Andrew Demko AD20.5 with s Shark foot CPM-3V blade & textured Titanium scales… initial thoughts compared to the D2 version.

[RobGIversenTX]

So I received the AD20.5 with a shark foot CPM-3V blade and titanium textured scales. Below are my thoughts and observations that I’m curious if anyone else has some thoughts about. I sold my D2 clip point AD20.5 with Demko carbon fiber scales and Demko titanium spacers.

1. The packaging of my new 3V Ti scaled shark foot AD20.5 was beyond disappointing for what I paid, especially when compared to what I received for D2 clip point... no box, no zippered pouch, no Velcro patch like early D2 release
2. The titanium scales are far better than expected and have incredible traction with the very nice texture
3. The shark foot shape is awesome and I really like it better than the clip point for use that I know I will do with 3V steel.
4. Though shark foot is shorter than the other clip point blade, it works and makes sense for the handles and how it retracts into the scales. it cannot be longer to fit as it should and is proportionate to the scales.
5. The hardware seems a bit better. I cannot be specific but various things seem more chamfered, corners rounded, the blade ground a bit better, tge screws look better, the posts look a bit bigger, the thumbstuds look bigger, and the finish on the posts and pivot have a nice circular pattern from milling… this may be in my head or what I perceived.
6. This is probably subjective because I did not measure the blade thickness before shipping to compare to this one; however, I think the blade seems a bit more robust. I originally thought thicker but someone kindly measured their D2 to their 3V which came in at the same thickness.
7. I think the knife is worth it after owning it and using it, even though I had reservations at first. I keep liking it more and more the longer I have it.
8. Replacing the caged ceramic ball bearings with Skiff ones is an absolute requirement. They make action far better, smoother, and quieter
9. I’d recommend a Lynch deep carry clip, which I put on right away. They are made for both the AD20 and AD20.5, so it makes the AD20.5 a little deeper than you might expect, but I really like it.
10. My one complaint is that I need smooth the texture on the scales under the clip to avoid it from tearing up my pants.

In the end, I’m glad I bought, I’m enjoying it a lot, I see it as a good and potentially hard use knife, and love carrying this one regularly.

I included some pics of my new knife and the one that I sold for comparison.

 

[ferider]

What you feel might be the larger pivot.

 

[RobGIversenTX]

I’m not really sure what you mean by the pivot, as that is only an aesthetic, albeit cool, difference. From my experience with both, I do not see that as much of a difference in functionality. If you have or had both, can you give me a little more insight to your thoughts on this?

 

[ferider]

I’m not really sure what you mean by the pivot, as that is only an aesthetic, albeit cool, difference. From my experience with both, I do not see that as much of a difference in functionality. If you have or had both, can you give me a little more insight to your thoughts on this?

I only have the grivory D2 and 3V versions (now having G10 scales). From Nick’s disassembly video looks like the Ti version has a thicker diameter (0.25”?) pivot. Like, say, a Hinderer. Should make the knife “feel” more robust.

 

[DocJekl]

I only have the grivory D2 and 3V versions (now having G10 scales). From Nick’s disassembly video looks like the Ti version has a thicker diameter (0.25”?) pivot. Like, say, a Hinderer. Should make the knife “feel” more robust.

The actual pivot is the same 6mm, but the outside ring around the pivot where it meets the scales is bigger on the Ti and versions that shipped with CF scales.

 

[ferider]

Got it, thx.

 

[RobGIversenTX]

The actual pivot is the same 6mm, but the outside ring around the pivot where it meets the scales is bigger on the Ti and versions that shipped with CF scales.

When I disassembled both, that is what I thought I saw. I know titanium scales are sturdier so that helps but is 3V steel denser than D2? Maybe the fit and feel of the Ti scales make it just that much more solid.

I know I felt the same way when I put on the Demko carbon fiber scales compared to the FRN scales. In any case, it is awesome.

 

[greater]

Is 3V denser than D2 ? It sure feels like it weight wise.

 

[Mister_Punchy]

I'll just give my opinion after your excellent remarks.

1. The packaging of my new 3V Ti scaled shark foot AD20.5 was beyond disappointing for what I paid, especially when compared to what I received for D2 clip point... no box, no zippered pouch, no Velcro patch like early D2 release The packaging was awesome for my AUS10 version. The one for the 3V-Ti was only a small disappointment for me because no matter the fanciness of a packaging, they all get forgotten in a cupboard right after the unboxing.
2. The titanium scales are far better than expected and have incredible traction with the very nice texture Yes, and the fit and finish is excellent, and thin enough that they don't need to be milled.
5. The hardware seems a bit better. I cannot be specific but various things seem more chamfered, corners rounded, the blade ground a bit better, tge screws look better, the posts look a bit bigger, the thumbstuds look bigger, and the finish on the posts and pivot have a nice circular pattern from milling… this may be in my head or what I perceived. As Ferider stated, I think that it is the oversized pivot that gives you this impression. And the titanium stand-of with their D shape.
7. I think the knife is worth it after owning it and using it, even though I had reservations at first. I keep liking it more and more the longer I have it. I agree, I had buyer's remorse after buying it but as soon as I held it in hand it all disappeared.
8. Replacing the caged ceramic ball bearings with Skiff ones is an absolute requirement. They make action far better, smoother, and quieter Absolutely. I had my AUS10 version to compare and the difference is very noticeable.
10. My one complaint is that I need smooth the texture on the scales under the clip to avoid it from tearing up my pants. This is also my only caveat. In a true Demko fashion this knife is a pants shredder.

 

[RobGIversenTX]

I wonder, too.

I'll just give my opinion after your excellent remarks.

1. The packaging of my new 3V Ti scaled shark foot AD20.5 was beyond disappointing for what I paid, especially when compared to what I received for D2 clip point... no box, no zippered pouch, no Velcro patch like early D2 release The packaging was awesome for my AUS10 version. The one for the 3V-Ti was only a small disappointment for me because no matter the fanciness of a packaging, they all get forgotten in a cupboard right after the unboxing.
2. The titanium scales are far better than expected and have incredible traction with the very nice texture Yes, and the fit and finish is excellent, and thin enough that they don't need to be milled.
5. The hardware seems a bit better. I cannot be specific but various things seem more chamfered, corners rounded, the blade ground a bit better, tge screws look better, the posts look a bit bigger, the thumbstuds look bigger, and the finish on the posts and pivot have a nice circular pattern from milling… this may be in my head or what I perceived. As Ferider stated, I think that it is the oversized pivot that gives you this impression. And the titanium stand-of with their D shape.
7. I think the knife is worth it after owning it and using it, even though I had reservations at first. I keep liking it more and more the longer I have it. I agree, I had buyer's remorse after buying it but as soon as I held it in hand it all disappeared.
8. Replacing the caged ceramic ball bearings with Skiff ones is an absolute requirement. They make action far better, smoother, and quieter Absolutely. I had my AUS10 version to compare and the difference is very noticeable.
10. My one complaint is that I need smooth the texture on the scales under the clip to avoid it from tearing up my pants. This is also my only caveat. In a true Demko fashion this knife is a pants shredder.

Great points all and I cannot disagree with what you said!

1. Absolutely true on the packaging. I only mention it for those who think it important or expect the same as the K110/D2 version.
2. Good point! this makes it even more a very fun-sized and completely EDC-sized knife.
5. I think the pivot does impress me a lot more, so it may well be more in my head with the overall fit and function.
7. I’m glad I’m not the only one… thank you!
8. I was hoping others agreed. Cool!
10. LOL... yes, of course! Ha-ha… but I might still soften the peaks of the milling right behind the clip, though. I need to figure how and have the courage to tackle that without worrying about hurting the knife. When I eventually find and can by an AD20, I’d probably consider doing the same on it. I hope that is not sacrareligious to Demko knives… I’ll beg for forgiveness before asking for permission.

 

[RobGIversenTX]

Is 3V denser than D2 ? It sure feels like it weight wise.

I looked it up and D2 has a density of 4.528 oz/cubic inches and V3 has a density of 4.48 oz/cubic inch. D2 is actually more dense. So I guess that’s not it.