Cold Steel’s Legendary Tactical Folder Has Never Looked Stealthier or More Minimalist

The remarkably robust Demko-designed AD-10 gets a swanky handle and blade upgrade, plus a blacked-out colorway to match.

Cold Steel AD-10 Demko Blackout Limited Edition knife closeup

By Sean Tirman

Published March 31, 2025

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Cold Steel’s AD-10, based on an Andrew Demko custom, first came out in 2019. Equipped with the now-legendary Tri-Ad lock, this robust folder became an immediate hit with the tactical community and quickly solidified its place in the annals of EDC history.

The brand has now launched an extra-special, upgraded version called the Cold Steel AD-10 Demko Titanium Blackout Limited Edition. It’s never looked stealthier or more minimalist.

Cold Steel AD-10 Demko Blackout Limited Edition knife — The titanium handle swap makes this knife even stronger and lighter without sacrificing its iconic styling.

Slightly darker black

The standard version of the Cold Steel AD-10 was done up in a two-tone colorway. Its handle was black, but its blade, hardware, lock and more were all finished in silver or gray.

However, this new limited-edition release goes full stealth. Now, every part of it — even the spacers — is completely blacked out.

It’s the most minimalistic this knife has ever looked, and it really plays to its tactical history.

The only exception is the branding on the blade, which includes the Cold Steel and AD-10 logos, Demko’s signature, the blade steel, and the country of origin (Taiwan).

It’s the most minimalistic this knife has ever looked, and it really plays to its tactical history. For those who know everything looks better in black, this knife is for you.

Cold Steel AD-10 Demko Blackout Limited Edition knife closed — Despite the handle material swap, the beefy pocket clip and lanyard attachment point remain.

Tip-to-tail upgrades

While the blacked-out finish helps set this version of the AD-10 apart — and might be enough for some — it does have some other pretty noteworthy upgrades.

For instance, the blade — usually S25VN steel — gets swapped for higher-end, tougher 3V steel. It’s still 3.5 inches with thumb studs, wide jimping (which extends to the handle) and the typical drop-point shape.

While the blacked-out finish helps set this version of the AD-10 apart — and might be enough for some — it does have some other pretty noteworthy upgrades.

The handle has also seen a significant upgrade. Instead of the typical G10 material, this one is swapped for titanium, which is slightly heavier — bringing the knife up to 9.0 ounces from 6.9 — but much stronger and more durable.

Granted, those upgrades come with a fairly significant price hike, but there’s no denying their significance.

Cold Steel AD-10 Demko Blackout Limited Edition knife in hand — At 8.75 inches, the AD-10 is as beefy as ever, a boon for lovers of this long-time tactical staple.

Pricing and availability

The Cold Steel AD-10 Demko Titanium Blackout Limited Edition is available on the brand’s site for $400. However, it’s limited to just 1,000 examples, and once they’re gone, they’re gone for good.