Demko Textured Titanium 20.5’s…Knifecenter Exclusive

Boss Hogg said:
Hi there.
So, I’ve got my Skiffs in hand, and I’m about to install them, but I have a question. This is for you, but also for anyone with experience.

I’ve been reading that some people lube these, while others think that they run better dry. Any thoughts? Thanks…
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I did add a tiny drop of tuff glide on opposite sides of the bearings but tuff glide tends to dry out fairly quickly and leaves a film or coating. Which is what I wanted. Technically it's dry.
Action was no different from what I can tell and seems the same to me since I swapped them out weeks ago.
I definitely would not use anything heavier as that may gunk them up.
Also I installed the open cage side facing the blade and shorter bearing side on the handle, not sure if that matters but seemed the action was better that way.
 
G3 said:
I did add a tiny drop of tuff glide on opposite sides of the bearings but tuff glide tends to dry out fairly quickly and leaves a film or coating. Which is what I wanted. Technically it's dry.
Action was no different from what I can tell and seems the same to me since I swapped them out weeks ago.
I definitely would not use anything heavier as that may gunk them up.
Also I installed the open cage side facing the blade and shorter bearing side on the handle, not sure if that matters but seemed the action was better that way.
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UPDATE:

So I got delayed until today with installing the Skiffs on the smooth ti sharks foot. I cleaned the knife with alcohol, added one drop of KPL on each bearing and the pivot, and reassembled.

At first, I didn’t notice a difference…but then I tuned in the pivot, and it is noticeably smoother now. It’s hard to describe because the knife is already so smooth. But it seems to glide better now, and requires almost no force whatsoever to open or close the knife. I don’t think that the KPL is necessary, but I only put 3 tiny drops on the whole knife, so I figured it couldn’t hurt anything.

I’m likely going to replace all of my daily carry 20.5s with these now. I must say that disassembling and reassembling this knife was extremely easy. I just removed the clip side and left the lock and spring in place while changing the bearings. It took less than 10 minutes, and most of that was cleaning it and dialing in the pivot.

One note is that the larger pivot knives have the pivot screw on the opposite side as the smaller pivot variants. I might do a Grivory knife next to see how the dis/assembly process differs.
 
A few more UPDATES:

DLT Trading is now carrying the Ti 20.5, but they’ve already sold out of the textured models. For those that want a smooth Ti version, they have both the clip point and sharks foot in stock:

www.dlttrading.com

Demko AD20.5 3V - Slotted Clip Point - Smooth Titanium

Shop over 20,000 knives from Bark River, Spyderco, Microtech, Benchmade, and more. Hard-to-find knives, DLT-exclusive deals, and custom knife engraving.
www.dlttrading.com www.dlttrading.com

www.dlttrading.com

Demko AD20.5 3V - Slotted Shark Foot - Smooth Titanium

Shop over 20,000 knives from Bark River, Spyderco, Microtech, Benchmade, and more. Hard-to-find knives, DLT-exclusive deals, and custom knife engraving.
www.dlttrading.com www.dlttrading.com

Also, Knifecenter is now carrying aftermarket Ti scales and back-spacer:


…as well as a full Ti hardware kit:


These scales and pivot from the hardware kit will only work on the small pivot variants (Grivory). They are made in China, and I have no idea about their quality, but the few reviews about them claim that they fit well. I may get some, along with the Demko Ti standoffs, and convert one of my Grivory models.
 
UPDATE:

I thought that I’d try out some Lynch clips on the 20.5s. I got a stonewashed and sandwashed clip for starters. While I’m not generally someone that cares if my knife is concealed or not, I do like how these clips look and function on the 20.5s. Here’s a stonewash on a smooth Ti…not a perfect match to the scales, but I dig it:

EA986-FF9-46-B9-48-A8-8226-8-EC94-FA96129.jpg

72-A0-A5-EC-5-BF9-4-B41-AB68-B2-DDC7-CD69-E6.jpg
 
I ordered a CF sharks foot. I thought the shipping was free, but the drop down menu for shipping did not have a "free" option. I am a big fan of CF and a Wharncliffe blade and it was pretty close to that blade shape.
 
jjg6319 said:
I ordered a CF sharks foot. I thought the shipping was free, but the drop down menu for shipping did not have a "free" option. I am a big fan of CF and a Wharncliffe blade and it was pretty close to that blade shape.
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I love the CF 20.5…maybe the best EDC knife out there. The sharks foot is great - you get most of then benefits of a Wharncliffe, but I find the slight upsweep very useful.

It should have been free shipping, unless you had something big and heavy (like a large fixed blade) in the cart as well. Sometimes Knifecenter needs to have its website refreshed, or you might have to log out and back in again.

You might write them an email and ask what happened. If it was an error, they’ll likely credit you back the shipping costs.
 
Boss Hogg said:
I love the CF 20.5…maybe the best EDC knife out there. The sharks foot is great - you get most of then benefits of a Wharncliffe, but I find the slight upsweep very useful.

It should have been free shipping, unless you had something big and heavy (like a large fixed blade) in the cart as well. Sometimes Knifecenter needs to have its website refreshed, or you might have to log out and back in again.

You might write them an email and ask what happened. If it was an error, they’ll likely credit you back the shipping costs.
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I did email Knifecenter and they said they would credit me. I am anxious to get the knife and try it out. I have been seeing good reviews on this and other models they make. I have some Hinderers and might end up getting the titanium version as well but it is almost as much as the Hinderer.
 
When I saw the video from Nick Shabazz I noticed that Demko has a metal washer the bearings ride on rather than the titanium scale. That is a nice attention to detail that you don't see on a Hinderer. This will eliminate the bearings wearing a grove in the titanium scale. I am not sure of any other manufacturer that does that.
 
jjg6319 said:
When I saw the video from Nick Shabazz I noticed that Demko has a metal washer the bearings ride on rather than the titanium scale. That is a nice attention to detail that you don't see on a Hinderer. This will eliminate the bearings wearing a grove in the titanium scale. I am not sure of any other manufacturer that does that.
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I recently took apart one of my Grivory models, and it does not have the metal washers, like my titaniums do. Just pointing this out.
 
The Grivory models have stainless steel liners so the ball bearings are riding on steel. Titanium is known to gall so washers are probably a good idea. If using ceramic bearings I imagine it would be even worse to use without steel washers.


PS I am talking about the Demko titanium models that do not have steel liners. They are linerless titanium and have steel washers.
 
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greater said:
The Grivory models have stainless steel liners so the ball bearings are riding on steel. Titanium is known to gall so washers are probably a good idea. If using ceramic bearings I imagine it would be even worse to use without steel washers.
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I’ll see if you’re right about that pretty soon…Here’s a post of mine about using aftermarket titanium scales and hardware to mod a Grivory 20.5:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads...ge-scales-and-hardware.1892993/#post-21488658
 
I got the CF sharks foot blade yesterday and it is a well made knife. It reminds me of the quality you see on a Spyderco Taiwan made knife. I am curious if it is from the same maker in Taiwan? The blade was really sharp and I thought all of the features were good. The plastic case it comes in was kind of a surprise. I have gotten small tools in a slip fit plastic case before but not a knife.

I was thinking of getting the textured titanium model with the same blade shape. I noticed some of the comments in this thread about the price for the knife. I have a spyderco swayback and was doing a quick comparison. I realize the knife styles are significantly different. They both are from Taiwan with titanium scales. The swayback has a blade that is 0.139" thick and CTS XHP. The Demko is 3V and 0.125" thick blade. The price for the Swayback is $313 versus $375 for the Demko. Used the swaybacks are around $200. Maybe this is not the best comparison, but I kind of understand the comments on the price about the Demko. The Demko does have the shark lock so there is that difference.

I will probably still get the Demko at some point. I think I am also going to add the skiff bearings to the carbon fiber model. I am not sure it needs it, but I would like to see if there is an improvement.
 
jjg6319 said:
I got the CF sharks foot blade yesterday and it is a well made knife. It reminds me of the quality you see on a Spyderco Taiwan made knife. I am curious if it is from the same maker in Taiwan? The blade was really sharp and I thought all of the features were good. The plastic case it comes in was kind of a surprise. I have gotten small tools in a slip fit plastic case before but not a knife.

I was thinking of getting the textured titanium model with the same blade shape. I noticed some of the comments in this thread about the price for the knife. I have a spyderco swayback and was doing a quick comparison. I realize the knife styles are significantly different. They both are from Taiwan with titanium scales. The swayback has a blade that is 0.139" thick and CTS XHP. The Demko is 3V and 0.125" thick blade. The price for the Swayback is $313 versus $375 for the Demko. Used the swaybacks are around $200. Maybe this is not the best comparison, but I kind of understand the comments on the price about the Demko. The Demko does have the shark lock so there is that difference.

I will probably still get the Demko at some point. I think I am also going to add the skiff bearings to the carbon fiber model. I am not sure it needs it, but I would like to see if there is an improvement.
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I can’t find information as to where they’re made, but I’d guess that they’re using one of the factories that Cold Steel uses, based on Andrew’s connection with CS. That said, I do agree that the quality is comparable to higher end Taiwanese Spydercos, so it is certainly possible that they’re made in the same factory.

The Skiff bearings will make a noticiable difference, but the knives already are so smooth, it’s probably not as great of a difference as with some other knives. But it’s totally worth the price. Also, these knives are very easy to work on - just don’t let the spring go flying (it might be worth buying a $5, 3 pack of them from Knifecenter).

The CF that you have is a really nice knife. I can’t say whether I prefer my CF or titanium models…I think they’re equally nice. I feel the same about the blade shape - I like them both equally.

As far as price is concerned, yes they’re higher than they could be. It’s all about their popularity in this case, but it would be nice if all of the models came down in the future. I don’t think that you’ll regret spending $400 on the textured Ti model, but it really is closer to a $250-$300 knife imo.
 
B Boss Hogg : I find at times the CF can be a little slippery and easy to drop. I really do like the shark lock as I think it is very durable and they claim it holds up to a certain torque. They are probably using the same test that CS does in some of their videos if I am thinking of the right company.

I thought the textured Ti would help in that regard. Thanks for the advice and comments on the knives!!
 
jjg6319 said:
B Boss Hogg : I find at times the CF can be a little slippery and easy to drop. I really do like the shark lock as I think it is very durable and they claim it holds up to a certain torque. They are probably using the same test that CS does in some of their videos if I am thinking of the right company.

I thought the textured Ti would help in that regard. Thanks for the advice and comments on the knives!!
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Yes, it is more grippy than the carbon fiber, especially if you are prone to sweaty/damp conditions. I haven’t personally had any issues with the cf, but it would certainly be an issue if I felt like I was going to drop the knife.

There are also aftermarket Ti scales for the 20.5 by several makers. I have only tried the Berkshire Forge brand (smooth titanium), and they fit well, but the Demko titanium scales are definitely nicer.
 
I was hoping to get some spare scale screws as I have not had good luck with Tiawan hardware in the past. The only option I have seen is the hardware from Berkshire Forge and didn't really want to buy the whole set for a couple screws. Have you found any other sources for just some spare scale screws?
 
jjg6319 said:
I was hoping to get some spare scale screws as I have not had good luck with Tiawan hardware in the past. The only option I have seen is the hardware from Berkshire Forge and didn't really want to buy the whole set for a couple screws. Have you found any other sources for just some spare scale screws?
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No, not for just the screws, especially titanium. I’m sure that they exist, but I don’t know how to find them.

Also, in the Berkshire kit, all six screws are the same length, so it’s not easy to make 2 of them work for a pocket clip. I ended up using the original screws for the clip, as well as the original pivot.

Here’s a thread about my experience with the Berkshire Forge stuff that almost nobody viewed:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads...ge-scales-and-hardware.1892993/#post-21488658
 
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I picked up the Ti textured shark's foot and just got it. It is really a nice knife. I always wanted to get a Ti Hinderer scale but it never worked out. The Demko should fit that bill even though it is thinner. I also got some Skiff bearings but have not installed them yet. Maybe this weekend I will get a chance.
 
jjg6319 said:
FYI - Skiff Bearings are back in stock for the AD20.5 at Skiff.
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Are they hard to take apart? I have an Aus-10 version, and IMO it’s already pretty smooth, but I’ve been wanting to mod some of my knives a little bit lately.
 
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