Para 3 or AD20.5 ?

[Maximumbob54]

One downside to the AD 20.5 versus the Para 3... it is thick behind the edge. So, if you want a very slicey blade, you may not like the Demko. IMO, they are way more durable, but they do not slice like a Para 3.

Cannot stress the above quote enough. BUT... I have recently reground the edge quite a bit on one of my 20.5 sharkfoot models and while it's not "slicey" like any Para, it's much better than the factory edge angle. I like it enough but I may go a bit further.

I don't have a USA made but I went a little nuts with the 20.5 models. I find the quality on them quite high with the only complaint being an echo often said about how it's better if you gently round the corners on the Shark lock. Fresh from the factory they are super sharp edges that can be a bit rough on your finger and your pocket. The only thing I feel the need to "upgrade" is swapping to a Lnych clip for deep pocket carry. And that's the worst I can say about them.

What I do like is of course the Sharklock, they are fairly thin and easy to carry, the variety of steels, and the general feel in hand which is of course subjective. You can stay low enough cost with AUS10A or D2 or they have options of powder steels like 3V, 20CV, and S35VN. My current favorite is my S35VN with black G10 but I seem to carry my D2 with orange grivory more often.

 

[kda89508]

The craftsmanship is very good on the 20.5 and if you get a G10 handle version the steels are upgraded. If you want to spend a little more you can get the AD20S that is put together in Demko’s shop right here in the USA. They also come in a wide variety of blade steels, handles, ect.

 

[nikshichu]

The craftsmanship is very good on the 20.5 and if you get a G10 handle version the steels are upgraded. If you want to spend a little more you can get the AD20S that is put together in Demko’s shop right here in the USA. They also come in a wide variety of blade steels, handles, ect.

Yeah good luck with that they're always out of stock, and they're selling for crazy prices on ebay

 

[kda89508]

You can find them here on the forums no problem. They show up all the time and at good prices

 

[nikshichu]

Cannot stress the above quote enough. BUT... I have recently reground the edge quite a bit on one of my 20.5 sharkfoot models and while it's not "slicey" like any Para, it's much better than the factory edge angle. I like it enough but I may go a bit further.

I don't have a USA made but I went a little nuts with the 20.5 models. I find the quality on them quite high with the only complaint being an echo often said about how it's better if you gently round the corners on the Shark lock. Fresh from the factory they are super sharp edges that can be a bit rough on your finger and your pocket. The only thing I feel the need to "upgrade" is swapping to a Lnych clip for deep pocket carry. And that's the worst I can say about them.

What I do like is of course the Sharklock, they are fairly thin and easy to carry, the variety of steels, and the general feel in hand which is of course subjective. You can stay low enough cost with AUS10A or D2 or they have options of powder steels like 3V, 20CV, and S35VN. My current favorite is my S35VN with black G10 but I seem to carry my D2 with orange grivory more often.

3v tanto is what I'll get if I decide to get the ad20.5. I already own a sebenza drop point in magnacut, which is a better steel than s35vn.

 

[nikshichu]

You can find them here on the forums no problem. They show up all the time and at good prices

No kidding? The original AD20 is a large knife, and I have a fixed blade for that matter but man if I see an AD20 at a good price..

 

[nikshichu]

Cannot stress the above quote enough. BUT... I have recently reground the edge quite a bit on one of my 20.5 sharkfoot models and while it's not "slicey" like any Para, it's much better than the factory edge angle. I like it enough but I may go a bit further.

I don't have a USA made but I went a little nuts with the 20.5 models. I find the quality on them quite high with the only complaint being an echo often said about how it's better if you gently round the corners on the Shark lock. Fresh from the factory they are super sharp edges that can be a bit rough on your finger and your pocket. The only thing I feel the need to "upgrade" is swapping to a Lnych clip for deep pocket carry. And that's the worst I can say about them.

What I do like is of course the Sharklock, they are fairly thin and easy to carry, the variety of steels, and the general feel in hand which is of course subjective. You can stay low enough cost with AUS10A or D2 or they have options of powder steels like 3V, 20CV, and S35VN. My current favorite is my S35VN with black G10 but I seem to carry my D2 with orange grivory more often.

I have the bugout mini, which is a great slicer, but the para 3 is overall a better knife. If I end up selling the bugout I'll get both the para and the ad20.5

 

[kda89508]

No kidding? The original AD20 is a large knife, and I have a fixed blade for that matter but man if I see an AD20 at a good price..

Yes. I have seen AD 20S for around $300 to $350 and AD20 for in the $400 area. You just have to keep checking often but the deals are there. I got both of my 20.5’s on the forums at a really good deal.

 

[Knives&Lint]

I have the bugout mini, which is a great slicer, but the para 3 is overall a better knife. If I end up selling the bugout I'll get both the para and the ad20.5

That's funny you say that, because that's what I was thinking of suggesting that the whole time, but I didn't wanna be the guy offering unsolicited advice about your collection rather than answering the question.

As for me, I really like them both. No discernable quality difference that I can note (Spyderco does make many of their high end models in Taiwan after all). I tend to carry the 20.5 more than the Para, but the Para3LW more than either


Oh and, some pics of mine, just because

 

[nikshichu]

Lol I didn't wanna say that too because I like Benchmade, they make some of the finest knives, and I like the bugout, but bugout vs para 3.. easy choice for me Btw these pics are beautiful I like your choice of color for the scales and the lanyards. The backgrounds too well done!!

 

[The True North]

PM3 is better at being a knife.

 

[nikshichu]

PM3 is better at being a knife.

For an edc knife if I may add. Because honestly I don't think I'm going to need a 3v tanto blade for my general everyday purposes... but that's not why I buy knives most of my knives I haven't used not once

 

[The True North]

For an edc knife if I may add. Because honestly I don't think I'm going to need a 3v tanto blade for my general everyday purposes... but that's not why I buy knives most of my knives I haven't used not once

To each their own.

 

[nikshichu]

To each their own.

haha right

 

[Maximumbob54]

The trio I was yapping about earlier:

Left, G10 S35VN
Center, Grivory D2
Right, Grivory D2

Again, I laid the edge back a bit on the sharkfoot and now the only things it struggles to slice is an apple or raw potato. Not really struggles, more like sharply wedges through. But next time I'll put it on a guided rod instead of on the Tormek. I love G10 so I wish I could say it feels so much better but the grivory isn't bad at all.

If you praise the slice above all else then absolutely the Para3 wins.

If you crave that overbuilt Demko sharpened prybar folder knife life then the AD20.5 wins.

If you buy both then you win.

If you buy several of each then your wallet loses...

 

[nikshichu]

The trio I was yapping about earlier:

Left, G10 S35VN
Center, Grivory D2
Right, Grivory D2

Again, I laid the edge back a bit on the sharkfoot and now the only things it struggles to slice is an apple or raw potato. Not really struggles, more like sharply wedges through. But next time I'll put it on a guided rod instead of on the Tormek. I love G10 so I wish I could say it feels so much better but the grivory isn't bad at all.

If you praise the slice above all else then absolutely the Para3 wins.

If you crave that overbuilt Demko sharpened prybar folder knife life then the AD20.5 wins.

If you buy both then you win.

If you buy several of each then your wallet loses...

A sharpened pry bar is a great explanation . I try to keep my wallet from losing, so I don't buy all the knives at once.. I know I'll end up having both the para and the demko someday..

 

[Hackenslash]

I can’t believe that I’m the only fan of the Demko Shark Cub. The full Ti version is a great knife and comes in all three blade shapes.

 

[johnnytoxin]

I’m a big fan of the USA made mg AD20’s but not so much of the Taiwan made 20.5. The fit and finish is very good, however Taiwan can’t seem to get the lock right. The 3 that passed through my hands all had a bit of up and down play that’s not there on the USA made knives.

 

[nikshichu]

I can’t believe that I’m the only fan of the Demko Shark Cub. The full Ti version is a great knife and comes in all three blade shapes.

I see plenty of Demko fans on this thread alone

 

[nikshichu]

I’m a big fan of the USA made mg AD20’s but not so much of the Taiwan made 20.5. The fit and finish is very good, however Taiwan can’t seem to get the lock right. The 3 that passed through my hands all had a bit of up and down play that’s not there on the USA made knives.

idk man, I don't own neither, and I haven't held neither.. Some people on this thread say the ad20.5 is pretty similar to the ad20. On the other hand, I know I'll love the para 3 since I owned 4 of them..