Cold Steel AD-10 3.5" S35VN Steel Ultra-Sharp Blade 5.25" G-10 Handle Tactical Folding Knife with Tri-Ad Locking Mechanism

This is the knife I should of bought 10 years ago. What a steal for around $100 bucks.My copy came with a perfect grind and razer sharp. The G10 scales are flawless and the s35vn steel is superb.I get no lock stick or an overly tight Triad Lock, as these have been known to take a bit to break in, but mine didn't.Very smooth action and well centered. It also comes with a Lefty pocket clip in the package.I bought a Titanium aftermarket pocket clip and Original Goat Aluminum scales as an upgrade and now this is a show knife for my extensive collection. Superb!.I'm very happy, and I own almost 100 knives, from $10 to $1000 customs. I have been a knife geek for 55 years!.

I find everything about the AD-10 to be absolutely outstanding. I am definitely impressed, and it takes a lot to impress me. As folding knives go, it's larger than some, which for me is just fine because I carry it in a belt pouch. The lines, angles, grinds, and cutting edge are as close to perfect as one could hope for, and it came razor sharp right out of the box. The tip of the blade is quite sharp and defined, and it's backed up by a massive amount of steel, so the odds of breaking it, I'd say, are extremely remote. The blade has enough metal to realistically handle whatever task is required, keeping in mind, of course, that there is no such thing as any one knife that can do all things equally well. The ambi thumb studs are significant in size, and opening the knife is as smooth as greased glass, and it locks into place with a solid snap. The Tri-Ad lock may very well be the strongest locking action available anywhere at any price, and that is a critical factor when considering the purchase of a folder. The fit, finish and attention to detail is amazing as well. The aluminum liners match the G10 scales perfectly, and the scales themselves have just enough texture to feel good and provide a solid gripping surface. The shape of the handle feels great in my fairly large hands, and the notches atop the spine and handle make it feel even better. S35VN steel is a high-end metal that sharpens well and holds a good edge while being resistant to the elements. The pocket clip is massive and strong, but I can't speak about its holding ability since I don't carry it in my pocket. The butt of the handle protrudes slightly outward from the scales in case you need to pound something, and it has a recessed lanyard hole if needed. We all have our own unique preferences, so I can't say that the AD10 would be a perfect fit for you, but I can say that its quality, design and characteristics are absolutely amazing. It's built like a Patton tank, rock-solid, yet possesses an unmatched artistry that is sure to please. In fact, this knife is so solid that it feels like a fixed blade knife during use. I am beyond pleased with this model. I have owned and seen other folding knives costing a LOT more than this that were no where near as nice. I feel the AD10 is an incredible value, and I am 100% pleased in every respect. God Bless America and our troops!

This is my second AD10. Both have been stellar. The reputation of this knife says more about it than I can. Its reputation is legendary. I recently purchased the SOG Seal XR in Magnacut. It will certainly hold its own, but the AD10 is a practical large knife legend. Mine arrived in excellent condition. It is every bit as good as the first one that got away from me. It’s big. Yeah… but if you wear work boots for a living and don’t like the man-bun pocket jewelry finger fidget toys the metro crowd champions… this is your knife. Five stars because six and up wasn’t an option.

Excellent knife. Comes with a shaving sharp factory edge. Hard use, heavy duty beast that holds up to anything. Great hand-filling grip, excellent for large hands.

This is one HUGE knife. Not suitable for pocket carry, at least for me. I knew this when I purchased it.It is intended to be kept in my car easily accessible in case of an emergency. I wanted a large very(nearly indestructible) knife. This is it.

The media could not be loaded. Everything about the knife seemed fine and was what I was expecting until I examined the blade edge closely. The blade grind on the knife I got was extremely uneven. Almost all of the grind was coming from one side of the blade only, like 90%. The other side had only a very shallow angle, maybe 10%. It was nearly a chisel grind. I had heard on a YT video someone complaining about this and now I see it in person. I tried to show what I mean in my photos/video but it is not something that shows well. Sure, I could reset the angle and make it all even myself, but why should I have to? Not when I am paying $130 for a frickin knife. I returned it for a replacement and we will see what I get. I also sent Cold Steel a message asking them what the grind angles are supposed to be on the AD10. I will update my review with what the replacement knife is like as well as any response I get from Cold Steel. Remember, Lynn Thompson sold the company so it may be going through some deterioration.************************************Update************************************I did receive the replacement knife today and in examining the edge I do find this one has a more even grind. At the front third and rear third of the blade the grind is nearly dead center. The grind in the middle third however does wander very close to one side as in the first knife. Besides this, the knife is everything people have said about it. It is strong, well built, ergonomic and made with an excellent steel. Therefore I will keep this knife and will reset the angle myself. I still do not believe that is something I should have to do though. I also have not received any response from Cold Steel regarding my inquiry about the grind angles, but will provide any information they do send me. Overall the knife is recommended, although the quality of detail could be improved.*****************************UPDATE*****************************It was 4/23/22 I sent a inquiry to Cold Steel informing them of the poor quality on the blade grind and asking what the grind angle should be. Today, 4/29/22, I received a boilerplate response telling me where to contact for warranty. No info provided regarding the blade grind angle.