Comparison Console
Cold Steel AD-15 vs Microtech MSI RAM-LOK
EDC Knives comparison. Compare price, weight, specifications, materials, and real-world use case.
Command Brief
Recommended read
Microtech MSI RAM-LOK stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 19% gap from the closest alternative. Cold Steel AD-15 stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 18% gap from the closest alternative.
Decision Signals
What stands out
Cold Steel AD-15 stands out as the cheapest option for retail price, with about a 18% gap from the closest alternative.
Microtech MSI RAM-LOK stands out as the most expensive option for retail price, with about a 21% gap from the closest alternative.
Microtech MSI RAM-LOK stands out as the lightest option for weight, with about a 19% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel AD-15 stands out as the heaviest option for weight, with about a 24% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel AD-15 stands out as the shortest option for blade length, with about a 10% gap from the closest alternative.
Microtech MSI RAM-LOK stands out as the longest option for blade length, with about a 11% gap from the closest alternative.
Cold Steel AD-15 stands out as the shortest option for overall length, with about a 5% gap from the closest alternative.
Microtech MSI RAM-LOK stands out as the longest option for overall length, with about a 5% gap from the closest alternative.
Specification Profile
Relative dimensions at a glance
Each axis is normalized against the largest raw value among the products in this comparison. Farther outward means a larger value, not necessarily a better result. Axes with an unverified value are omitted.
Price & carry
Retail price
US$160Cheapest
US$194Most expensive
Weight
176 g (6.21 oz)Heaviest
142 g (5.01 oz)Lightest
Dimensions
Blade length
89 mm (3.50 in)Shortest
98.55 mm (3.88 in)Longest
Overall length
216 mm (8.50 in)Shortest
226.7 mm (8.93 in)Longest
Closed length
127 mm (5.00 in)
Unknown
Blade thickness
3.8 mm (0.15 in)Thinnest
4.06 mm (0.16 in)Thickest
Materials & mechanism
Blade steel
CPM-S35VN (original AD-15) or AUS 10A (AD-15 Lite)
Bohler M390MK
Handle material
Black G-10 (original) or black injection-molded Griv-Ex (AD-15 Lite)
Polymer or aluminum depending on model
Finish
Satin (AD-15 Lite) or unspecified (original)
Stonewash, Apocalyptic, Two-Tone, or Cerakote (varies by model)
Lock type
Scorpion Lock (pin-reinforced back lock)
RAM-LOK bar lock
Opening method
Manual, ambidextrous thumb studs
Manual
Clip type
Stainless steel pocket clip
Reversible Pocket Clip
Use case profile
Best for
EDCTactical useHunting
Everyday carryHeavy-duty useHard-use tasksUsers wanting robust and reliable lock
Not best for
Unknown
Unknown
Common praise
Strong and secure Scorpion Lock mechanismDurable blade steels (CPM-S35VN or AUS 10A)Comfortable and sturdy handle materialsGood balance of portability and strength
Robust and confidence-inspiring RAM-LOK lockupExcellent edge retention and corrosion resistance of M390MK steelSmooth one-handed operation ambidextrous lockVariety of handle materials and blade finishesDurable and reliable for hard-use tasks
Common complaints
Higher price point for original AD-15AD-15 Lite uses less premium materials to reduce cost
Some FRN polymer handles have sharp edges out of production that can be smoothed with sanding
Dataset Expansion
Missing a brand?
Suggest an EDC brand for CarryCrew to research and add to the comparison database.
Community indexing queue online