By Luke Causey

In the scheme of all the things I never thought would happen as a knife writer, being sent a relatively expensive, limited edition folding knife with instructions from the manufacturer to “use it” was not on my 2025 bingo card. Yet that’s exactly what happened and a short time later I found myself carrying around the Cold Steel AD-10 Limited Edition Blackout, and using the heck out of it. Let’s see how that shook out.

The Cold Steel AD-10 Limited Edition Blackout is exactly what it sounds like. Production is limited to 1,000 pieces. The size specs match the normal production AD-10 knives, but the materials and finish have been upgraded. It comes packaged in a very nice presentation box, with both left- and right-hand pocket clips. The handles are titanium, and the blade steel is 3V. The entire knife has a black matte finish, and the lock-bar is serialized. Mine’s #0754.

The AD-10 Blackout is a beast of a knife. If brute strength and badassery are what you’re after, the AD-10 Blackout delivers. The normal AD-10 weighs in at 6.8oz with S35VN steel. The Blackout edition is 9oz and has been upgraded to CPM-3V steel, which is rapidly becoming my favorite carbon steel. CPM-3V is a powder metallurgy steel originally designed for tool and die’s and is extremely tough. It offers high wear resistance and edge retention while still being relatively easy to sharpen. I’ve found that Cold Steel’s 3V responds very well to a ceramic rod.

The drop-point blade is 3.5” long and locks up with Cold Steel’s Tri-Ad lock. The Tri-Ad Lock is the evolution of the lockback design, using a stop bar for the back of the blade and some witchcraft in the lockup specifications.

In use, this stop bar takes all the pressure applied to the blade, making it possible for the lock bar to do it’s job, dropping into place with a very positive ‘click’. As a point of interest, some independent testing has determined that the AD-10 is the “Strongest Folding Knife on Earth”. Here's a video about it if you’re so inclined.

The titanium handles are smooth, but not in a ‘polished’ sort of way. With the matte finish, I did not find them slippery, even when they were covered in critter-blood. The handle shape is very ergonomic. On the range wearing gloves, manipulating the AD-10 Blackout for opening and closing was very secure. The knife comes with two pocket clips that the user can set up for right or left side tip-up carry. There’s also a lanyard hole on the handle spacer, which is extended a bit and slightly pointed for bopping things that may need it.

I’ve toted this knife for over two months now as my main work and outdoors folder. It’s been on six overnighters in the woods, multiple small and big-game hunts, and built plenty of fires. I also carried it as my exclusive knife through two sniper schools; one as a student in an advanced school, and one as an instructor. Food prep, fire prep and the cutting chores on the range were all handled by the AD-10 Blackout.

I’ve cleaned a couple dozen squirrels and fish with it as well. It has been caked in blood, slime, and grit numerous times. I’ve never experienced a failure to lock-up properly, and the pivot was never bothered by the gunk. Additionally, it’s been washed in the sink with warm soapy water a few times a week. This is critical for me in a user knife; the bushings in the pivot and the Tri-Ad lock clean up easily.

For general woods use, I found the AD-10 Blackout very comfortable. I have wide hands, and the handle fits me well. There are no hotspots, either, and the clip is unobtrusive enough to not be a bother. The blade stock is 0.15” thick, and about 1 3/8” high, from edge to spine. The high saber grind makes the edge thin enough for wood processing chores. As a bushcraft test, I timed myself doing the ‘hat full of curls’ with some dead aspen. From start to finish, it took me 3 minutes and 22 seconds to produce more than enough curls to fill a hat and start a fire. With good technique, and not moving so quickly as to risk an injury, this is on par from what I see from most folders.

The AD-10 Blackout is a really good, heavy use folder. It’s strong enough to do anything you’ll need a folder to do, and quite frankly, it’s stronger than a lot of fixed blades out there. The steel, handle, and lock are exceptional. I’d be perfectly comfortable pairing this with an axe and having all the bases covered. It comes in about $249 (retail), and is currently limited to only a few retailers.

If you’re in the market for an upgraded version of the AD-10, then the Blackout edition is worth the investment. If the itch needs scratching, but the funds won’t reach, check out the versions of the regular production AD-10 for about $100 cheaper. They all have the same features with just differences in materials and are available in several different colorways. Either way you go, the AD-10 is built for whatever task you throw at it. Check them out at www.coldsteel.com and many of the online knife retailers.

Specifications:

• Weight: 9oz
• Blade Length: 3.5”
• Closed Length: 5.25”
• Blade Steel: CPM3V
• Blade Thickness: 0.15”
• Handle Material: Titanium
• Locking Type: Tri-Ad
• MSRP: $399 (about $249 retail)