Condor Hudson Bay

3

357fan

Joined
May 23, 2009
Messages
261
Hi folks,

I've got a Condor Hudson Bay on the way to me. It's my first Condor product. I know people rave about their stuff, but what can I really expect for $40? Is it going to hold up to lots of wood processing for the fire pit? How's the edge holding? How's the fit and finish, especially in the handle?
 
I like mine, thinned it out significantly and actually found the limitation to the thinned edge this week chopping knob thorn trees (was bored, I suck at chopping with a knife).

It is a great knife for the price IMO. Want to do a lot of wood processing....I still prefer an axe. For all my camping needs I feel the HB is more then adequate.
 
I pretty much agree. GREAT camp knife. I tested it out with the stock edge delimbing some small fallen trees...works as you would expect. The convex edge it comes with could be thinned out but for its intended purposes is logical. Sheath is nice thick leather, maybe the hanger could be improved but very functional. An axe or hatchet will be superior in chopping but can't do everything this knife can. It was my first Condor knife too and I really, really like it. P.S. mine hangs out in my knife block for use as a kitchen cleaver sometimes, too.
 
Good stuff. I won't do any cross-grain cutting in wood if I can help it, I use saws for that. I'll be doing some limbing, splitting kindling, shaving tinder and some camp cooking.
 
357fan said:
Good stuff. I won't do any cross-grain cutting in wood if I can help it, I use saws for that. I'll be doing some limbing, splitting kindling, shaving tinder and some camp cooking.
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With a touch up on the edge it should do everything that you ask of it. It also feels good in hand. Not sure if it's how it is ballanced or what, but it feels good to have in hand. Some feel that the handle is a bit on the short side but it is fine for most. Mine was a touch rough in fit and finnish but not bad. It is a big blade, no getting around that, and part of why I like it. Great sheath but the belt hanger is a weak point in my opinion. I could easily pull mine off. I cut two belt slits in the leather and ended that issue. Or I suppose a guy could rivet a nylon loop to the sheath. I may get around to that some day as I have other Condors. They are neat enough to be fun to use but inexpensive enough to beat the crap out of. No worries of busting up an expensive piece. I find Condors to be great fun and a good value for what you pay. When it comes down to it, it's utility and fun that count. If a guy can get that without breaking the bank, it's all good.
:thumbup:
 
Great reply, thanks! How's the 1075 hold an edge during work? I'm not looking for it to hold like and ESEE or a Becker, but I don't want to have to touch up between the kindling splitting and the tinder shaving.
 
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Full flat grind, convex edge, stout enough to chop and thin enough to slice. Good edge retention, and it's a dream to resharpen. It's a VERY respectable knife for the money. I think you'll be very pleased--and if you aren't, Condor will do everything they can to make sure you are! :):thumbup:
 
I like big camp knives with lanyards, but mine was comfortable and bit deep when I was "shortening" cherry limbs and branches. A very good knife for the money. I am surprised the big box stores don't carry Condor products.
 
I have got one and it is not exactly what I would call full flat grind: not even close. It is more like scandi grind: which sort of makes much more sense for chopping. I assume that on some knives it might be more convex, on mime it is pretty flat (though not higher than 1/2 inch - does not go to the spine). The knife is very big and broad: I think it is actually made for chopping rather than "slicing". The handle is pretty basic as well as the sheath. I do not think it is some exceptional value pricewise: compared for example to something like CS Leatherneck.... but it is certainly a decent one. That is my personal take on it. I bought it to modify: that is what I am going to do eventually. So my view on the blade is not quite representative I think: I rather look at it as something to be changed, than used which is not quite fair.
 
Poez said:
I have got one and it is not exactly what I would call full flat grind: not even close. It is more like scandi grind: which sort of makes much more sense for chopping. I assume that on some knives it might be more convex, on mime it is pretty flat (though not higher than 1/2 inch - does not go to the spine). The knife is very big and broad: I think it is actually made for chopping rather than "slicing". The handle is pretty basic as well as the sheath. I do not think it is some exceptional value pricewise: compared for example to something like CS Leatherneck.... but it is certainly a decent one. That is my personal take on it. I bought it to modify: that is what I am going to do eventually. So my view on the blade is not quite representative I think: I rather look at it as something to be changed, than used which is not quite fair.
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I'm a little skeptical that it's like a scandi grind. They should have a primary grind that extends to the spine. Got a pic of yours??
 
So here you are (did my best to show it):
IMG_0138.jpg

IMG_0137.jpg

IMG_0135.jpg

IMG_0136.jpg
 
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Ok--see where the texturing on the blade starts? That's where the flat grind begins. It just looks like they did yours WAY too little. They're not normally like that. :o Thanks for the pics! :thumbup:
 
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