I have AD15 and UH. I go car camping a lot and find the UH is pretty ideal. It's lighter, swings around less, and is more sit down friendly than a fixed blade + sheath. I don't have to worry about drying it off and getting leather wet. The flat grind can push and baton cut square notches like a wood chisel. The lock is psychologically better than the Harnds Warrior liner lock I would always be afraid of closing on me. The handle is extra long to use with gloves. The dagger point works as a point drill. The blade belly allows knuckle clearance for cutting fruit or meat on a plate. The pocket clip is just wide enough for a thin nylon belt that I wear when camping. The spine is square and unchamfered so it scrapes a ferro rod where the AD knives have to use the jimping circles. Yeah the UH feels like a cheaper version of the AD knives and the lock sticks, but it's really made for camping where the AD10 seems more just heavy duty without a purpose.
The liners do it for me. If I’m gonna buy a cold steel triad lock knife, I want to be able to use it to the fullest. Use it to make kindling, hammer on the blade a bit to split wood, that kind of thing. In everything, the UH speaks to me a bit more, but the solid liners push the AD10 over the edge.
i'm putting an orange ultimate hunter in my go bag, and an AD-10 in my pocket, and a 4-max in my safe. cold steel rules. been loyal follower for 40 years. carried cold steel in usmc.
Wonderful review. I have both knives. The ultimate hunter i recieved initially would get stuck when blade extended so hard that I would have to press it against a table to get it to unlock. I took it apart and removed way more metal then I should of had 2 and no more issues. Action tho as stated isn't even close to my ad 10. All and all both are buetiful knives. I do hvac and like the beefyness of the ad 10 more. Idk if its more of a mental thing then a practical thing or what but preference is preference. Cant go wrong either way tho.
I love mine for winter carry. The smoother G-10 doesn't grab onto your jacket like the AD-15 or anything with Grivory/GFN/heavily-textured G-10 and you can have a devoted knife pocket VERY easily.
@@j.w.greenbaum that’s the down side to the AD 15. The G10 is so aggressive but there are aftermarket parts/ handle scales now in micarta and from a guy on Instagram.
I believe that the Ultimate Hunter used to use a different steel cts-xhp ($140.00) not too long ago, and for some reason the price went down when they changed s35vn and now around $90-$100.
Maybe I misunderstood, but it seemed like you were saying the AD10 was RH only carry due to the clip. My AD10 (hollow grind) came with 2 clips, i for RH and one for LH carry. I almost feel like the UH should come with the hollow grind now, and the AD10 with the flat grind.
The Ultimate Hunter is a perfect back-up utility/skinning knife, to my fixed blade on my hip. I have two AD10's, tanto and drop point and they both carry heavier than the UH. The orange G10 scales on my UH is a bonus too!!
The "choil" on the AD10 is in fact not a choil at all. Demko has said he hates choils on knives. The "choil" on the AD10 is there so you can safely close the knife one-handed (the "choil" provides a safe place for for your finger as the blade drops), it's not meant to function as a standard choil, which is why so many users complain that its too small. I only mention this because you referred to it as a choil in the beginning of the comparison, but technically, it's not.
The AD10 has the left hand clip as well. The blade is also flat ground now. I love my AD10 but if someone is looking for a "regular" EDC I'd recommend a Code 4. However is someone is looking to baton the lugs of a tractor wheel, the AD10 feels like it can handle it. lol The Code 4 offers what seems like 85~90% the capability of the AD10 at about half the price. Personally I feel like both knives are worth the money (which is why I own both), but the Code 4 feels like the better value. I did have to tune my Code 4 spring though (like almost every other CS I own), but my AD10 was perfect out of the box.
Interesting. My Code 4 Tanto (only way to get a hollow grind) is among the best out of the box Tri-Ad Locks I've ever had. The 4Max and AD-10 were better, obviously, but if the Code 4 isn't third best, it's fourth best (I probably wound up with the world's slickest Tuff Lite). The only potential problem is, suppose you've been working with oil. Whether it's your car or a firearm since I do work on guns. I usually don't put much stock in Nick Shabazz's "bad knives for the Vaseline factory", but the Code 4 is unusually slippery with oil on your hands. One good solution I've found with mine, which isn't pretty, but gets the job done is putting some masking tape on the handle. The residue can very easily be cleaned off with water and hasn't hurt the finish on mine since I started carrying it. Good pocket clip, too.
which one would you pick for XL Hands? I love my AD10 but I'm pretty much filling the whole handle and i wanted to buy my bro one but his hands are larger than mine.He's 6'4" and 270lb and he has mitts not hands! Ha!Ha! I want him to have the AD10 but im worried it will be uncomfortable for his hands. Maybe Im just tripping and the AD10 will be perfect for him. Thanx!!!!
What would be a difference between the locking action of the AD 10 versus the Recon 1, please? Would the Recon 1 be more similar to the Ultimate Hunter regarding this or not? I love my AD 10 and just returning the Ultimate Hunter because it's locking action is not as nice. Regards. Lajos
I just sent an email to Blades Canada based on your recommendation, mentioning this recommendation to them. Hope they will respond. Thank you again. Lajos P.S. Vancouver is one of my absolute favored Canadian cities. I am a West Coast dweller too, but in San Diego
@@Kevinclearysharpstuff I just the same would like to have one of these. Presently own the wonderful AD 10 and have just ordered a 4 Max Scout. I will be interested to find out what and how big a difference is between the latest model Taiwanese 4 Max, (which I have returned after a few days) and the Scout. Regards. Lajos
Have you ever noticed that since the UH got S35VN, it looks like it's not totally locked up at first glance? Just out of left field, but I swear, it looks like it's slightly bowed. I later found it was a stylistic choice since they changed the plunge grind slightly from XHP and the flat area behind the plunge is also slightly angled downward, but I have NEVER gotten used to it! Not just my example; *every last one of them*. But yet, since I ALSO have the hollow-ground AD-10, I use the UH all the time. It was jarring the first few times I used it, though.
What keeps me from buying an AD10 is its power to weight ratio. 3.5" blade @ 7oz vs EXL Voyager 5.5" @ 7.2oz. For its blade size its super chunky compared to the equally robust Lawman or UH with similar sized blades in the same premium steel / Triad lock.
Mark W check out the American Lawman by Cold Steel. It has the forward finger Choi’s and is light weight. It’s my favorite folder of all time that I’ve used as of now.
I don't understand why the liners ! They got away from the damn liners on the recon 1 and then go back to them ! Why ? And like nick says the hardware is tiny ! Why ?
Because the original custom has full liners, and they were making a reproduction of the custom, if they didn't include the liners people would complain and say "Why doesn't it have liners, it isnt a true reproduction of the custom version just a cheap knock off"
When you start doing real work with your knife, you will change your mind about that. Ultimate Hunter's handle ergonomics are much better than American lawman. No contest really.
“No way, I’m not carrying 6.8 ounces?” What kind of weakling cannot carry 6.8 ounces? Considering that an AVERAGE EDC knife probably weighs around 3-4 ounces, who would even NOTICE an additional 3 ounces? If I needed or wanted a big knife, and sometimes I do, I would have an AD10. It is not too far down my list!
These two knives are the most uninspiring folders. Seriously overpriced. Typical of the demise of a once great brand COLD STEEL. Lynn Thompson made a name with the very well-made Tantos, Recon Scout, Peacekeeper push dagger featured in Platoon and the great modern Bowie "Trail Master" which is shown in the catalog $499 with rubber Kraton handle. Most of these knives that launched the brand are no longer in production or out of stock. Instead, Thompson cheapened the brand with novelty items of every sort and configuration from sword canes to knuckle dusters to tomahawks to spears and every other piece of junk that could be passed off to someone looking for a Hasbro collection of wannabee implements pretending to be survival or fighting tools. I'm sure he's made millions ... but not with my money.
@@franksalem8580 ok ...if you like the design, that's cool, but I am entitled to my opinion, and I think the knives are about as ugly as a folder can be. I am not attacking you personally, therefore, no reason to go negative. And it is truly difficult to dispute that Cold Steel over the years went in a direction toward novelty crap compared to the very high quality knives that launched the brand.
I'm sorry. I could have been more tactful in my comment as you were. I don't believe these knives belong in the novelty crap category but many manufacturers are headed this way. I happen to think the Ultimate Hunter is an attractive design and the AD-10 is a typical design for Demko which I find appealing.
@@franksalem8580 Thanks for the reply, and clarification. I happen to like Wharncliffe and more modern lines. No problem. And, yes, these are certainly not novelty knives !
I have AD15 and UH. I go car camping a lot and find the UH is pretty ideal. It's lighter, swings around less, and is more sit down friendly than a fixed blade + sheath. I don't have to worry about drying it off and getting leather wet. The flat grind can push and baton cut square notches like a wood chisel. The lock is psychologically better than the Harnds Warrior liner lock I would always be afraid of closing on me. The handle is extra long to use with gloves. The dagger point works as a point drill. The blade belly allows knuckle clearance for cutting fruit or meat on a plate. The pocket clip is just wide enough for a thin nylon belt that I wear when camping. The spine is square and unchamfered so it scrapes a ferro rod where the AD knives have to use the jimping circles. Yeah the UH feels like a cheaper version of the AD knives and the lock sticks, but it's really made for camping where the AD10 seems more just heavy duty without a purpose.
The liners do it for me. If I’m gonna buy a cold steel triad lock knife, I want to be able to use it to the fullest. Use it to make kindling, hammer on the blade a bit to split wood, that kind of thing. In everything, the UH speaks to me a bit more, but the solid liners push the AD10 over the edge.
Same . If the UH or recon 1 had liners it would be crazy hard to choose between them and the ad10 imo.
i'm putting an orange ultimate hunter in my go bag, and an AD-10 in my pocket, and a 4-max in my safe. cold steel rules. been loyal follower for 40 years. carried cold steel in usmc.
Wonderful review. I have both knives. The ultimate hunter i recieved initially would get stuck when blade extended so hard that I would have to press it against a table to get it to unlock. I took it apart and removed way more metal then I should of had 2 and no more issues. Action tho as stated isn't even close to my ad 10. All and all both are buetiful knives. I do hvac and like the beefyness of the ad 10 more. Idk if its more of a mental thing then a practical thing or what but preference is preference. Cant go wrong either way tho.
ItS great to see you bringing up your sons properly !
nice, as usual. already have the sr1, just ordered the uh for 90 bucks and american lawman for 82 bucks. that's enough for now!
Now that they sold the company, get any other that’s still on your wishlist
Man I carry my AD ten everyday. It’s my get it done knife but I carry a smaller knife for simpler tasks. A.D. 10 for me is a win win win!
I guess I'm not the only one who EDCs that behemoth lmao
@@Phaminator525 carrying mine today
I love mine for winter carry. The smoother G-10 doesn't grab onto your jacket like the AD-15 or anything with Grivory/GFN/heavily-textured G-10 and you can have a devoted knife pocket VERY easily.
@@j.w.greenbaum that’s the down side to the AD 15. The G10 is so aggressive but there are aftermarket parts/ handle scales now in micarta and from a guy on Instagram.
@@BennyBladez- Micarta? That sounds awesome! Thanks for the tip! I'll keep my eyes open!
I believe that the Ultimate Hunter used to use a different steel cts-xhp ($140.00) not too long ago, and for some reason the price went down when they changed s35vn and now around $90-$100.
Yep, I've got the UH in cts-xhp and s35vn at the time of the blade steel change...
Maybe I misunderstood, but it seemed like you were saying the AD10 was RH only carry due to the clip. My AD10 (hollow grind) came with 2 clips, i for RH and one for LH carry. I almost feel like the UH should come with the hollow grind now, and the AD10 with the flat grind.
The Ultimate Hunter is a perfect back-up utility/skinning knife, to my fixed blade on my hip. I have two AD10's, tanto and drop point and they both carry heavier than the UH. The orange G10 scales on my UH is a bonus too!!
The "choil" on the AD10 is in fact not a choil at all. Demko has said he hates choils on knives. The "choil" on the AD10 is there so you can safely close the knife one-handed (the "choil" provides a safe place for for your finger as the blade drops), it's not meant to function as a standard choil, which is why so many users complain that its too small. I only mention this because you referred to it as a choil in the beginning of the comparison, but technically, it's not.
The AD10 has the left hand clip as well. The blade is also flat ground now.
I love my AD10 but if someone is looking for a "regular" EDC I'd recommend a Code 4. However is someone is looking to baton the lugs of a tractor wheel, the AD10 feels like it can handle it. lol
The Code 4 offers what seems like 85~90% the capability of the AD10 at about half the price. Personally I feel like both knives are worth the money (which is why I own both), but the Code 4 feels like the better value. I did have to tune my Code 4 spring though (like almost every other CS I own), but my AD10 was perfect out of the box.
Interesting. My Code 4 Tanto (only way to get a hollow grind) is among the best out of the box Tri-Ad Locks I've ever had. The 4Max and AD-10 were better, obviously, but if the Code 4 isn't third best, it's fourth best (I probably wound up with the world's slickest Tuff Lite). The only potential problem is, suppose you've been working with oil. Whether it's your car or a firearm since I do work on guns. I usually don't put much stock in Nick Shabazz's "bad knives for the Vaseline factory", but the Code 4 is unusually slippery with oil on your hands. One good solution I've found with mine, which isn't pretty, but gets the job done is putting some masking tape on the handle. The residue can very easily be cleaned off with water and hasn't hurt the finish on mine since I started carrying it. Good pocket clip, too.
I bought both ( I collect pocket knives ) because I love the shape of the blades & handles.
I totally cringed when the AD10 put a nick in the handle of the Ultimate hunter.
Me too!
It’s a knife cold steel it’s gonna get nicked heavy use baby
I hate that they changed the grind on the AD10. I need the hollow ground version to come back ASAP!!!!
they should make both, hollow in satin. jus sayin....
How I see this is neither are great EDC options. I’d keep either in a bugout bag or for camping trip. Great comparison, keep it up!
I never leave home without my CS AD10 and trust the triad lock with my life.
which one would you pick for XL Hands? I love my AD10 but I'm pretty much filling the whole handle and i wanted to buy my bro one but his hands are larger than mine.He's 6'4" and 270lb and he has mitts not hands! Ha!Ha! I want him to have the AD10 but im worried it will be uncomfortable for his hands. Maybe Im just tripping and the AD10 will be perfect for him. Thanx!!!!
There is a bit more room on the ultimate hunter but the AD10 is a bit more hand filling maybe let him try yours and see hiw it feels
@@Kevinclearysharpstuff Awesome Idea!!! Thank you for the advice. I hope you have a great weekend with your loved ones!!
Ultimate hunters are $70 on Amazon. Are they discontinued?
What would be a difference between the locking action of the AD 10 versus the Recon 1, please? Would the Recon 1 be more similar to the Ultimate Hunter regarding this or not? I love my AD 10 and just returning the Ultimate Hunter because it's locking action is not as nice. Regards. Lajos
The recon 1 lock is not as easy to work as the AD10 but cold steels tend to vary a bit some are stiffer than others
I just sent an email to Blades Canada based on your recommendation, mentioning this recommendation to them. Hope they will respond. Thank you again. Lajos P.S. Vancouver is one of my absolute favored Canadian cities. I am a West Coast dweller too, but in San Diego
@@Kevinclearysharpstuff I just the same would like to have one of these. Presently own the wonderful AD 10 and have just ordered a 4 Max Scout. I will be interested to find out what and how big a difference is between the latest model Taiwanese 4 Max, (which I have returned after a few days) and the Scout. Regards. Lajos
I’ve been trying to hunt down a hollow ground AD-10. Really disappointing that they went with a flat grind on the newer runs
good luck I too wish they stayed with the hollow grind
All to do with cost cutting
Ad 10 is pretty good and performs real good.
Just got the ultimate hunter in s35vn orange. Too big for my edc but I love it
Have you ever noticed that since the UH got S35VN, it looks like it's not totally locked up at first glance? Just out of left field, but I swear, it looks like it's slightly bowed. I later found it was a stylistic choice since they changed the plunge grind slightly from XHP and the flat area behind the plunge is also slightly angled downward, but I have NEVER gotten used to it! Not just my example; *every last one of them*. But yet, since I ALSO have the hollow-ground AD-10, I use the UH all the time. It was jarring the first few times I used it, though.
What keeps me from buying an AD10 is its power to weight ratio. 3.5" blade @ 7oz vs EXL Voyager 5.5" @ 7.2oz. For its blade size its super chunky compared to the equally robust Lawman or UH with similar sized blades in the same premium steel / Triad lock.
Gotta love a big fat Demko 😁
@ablackprep why yes.. yes she did 😂
Thanks for this video
I'm pretty sure the liners on the ad-10 are stainless steel
7:26
100 bucks for an AD10?! Great deal, unless it gets seized at the border. Or, is there new policy in place at CBSA?
220 in Europe
Uh has that low low weight and if it came with the forward finger choil ground out id own it already. I have sold a bunch to other ppl though;)
Mark W check out the American Lawman by Cold Steel. It has the forward finger Choi’s and is light weight. It’s my favorite folder of all time that I’ve used as of now.
@@charlesburow8120 that ones great functional light...just no wow factor
otherwise solid:)
Mark W it may not have a wow factor looking at it, but when you hold it in your hand you FEEL that wow factor!
Saludos desde Tijuana BC México❗👍
I got my AD10 for $130 from BHQ!
they are listed at 190.00 now
I don't understand why the liners ! They got away from the damn liners on the recon 1 and then go back to them ! Why ? And like nick says the hardware is tiny ! Why ?
Because the original custom has full liners, and they were making a reproduction of the custom, if they didn't include the liners people would complain and say "Why doesn't it have liners, it isnt a true reproduction of the custom version just a cheap knock off"
Choose! I own the ultimate hunter and my American lawman beats all of them😡
When you start doing real work with your knife, you will change your mind about that. Ultimate Hunter's handle ergonomics are much better than American lawman. No contest really.
Shaman vs AD 10
ruclips.net/video/FFbqIKw4z4A/видео.html
"Jimples"
“No way, I’m not carrying 6.8 ounces?” What kind of weakling cannot carry 6.8 ounces? Considering that an AVERAGE EDC knife probably weighs around 3-4 ounces, who would even NOTICE an additional 3 ounces? If I needed or wanted a big knife, and sometimes I do, I would have an AD10. It is not too far down my list!
I think the boys just like the name "ultimate hunter" but clearly the UH is the cheaper version. AD10 is an awful name.
These two knives are the most uninspiring folders. Seriously overpriced. Typical of the demise of a once great brand COLD STEEL. Lynn Thompson made a name with the very well-made Tantos, Recon Scout, Peacekeeper push dagger featured in Platoon and the great modern Bowie "Trail Master" which is shown in the catalog $499 with rubber Kraton handle. Most of these knives that launched the brand are no longer in production or out of stock. Instead, Thompson cheapened the brand with novelty items of every sort and configuration from sword canes to knuckle dusters to tomahawks to spears and every other piece of junk that could be passed off to someone looking for a Hasbro collection of wannabee implements pretending to be survival or fighting tools. I'm sure he's made millions ... but not with my money.
Too bad you don't know what you are talking about. These are two great folders that uphold the Cold Steel tradition.
@@franksalem8580 ok ...if you like the design, that's cool, but I am entitled to my opinion, and I think the knives are about as ugly as a folder can be. I am not attacking you personally, therefore, no reason to go negative. And it is truly difficult to dispute that Cold Steel over the years went in a direction toward novelty crap compared to the very high quality knives that launched the brand.
I'm sorry. I could have been more tactful in my comment as you were. I don't believe these knives belong in the novelty crap category but many manufacturers are headed this way. I happen to think the Ultimate Hunter is an attractive design and the AD-10 is a typical design for Demko which I find appealing.
@@franksalem8580 Thanks for the reply, and clarification. I happen to like Wharncliffe and more modern lines. No problem. And, yes, these are certainly not novelty knives !