Demko Knives AD 20.5 Shark Cub Review: A Smaller Blade, Not a Smaller Knife

Introduction

The Demko Knives AD 20.5 Shark Cub is a smaller version of the popular AD 20.5 folder. This particular version from DLT Trading comes with smooth titanium scales and a 20CV steel blade. The idea behind the Shark Cub is simple: take everything that makes the full-size AD 20.5 appealing and shrink it down into a more pocket-friendly package.

In practice, the Shark Cub delivers a shorter blade, but the handle remains nearly the same size as the full-size version. That makes this an interesting knife for anyone who wants the shark lock mechanism in a legal blade length, but it may not be the compact carry that some buyers expect.

Size and First Impressions

The most surprising thing about the Shark Cub is how it compares in size to the full-size AD 20.5. When placed side by side, the handles are nearly identical in length. The blade is noticeably shorter, but the overall footprint of the knife is not meaningfully different.

Compared to other popular folding knives, the Shark Cub sits in a similar size range to the Spyderco Delica, though the Delica actually has a slightly longer blade. Against the Ontario Rat 2, the Shark Cub is a little wider and about the same handle length. It is clearly a smaller knife than the full-size AD 20.5, but only in blade length, not in handle size.

For anyone expecting a genuinely compact knife, this can come as a surprise. The handle takes up about the same space in the pocket as the full-size version, which somewhat defeats the purpose of a smaller model.

The Shark Lock Mechanism

The shark lock is the defining feature of the Demko Knives AD 20.5 line, and the Shark Cub uses the same mechanism. The lock works by a spring-loaded bar that sits on top of the blade when open, preventing it from rotating closed. Pulling the bar back releases the blade and allows the knife to close.

The lock is solid and functions well with no complaints. The tension is provided by a spring that must be forced back to open the knife. It is a good design that feels secure in hand.

One thing to note is that the edges of the shark lock bar are very sharp out of the box. The machining process leaves sharp 90-degree corners that can catch on pocket contents. Many owners will want to take the knife apart and round these edges with an abrasive stone or file. This is a minor issue, but it is worth knowing before carrying the knife.

Disassembly and Maintenance

Taking the Shark Cub apart is straightforward, though the spring can be tricky to handle. The knife uses a T6 screw on the pivot, and the internal components include a bearing, washers, a stop pin, and the spring for the shark lock.

The pivot has a D-shaped hole that aligns with a D-shaped pivot barrel, which prevents the pivot from free-spinning. This is a nice touch, especially since there is no tool access on the front of the pivot.

When reassembling, it is important to align the D-shaped pivot correctly. The spring should be installed with minimal tension, ideally with the blade in the open position. A small amount of lubrication on the lock bar contact surface helps the action feel smoother.

The knife is made in Taiwan, which is clearly marked on the blade. The handle also features the Demko Knives makers mark from Wampum, Pennsylvania. This is a brand tradition from the custom shop days, though it can feel slightly odd on an overseas-made knife.

Blade and Steel

The Shark Cub is available with a shock foot blade shape, which is a different profile from the conventional clip point found on the full-size AD 20.5. The blade is made from 20CV steel, which is a well-regarded steel for edge retention and corrosion resistance.

The shock foot blade is shorter than the full-size version, coming in at just over 3 inches. This makes it legal in areas with a 2.75-inch blade length limit, which is one of the main reasons to consider this knife.

The blade thickness is good, and the knife feels solid in hand. The shock foot shape does leave some wasted space in the handle when closed, which contributes to the larger-than-expected footprint.

One preference noted is that a thumb stud version would be easier to deploy. The opening hole works fine and the knife flicks open without issue, but a thumb stud would be a genuine improvement, especially on a smaller blade.

Price and Value

The Shark Cub is a $250 knife. For that price, you get full titanium scales, 20CV steel, and the shark lock mechanism. The price is reasonable for a full titanium knife made in Taiwan with good action and design.

The main value question is whether the smaller blade justifies the nearly identical handle size. For buyers with a legal blade length limit, the Shark Cub is a great option. For everyone else, the full-size AD 20.5 offers more blade for about the same amount of handle.

Final Thoughts

The Demko Knives AD 20.5 Shark Cub is a well-made knife with a great lock, good steel, and solid construction. It is not, however, a meaningfully smaller knife than the full-size AD 20.5. The handle is nearly the same size, and the only real difference is the shorter blade.

If you have a hard blade length limit of 2.75 inches, the Shark Cub is an excellent choice. It gives you the shark lock in a legal package. If you do not have that constraint, the full-size AD 20.5 is the better value, offering more blade and a thumb stud for about the same carry footprint.

The Shark Cub is a fine knife, but it is best suited for a specific niche. For most buyers, the full-size version makes more sense.