I've triple checked this now but I'm still getting 4 base damage for
- without adaptor, low SP
- with adaptor, low SP
- without adaptor, high SP
And then 7 base damage for with adaptor, high SP. It's very rare where we get a different message without some kind of additional bonus so maybe there's something else going on? It says it "cuts deep" but does not do bleeding damage. Could give a PvP effect I suppose?
No different message with thick cable or live cable weapons equipped, nor no weapon.