About Demko Knives
The foundation for the American brand Demko Knives was laid by the elder of the Demko brothers, Andrew. Andrew Demko has been immersed in the world of knives since his youth, transforming his initial passion into a full-time pursuit. Known as an exceptionally talented and innovative designer for the renowned American brand Cold Steel, Andrew designed one of the most durable folding knife locks: the Tri-Ad-Lock. When paths diverged with Cold Steel’s ownership change, Andrew chose to forge his own path, marking the beginning of the Demko Knives story. Alongside the brand’s founder, an integral part of the project from the start was the younger Demko brother, John, and, in a later phase, the friend and knifemaker Mike Wallace.
Within Demko Knives, Andrew Demko designed two additional exceptional locks: the Scorpion Lock and the immensely popular Shark Lock, implemented in folding knives from the AD20 series and others.
AD Series Folders (A – Andrew D – Demko)
With the introduction of the Shark Lock, folding knives featuring this innovative lock took center stage. Notable among them are:
- MG AD20 – Machine Ground AD20: USA-made machine-ground folders, exceptionally rare and coveted in the collector’s world.
- MG AD20S: An evolution of the earlier MGAD20, the “S” version – Slim, maintains solidity but is subtly slimmed down compared to its predecessor. Highly desirable and rarely found among Demko Knives dealers.
- HG AD22, HG AD20, HG AD20 Compact, HG AD10M – HG – Hand Ground: Knives with blades hand-ground, custom-made primarily available during major U.S. knife shows: Blade Show and Nashville Custom Knife Show.
- MG AD20I – “I” – International: Featuring a full-thickness blade and handle but with a blade from an Italian subcontractor. The “I” version aims to enhance availability and introduce European-produced steel options to the AD20 series.
- AD20.5: A smaller production version of AD series knives produced in Taiwan by a subcontractor of Demko Knives.
- Shark Cub: A smaller production folder also crafted in Taiwan.
Shark Lock™ Mechanism
The patented Shark Lock™ mechanism facilitates easy one-handed opening and closing. Combined with ball bearings, Grivory handle scales mounted on steel liners create a smoothly operating knife that can tackle most tasks!
The Shark Lock™ mechanism, located on the spine of the knife, is operated using the top fin. Opening the blade causes the spring-loaded locking arm to move, securing the blade with a cutout in it under the locking pin. This element deserves special attention. The Shark Lock™ mechanism is unique because the lock moves both forward and backward while also moving up and down. This allows the blade to be locked over a larger section of steel, providing exceptionally robust lock strength. The driving spring, which moves the locking element into the locked position, is located in the locking arm itself, protecting it from debris and dirt. Shark Lock™ is comparable in size and weight to most Tri-Ad locks. The AD-20.5 knife was tested with a force load of 10 kg/m (875 pounds/inch), an impressive result for a knife weighing around 100 g.
AD20s – Made in USA
- Clip point blade made of 20CV steel
The knife’s blade features a clip point profile, highly versatile for various tasks. Jimping on the blade provides thumb support during tasks requiring pressure.
The blade is crafted from CPM 20CV powdered steel, produced by the American company Crucible Industries, known for CPM 3V, CPM S45VN, CPM S90VN, and others in this family. CPM 20CV is highly corrosion-resistant and retains a sharp edge. Comparatively, its chemical composition is closest to M390 from the Austrian Bohler mill and CTS-204P from the American manufacturer Carpenter. According to many users and steel testers, CPM 20CV best maintains a sharp edge, considering these three steels.
Opening the Knife
The knife can be opened using the ambidextrous thumb stud, the hole in the blade, or in a faster manner by simultaneously energetically moving the hand away and pulling the Shark Lock™ tab. The manufacturer provides the option to choose the opening method according to individual preferences.
G10 Handle
The handle scales are made of durable G10 composite and mounted on steel liners. The handle features a hole for paracord, cord, lanyard, etc., or optional attachment of accessories based on user preferences.
Steel Pocket Clip
The knife is equipped with a steel pocket clip, allowing stable carry in the pocket, attachment to a backpack, organizer, belt, etc.
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