Condor folder

[Chris*33]

I was browsing upcoming releases on an online platform and i was really to drawn to the Krakatoa folder that Condor will be releasing soon.
I like the idea of a folder of that size & shape and i am curious to see how/if it can fit in my EDC cycle.
Originally, i had the TOPS Fieldcraft folder in my radar, but the price is what kept me back.
The fit & finish, admittedly, is not at par with TOPS' and also looks more blocky but i believe it hits a balanced value for money spot.
*Also, i read that the locking mechanism is a tweaked frame lock (Condorlock System) which is also patented (pending).
I didn't find any more information at the moment.

Thoughts on that folder (even if only by looking, let your experience talk)?
Any Fieldcraft folder owner cares to comment on the value, maybe?

 

[SharpPancake]

I just still dont know what to think about these kind of folders.
No matter what, locking system and pivot are two weak points, which fixed blade dont have.
It look kinda blocky, but you can easilly fixed at home with some file and sand paper.
I think the price will be the main factor. If it is going to be a budget knife, it could have a role as a beater edc/outdoor folder. But I dont think it will be any cheaper then similar size fixed blade (even full tang).

 

[abcdef]

That's a big folder to pocket carry.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I'm considering it vaporware until it finally makes an appearance. Condor has had a habit of unveiling more models than they can reasonably pop out over the course of the year. The complexity of shifting from fixed blade to folder manufacture has me skeptical that they'll be able to bring it out this year and have it also be good. We'll see, though.

 

[Chris*33]

I just still dont know what to think about these kind of folders.
No matter what, locking system and pivot are two weak points, which fixed blade dont have.
It look kinda blocky, but you can easilly fixed at home with some file and sand paper.
I think the price will be the main factor. If it is going to be a budget knife, it could have a role as a beater edc/outdoor folder. But I dont think it will be any cheaper then similar size fixed blade (even full tang).

The pre-order price at the moment is 89 dollars.
I own a couple of Steel Will fixed blades at that price point, you have your beckers and whatnot..but my intention is not to replace a fixed blade, which i only use when i go camping or for fun in the yard, but to have it as my go to knife around the house. If the need for a fixed blade arises then a fixed blade it'll be, i like my fingers as the are!
I just like the idea of it, not sure about the practise, we'll see

That's a big folder to pocket carry.

That it is, but mostly it will be sitting on a shelf as my go to blade if needed while inside the house or in my pocket when i'm doing chores around the house, that's what i have in mind

 

[marcinek]

I just still dont know what to think about these kind of folders.
No matter what, locking system and pivot are two weak points, which fixed blade dont have.

The weak points (compared to fixed blades) you cited are on all folders, not just "this kind of folder." So I'm not really sure what point you are making.

As for the Krakatoa...it's a sensible knife, pretty clearly designed by someone who is interested primarily in functionality, rather "style." And that is pretty refreshing.

It's pretty classic.

Not a frame lock fan, even a "new and improved" framelock fan, though.

 

[SharpPancake]

The weak points (compared to fixed blades) you cited are on all folders, not just "this kind of folder." So I'm not really sure what point you are making.

My point of view is that this is another folder in the ,,hard use“ , or outdoor style folder category.
And like I dont what the intentions behind this model are. I dont know if Condor is labeling this as a almost a fixed blade folder.
Yes, this knife is nice, but I just dont know why I want to choose this over some less hardcore (lighter) folder or a fixed blade.

 

[marcinek]

My point of view is that this is another folder in the ,,hard use“ , or outdoor style folder category.

Those are 2 entirely different things.

And like I dont what the intentions behind this model are. I dont know if Condor is labeling this as a almost a fixed blade folder.

They are promoting it as an "outdoors" folding knife, and it's a well designed one, and at no point are they labeling it "almost as a fixed blade folder."
Where are you getting this stuff?

Yes, this knife is nice, but I just dont know why I want to choose this over some less hardcore (lighter) folder or a fixed blade.

Again, no one is claiming "hard core," or "overbuilt," or that it is a substitute for a fixed blade, or anything of the sort.

It is large-ish, so it may be too large or heavy for your tastes. "Heavy" does not equal "hardcore".

Why would one choose it over a fixed blade? Because it folds.

 

[marcinek]

The complexity of shifting from fixed blade to folder manufacture has me skeptical that they'll be able to bring it out this year and have it also be good. We'll see, though.

That is always a challenge people don't seem to pick up on. A maker who only makes fixed blades needs to retool or farm stuff out to a folder-making-partner to make folders.

It's not easy, like you say.

 

[SharpPancake]

M marcinek Yeah, fair points you made there

 

[Henry Beige]

Specs at Knife Center say blade 4.12”, handle 3.87”. How’s that work? A misprint?

 

[Chris*33]

I'm considering it vaporware until it finally makes an appearance. Condor has had a habit of unveiling more models than they can reasonably pop out over the course of the year. The complexity of shifting from fixed blade to folder manufacture has me skeptical that they'll be able to bring it out this year and have it also be good. We'll see, though.

I agree with you on this, but i want to believe that a serious company has prototyped and tested the sh*t out of a product that lies in an unfamiliar territory, before accepting pre-orders.
Even more when you go with a distinct locking mechanism. All this really makes me even more curious to test it

They are promoting it as an "outdoors" folding knife, and it's a well designed one

Again, no one is claiming "hard core," or "overbuilt," or that it is a substitute for a fixed blade, or anything of the sort.

"Heavy" does not equal "hardcore".

Why would one choose it over a fixed blade? Because it folds.

Exactly my thoughts on this type of knives..it's a great utility knife until you're faced with a task that needs sturdiness. Usually there are ways to go around such a task even with a folder, but then you run the risk of damaging your tool or more importantly to hurt yourself.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I agree with you on this, but i want to believe that a serious company has prototyped and tested the sh*t out of a product that lies in an unfamiliar territory, before accepting pre-orders.
Even more when you go with a distinct locking mechanism. All this really makes me even more curious to test it

The issue is the difference between prototyping and production. They might have a working prototype, but getting production flowing smoothly to produce a product with moving, mating parts is a lot more difficult, especially when your usual products don't require half that precision and rely on a lot of hand-operated processes in fitting/finishing.

 

[marcinek]

Exactly my thoughts on this type of knives..it's a great utility knife until you're faced with a task that needs sturdiness. Usually there are ways to go around such a task even with a folder, but then you run the risk of damaging your tool or more importantly to hurt yourself.

Yes, and, again, that is true of any folder.

One cannot say that the fact that this (or any) folder folds is a "negative" about it.

It's a very nicely designed outdoor folder.

 

[dirc]

I am also a fan of simplicity, but I share 42's concerns about the switch up to making folders. This thread deserves pics:

 

[19-3ben]

Originally, i had the TOPS Fieldcraft folder in my radar, but the price is what kept me back.
The fit & finish, admittedly, is not at par with TOPS' and also looks more blocky but i believe it hits a balanced value for money spot.

Have you considered the Tops MSF 4.0? I have one targeted as my next purchase. Like the Condor it has micarta scales, and a scandi grind drop point and is about $100. But it's got a liner lock, ball bearing pivot, flipper, and N690 steel.


Shamelessly stolen pic from TKC.

 

[dirc]

that does look to be an overall better knife - n690 is highly stainless, and better in most regards over 1095, except toughness

based on the fact many people are staunch fans of GEC and case folders in 1095, I think that is kind of the point with the condor krakatoa

 

[Chris*33]

Have you considered the Tops MSF 4.0? I have one targeted as my next purchase. Like the Condor it has micarta scales, and a scandi grind drop point and is about $100. But it's got a liner lock, ball bearing pivot, flipper, and N690 steel.

It did cross my mind to give it a try, but i just don't like the overall shape or something (can't really focus it)..it beats the purpose, i know, but i want my knives to excite me in some way so i will use them. Also, the 3.25" blade puts it in a category with a lot of competition, and i just know that i won't be using it. I agree that is a knife of a very good value, considering not only the materials but the brand (I have only heard the best for TOPS f&f and their heat treatment of 1095)

''Shamelessly stolen pic from TKC'' -->

 

[19-3ben]

I totally understand that. Just figured I'd mention it in case it hadn't occurred to you, since it seems to check many of the same boxes as the Condor, while also addressing some of what you found to be shortcomings of the Fieldcraft Folder.

''Shamelessly stolen pic from TKC'' -->

Let it never be said that I don't cite my sources. My HS teachers would be proud.