STAINLESS90
Gold Member
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2014
- Messages
- 1,907
I have owned this knife now for right around two weeks and have already found a few modifications that make it near perfect for under $60.
Here is the knife with no modifications, stock from Condor.
These first two are just to show the high quality leather sheath everyone has come to expect with Condor knives. The attachment point feels solid and it even has a piece of leather glued over the rivet on the interior to keep it from rubbing the blade. The same as with all other Condor sheaths I have seen, there is no drainage point in the bottom so you will have to make your own if you need it.
The next pictures show the full scandi ground blade which I have removed the back coating from and given a forced vinegar patina to protect from rust. The blade is made from 1075 high carbon steel and is 4" long with jimping on the back. I do have to comment that I found quite a few marks on the blade after removing the black coating. I know this is commonly why the coating is used and it does not affect the performance but it does take away a few points for fit and finish.
The handle has three aluminum tube pins for lashing to use as a spear or to wrap with spare cord. I would prefer brass but it isn't a deal breaker. As to the micarta scales I found no gaps, rough edges, or hot spots so those get an A in my book.
I took a file and squared the back edge more to throw sparks as the original had rounded edges that made it hard to strike a fire steel.
These pictures give you a comparison in size to a Leatherman Super Tool 300 and a Condor Bushlore and the second picture shows that it is actually a little thinner in hand than the Bushlore which isn't a problem as I have fairly large hands and it is still a solid fit.
The welded on butt cap which works well for hammering with or on depending on your needs. It is solidly affixed and I had no issues hammering it into a 2X4 and also using it to hammer with.
This is the bow drill socket which to be honest I have not tested yet but will try to on my next outing.
All in all I would rate it as well worth the $55 dollars I spent on it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good all around knife that won't break the bank.
Here is the knife with no modifications, stock from Condor.
These first two are just to show the high quality leather sheath everyone has come to expect with Condor knives. The attachment point feels solid and it even has a piece of leather glued over the rivet on the interior to keep it from rubbing the blade. The same as with all other Condor sheaths I have seen, there is no drainage point in the bottom so you will have to make your own if you need it.
The next pictures show the full scandi ground blade which I have removed the back coating from and given a forced vinegar patina to protect from rust. The blade is made from 1075 high carbon steel and is 4" long with jimping on the back. I do have to comment that I found quite a few marks on the blade after removing the black coating. I know this is commonly why the coating is used and it does not affect the performance but it does take away a few points for fit and finish.
The handle has three aluminum tube pins for lashing to use as a spear or to wrap with spare cord. I would prefer brass but it isn't a deal breaker. As to the micarta scales I found no gaps, rough edges, or hot spots so those get an A in my book.
I took a file and squared the back edge more to throw sparks as the original had rounded edges that made it hard to strike a fire steel.
These pictures give you a comparison in size to a Leatherman Super Tool 300 and a Condor Bushlore and the second picture shows that it is actually a little thinner in hand than the Bushlore which isn't a problem as I have fairly large hands and it is still a solid fit.
The welded on butt cap which works well for hammering with or on depending on your needs. It is solidly affixed and I had no issues hammering it into a 2X4 and also using it to hammer with.
This is the bow drill socket which to be honest I have not tested yet but will try to on my next outing.
All in all I would rate it as well worth the $55 dollars I spent on it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good all around knife that won't break the bank.
