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Andrew Demko
Published: November 20th, 2024
Demko’s fascination with knives began early, rooted in a childhood filled with the freedom to explore his interests in weapons and bladed tools. Growing up in a household that owned a martial arts school, Demko was exposed to martial arts disciplines like iaido, kendo, and jujitsu, which introduced him to the precision and care required in handling weapons. At only three years old, he carried pocket knives, and his childhood was filled with visits to flea markets, where he eagerly purchased inexpensive knives and ninja gear. This fascination was more than simple admiration; it led Demko to develop a thorough understanding of weapon functionality and a respect for their design and application.
Demko’s technical education began in his seventh-grade metal shop, where he had his first experience with forging and heat-treating steel. For a class project, he forged a chisel out of 01 tool steel, a project that introduced him to the principles of heating, shaping, and tempering steel, skills that closely paralleled knife-making. The project required students to forge the steel to shape, rough-grind it, heat it to a “cherry red” temperature, quench it in oil, and then temper it, making the steel both hard and resilient. This hands-on crash course revealed the possibilities of steel manipulation and ignited Demko's ambition to forge more complex items, including swords and, eventually, knives.
During high school, Demko’s early projects were forged using makeshift equipment, including a grinder he built from a washing machine motor and pulleys. Lacking the resources available to knife makers today, he relied on ingenuity, sourcing raw steel and improvised tools, as specialized knife-making equipment was scarce in the 1990s. Yet, through this trial-and-error approach, Demko refined his skills and developed a distinct style that would later set his knives apart.
In the mid-90s, Demko attended his first Blade Show, a pivotal event where he connected with RW Wilson, a seasoned knife maker known for his tomahawks featured in films like Jeremiah Johnson. Wilson became a mentor to Demko, providing valuable guidance on crafting custom knives. This mentorship allowed Demko to elevate his craft, transitioning from a passionate hobbyist to a respected custom knife maker. By 1995, Demko was displaying his knives at the Blade Show, honing his reputation and gaining exposure in the knife-making community.
1. The blade is countoured around the stop pin to improve wear resistance by distributing impact
2. Extra space allows the rocker to settle deeper over time, accomodating wear
3. The lock and tang fit flush with a slight angle to secure the lock under pressure
4. The rocker pin hole has clearance for
self-adjustment
While working with Cold Steel, Demko continued to pursue his passion for unique locking mechanisms. His designs during this period, including the AD-10 and AD-15, introduced the knife community to new levels of durability and user control. The AD-15, in particular, showcased Demko’s Scorpion Lock, which allowed for enhanced handle ergonomics and strength. This lock was one of several designs that reflected Demko’s philosophy: to create folding knives that offer the strength and reliability of fixed blades, giving users a greater range of performance in a compact form.
As Cold Steel became more mainstream, Demko’s focus shifted toward creating knives under his brand, Demko Knives. When GSM Outdoors acquired Cold Steel in 2020, Demko seized the opportunity to go independent, focusing on expanding his design repertoire and establishing his brand identity. The launch of his first production knife in 2021, the AD-20.5, featuring the now-iconic Shark Lock, marked a new chapter for Demko Knives. The Shark Lock, designed for high strength and rapid deployment, catapulted Demko Knives into a wider market, appealing to both collectors and practical users. The lock’s ingenuity lies in its simplicity and strength, offering a lock-up comparable to the Tri-Ad Lock but in a more compact and accessible format.
The AD-20.5’s success highlighted Demko’s commitment to providing options for knife enthusiasts at varying price points. Manufactured in Taiwan, this model retained Demko’s high standards while offering affordability. With this model, Demko balanced accessibility with quality, using premium materials like AUS-10A steel and CPM 20V steel with G10 and Grivory handles.
- After Cold Steel was acquired by GSM Outdoors in 2020, Demko seized the opportunity to go independent
- Demko released his first production knife, the AD-20.5 (pictured above) in 2021
Demko’s approach to knife design is unique; he doesn’t just design for aesthetics but for performance, durability, and user experience. His blades undergo rigorous testing, including stress and impact tests, to ensure they can withstand demanding tasks. Recognizing the varying needs of his customer base, Demko introduced more budget-friendly options, such as the Shark Cub, a compact, durable knife featuring the Shark Lock. This offers the same functionality as his higher-end models but at a more accessible price point.
Fixed blades are another area where Demko’s expertise shines, with models like the Demko Free Rein standing out for their utility and toughness. With its AUS-10A and upcoming, high-performance MagnaCut option, the Free Rein is designed to handle rugged outdoor tasks, from trail clearing to firewood preparation. Its Santoprene grip offers a comfortable, non-slip hold, even in wet conditions, while the robust blade shape combines the slicing capability of a cleaver with the control of a camp knife.
- Recognizing the needs of his customers, Demko released the Shark Cub (pictured above), a more budget-friendly option in 2023
Demko’s commitment to innovation remains strong, with a focus on developing new locking mechanisms. Designing knife locks is notoriously complex, as the mechanism must not only lock securely but also withstand wear over time. His lock designs, such as the Tri-Ad, Scorpion, and Shark locks, have already set industry standards, and Demko continues to explore new concepts. While most locks in the industry perform basic functions, Demko’s locks are designed to elevate knife utility, prioritizing both strength and ease of use.
Andrew Demko’s work has transformed the knife industry. By focusing on lock strength and innovative design, he has redefined what a folding knife can do. His knives are more than tools; they represent a marriage of engineering and practical design, appealing to collectors, enthusiasts, and hard-use professionals alike.
Through Demko Knives, he has created a brand that prioritizes quality at every level, offering products that range from entry-level to high-end custom models. As he continues to design and test new concepts, Demko remains a vital figure in the knife industry, pushing the boundaries of what a folding knife can be and ensuring that his creations are accessible to a broad audience.
For Andrew Demko, knives are not just tools, they embody his lifelong pursuit of strength, utility, and innovation.
Written by Drew Clifton
What to Buy
The Demko Knives AD20.5 delivers craftsmanship and performance for dedicated knife users. This 7.5" overall length folder features a 3.0" CPM 20CV stainless steel clip-point blade with excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance, paired with a stonewashed finish that adds durability and reduces glare. Its Shark Lock mechanism provides secure, smooth lockup and effortless deployment using dual thumb studs or the distinctive "fin" on the spine. The handle, crafted from black carbon fiber with steel liners, balances lightweight strength with a comfortable ergonomic grip, suitable for extended use. With a 4.5" closed length, tip-up pocket clip, and ambidextrous design, the AD20.5 is built for reliable, everyday use.
The Demko Knives Shark Cub is a premium, compact EDC folding knife built for precision and durability. Featuring a 2.5" CPM 20CV stainless steel blade with a satin finish, this slicer offers excellent edge retention and corrosion resistance. The blade includes thumb jimping and a thumb hole for smooth, reliable deployment. The innovative Shark Lock, positioned on the spine, ensures secure lockup for safe use. Crafted with a black peel-ply G-10 handle, the Shark Cub is lightweight and provides a firm grip. Additional features include a deep-pocket ambidextrous clip for discreet carry, making this manual folder an ideal everyday companion.
The Demko Knives FreeReign is crafted for rugged use, featuring a 5.00" AUS-10A satin-finished drop point blade with a 4.625" cutting edge and 0.187" thickness, ideal for slicing and precise tasks alike. Full-tang construction provides durability for batoning and bushwhacking, while spine jimping offers secure grip control. Weighing 7.20 oz, this 9.875" knife has a comfortable, non-slip rubber handle in blue, measuring 4.875" for a secure hold in both left- and right-hand use. The Freereign includes a versatile sheath with a nylon core to prevent dulling, easy disassembly for cleaning, and polymer reinforcement for maximum longevity, making it a dependable fixed blade for every outdoor adventure.
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T.C. Barnette
T.C. Barnette is a dynamic media personality and the esteemed spokesperson for SMKW (Smoky Mountain Knife Works), where his passion for knives intersects with his captivating on-screen presence. With a magnetic charisma and deep expertise in cutlery, T.C. has become a beloved figure in the knife community.