's a non issue for me. I actually like to slow roll with the thumb stud, the Atlas lock has a solid click much like the shark lock on the 20.5.

The size of the Engage hits a sweet spot for me. Bigger than the AD20.5 but smaller than the AD10.
 
I cast my vote for the Engage in your poll, based on what you said you wanted (or my interpretation of what you wanted). I like the AD-10 better, but the Engage is smaller and a little lighter, and it sounds like you prefer that for carry. Also the AD20.5 is much smaller and lighter, but it sounds like it's too small for what you want to carry. Regardless, all three are great knives.

signal-2022-08-24-142708_001.jpg
 
I voted AD-10 .

Great value , very smooth action for a Tri-ad lock , extremely sturdy knife . Well proven performance . :cool::thumbsup::thumbsup:

The Demko , except for price , I'd have one . 😢

Engage= not appealing to me at any price . Needs work . Unproven lock ,IMO . :(
 
AD-10 all day. It takes anything I throw at it and I’m not gentle on my knives. It’s my designated work knife (machine operator, but I do a lot of physical labor as well). Smooth action and super tough, I fully trust this knife.
 
MudCamper said:
I cast my vote for the Engage in your poll, based on what you said you wanted (or my interpretation of what you wanted). I like the AD-10 better, but the Engage is smaller and a little lighter, and it sounds like you prefer that for carry. Also the AD20.5 is much smaller and lighter, but it sounds like it's too small for what you want to carry. Regardless, all three are great knives.

View attachment 1909796
Click to expand...
Nice group shot! Thank you for that, it really puts the size in perspective….how is the detent on the Engage ? Some people say the blade will just shake open way too easily….are they just exaggerating?
 
how is the detent on the Engage ? Some people say the blade will just shake open way too easily….are they just exaggerating
Click to expand...

It is quite weak, but it hasn't been too much of a problem. The first week of carry I did manage to accidentally open it while pulling it from my pocket, and snagging the thumb stud somehow. But then a month of carry after that without any issues.
 
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