condor el salvador 18"

M

mickb

Joined
Jan 21, 2016
Messages
132
Gents had an ontario 18" which got stolen after giving great service clearing fencelines in aussie bushland. In fact its one of the few brands that survive all day use here. Looking for a replacement and saw the Condor el-savador 18" which seems to answer similar questions regards length and thickness, also nicer looking handle ( one of my few gripes for the OKC).

Just wondered if could get some opinions or specifics if anyone has used these?

1. Is quality and durability of this brand /model similar to OKC?
2. Would the handle suit an XXL sized hand. I'd like the micarta but if the grips are real compact, I might as well get the cheaper poly and make my own handle.
3. Does anyone know the point of balance for the poly and micarta versions? I'd assume micarta is heavier and would bring the weight closer to the handle? which would be fine by me.
4. Is micarta worth the extra price?
5. I am not an expert on grinds and edges. is this a good cutter out of the box? Okay to sharpen?

Thanks for any suggestions.
 
Don't own said condor and can't answer all of your questions.

That said expect some blemishes, a rather sharp if also potentially uneven edge, sharp edges on the pins, and a decent overall chuck of steel with a good leather sheath.

Micarta may do a bit better with wet then poly as for if it's worth the extra price or not that is preference.
 
Hi mick, I have the poly handled El Salvador and an 18 inch ontario. Personally I prefer the condor ,it's a tad thinner than the ontario but not by much. I prefer the 1075 steel for a machete over the 1095, although the 22 inch ontario is also 1075. I have several condor blades and for the price you can't beat them. As far as the quality goes, the fit and finish of the condor will be superior , and you'll get a quality leather sheath. It will come with an edge, but will need a quick touch up to realise its potential. The usable handle space on the poly version is about 3.5 inches. I have medium to large hands and I wouldn't want the handle any smaller. The balance point is just over 4 inches from the front of the handle, Micarta would be heavier than the poly which is very light. Personally I wrap my handles so the poly is fine for me, it's textured but still a bit slick when wet
 
Thanks that is just the answer I am after. The handle will be too small for my 4.5" wide gorilla paws. Would the poly handle take much to remove?
 
The handle is moulded to the tang and the lanyard tube goes through the tang also. I've never removed one but I don't imagine it would be too difficult as long as you're prepared to destroy the polypropylene in the process
 
The El Salvador is my favorite 18" machete. I have the wood handled version. It is perfect (no sanding, no tape, just perfect), but I have medium sized hands (comfortably grip football size and usually wear large work gloves). I think it will do everything you want better than the Ontario if for no other reason, it will be more comfortable to use which is also my main complaint with most Ontario machetes. The poly handle version s a little larger in diameter and may suit larger hands better, but it is still very comfortable. Never really messed with the micarta handled one. I stopped at "wood". The molded poly handle is the same as my Kumunga knife/machete and it is good and comfortable.

Added: I think they are a little pricey, but when you pick one up and use it.... the cost becomes a irrelevant and a memory. They are a fast swinging machete. The leather sheath is EXCELLENT. They are cutters right out of the box. Personally the micarta is attractive, but for my money I go with wood because it is easier to sand and do any kind of fitting I might choose to do. In this case, no fitting required. On the balance point, I think you are correct with the micarta just a tad heavier.
 
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Haven't used either of those mentioned, but I have been impressed with the Tramontina 18" . I have the wood handled version, and large hands. After a little sanding and some edge touch-up (which I expect on almost any machette) it is a great tool. Especially for the cost.
 
thanks gents it all sounds good. The tramontinas probably a bit light for my purposes going off the specs.
 
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