Condor handles

[ocnLogan]

So the here is the deal. I reviewed a condor bushlore a while ago. Other than a few small QC issues that I had with my sample, I really wanted to like the knife.

One of my main issues with it is was that the handle on it gave me hotspots. The handle was a bit small for my mitts (mostly the circumference), and something about the handles just made it uncomfortable during use.

That said, I really like the solid value that Condors present. I've been looking for a 4-5in blade lately, and have been noticing that Condor offers more many more than just the Bushlore in that size category. Most of those other knives have different handle designs, so perhaps they would work out better for me.

I'm mostly looking at the Kephart, the Woodlaw and the Tavian, and was wondering if anyone had any photos of their handles on comparison to that of the bushlore that would be awesome. If not, any subjective comparisons would be awesome as well.

 

[ocnLogan]

Bumping it once to rescue it from the fourth page.

If I don't get any hits, maybe I'll email Joe or Condor or something like that .

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I don't have any pics of the Tavian as I have yet to get my hands on them, but I do have some pics of the Kephart and Woodlaw. Gimme a sec and I'll post 'em up.

Edit: Here ya' go!

Woodlaw

Kephart

Both handles I find very comfortable, even though the Woodlaw's handle is essentially a rectangle with the edges rounded over. It indexes well, has sufficient radiusing of the edges for good comfort, and allows for a variety of grips while providing rotational leverage for controlling the cut during wood shaping. The Kephart has the nice little integral guard of the grip and has a very rounded (pretty much true oval) cross section that just melds it with your hand.

 

[ocnLogan]

Awesome, thanks 42 .

Any feedback on how the handles feel compared to the Bushlore? Larger, smaller, more comfortable?

I can see the shapes, and they look comfy, but just wonder how you subjectively compare them to the bushlore.

Thanks again .

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

I like them better than the Bushlore, but also don't mind the Bushlore's handle at all and think it's a solid design--I just like the other two better. The Kephart is exceptionally comfortable thanks to its full oval shape, much like the Sapien, but up-sized and with a more robust yet full flat ground blade. The Woodlaw has a true scandi grind and a needle-like point, and is MADE for woodworking. You might say the Bushlore sits between them in terms of its strengths and weaknesses, and is the most robust out of the three. I wouldn't heavily baton with the Kephart or Woodlaw unless you absolutely had to, simply because the edges would be more prone towards damage and in the field that can be tough to fix. They're more precision blades.