condor knives 1075 steel

onojoe

onojoe

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Aug 4, 2013
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I've recently been intrigued by a couple of knives by condor, but have no experience with 1075 steel. I have some 1095 knives, so that would be a useful reference point for comparisons.

Whats been your experience been with 1075 and condor

Thanks
 
1075 and 1095 aren't that much different in use, doubt if u would notice much difference. I use 1095 and 1084 a lot in my blades and 1075 when the hamon is wanted. haven't had any complaints on the 1075.
 
Suppose it depends on the knife/use. I've heard plenty of good, though my only experience is with a newer Hudson bay, which would roll, *bad*, when I chopped wood (like delimbing 1/4" branches from a walking stick destroying my edge...), but I reduced the edge angle with a file (which makes me inclined to think it is low 50's hrc, as the file bit very well) and it seems to be okay now. Not sure if it was the pseudo-scandi grind, soft steel from factory sharpening, or just run soft, but other than that I've had no rust at all which is surprising as it lives in its leather sheath.

I'd feel no hesitation to buy condor again, very good, interesting knives, with great sheaths, at a great price point. Just don't expect perfection (my Hudson bay has a mild twist to it), and you'll be golden, and I imagine smaller knives are only going to be better.
 
I am in the old school club of I love 1095 and I haven't honestly felt any difference in comparison to 1075 wether big or small knife.
 
I've only used one Condor knife (Bushlore), and I've since gifted that away.

I remember thinking that it didn't seem to hold an edge quite like the Becker 1095CV did, but it was in no way bad. And again, this is me remembering some use from a few years ago, and it "may" have been a bit of a self fulfilling prophecy with it (I honestly can't recall).

All I know is that the bushlore worked just fine, and seemed to be a great deal. I will consider other Condor knives in the future, if that means anything to you.
 
They run their knives at 56-58 RC. Most decent files are in the low 60's. In the hardness range they use there's very little appreciable difference in edge retention.
 
I have a Bushlore and a Colt Tomahawk also made bu Condor and they are both great! 1075 is a great steel, I believe classified as a high carbon steel like 1095 though it is softer steel by comparison and will usually roll instead of chipping and bend rather than break as well as not hold an edge as long as 1095.

Overall a very tough steel that I love and trust just as much as 1095, I would recommend it!
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
They run their knives at 56-58 RC. Most decent files are in the low 60's. In the hardness range they use there's very little appreciable difference in edge retention.
Click to expand...

I feel like I came off kinda negative, and I didn't mean to- Condor is doing great things at great prices, and they're only getting better. However, while I'm sure 56-58 would be the goal, my knife was *significantly* easier to file than my Ontario 499, which should be 50-55, and easier than my marbles (condor?) 1095 machete as well. Perhaps mine came out soft, or perhaps it was just the initial edge (though I got through a fair bit of steel). Only time will tell.

In the end, like all simple carbon steels, can't go wrong! There's a reason it's still in use after so long.
 
Ontario often errs on the high side with their RC, sometimes to a significant degree. I've reground a number of 499's to a geometry that actually cuts stuff well (goodness knows the factory geometry is more of a knife-shaped cold chisel) and it's definitely harder than 50-55. Probably more like 58-60. Svörd heat treats their stuff at 55 and Condor/Imacasa machetes are 52-54 with Tramontinas about the same to a little softer. All are a cakewalk to work on next to the 499's. However, it shouldn't be softer than your Marbles machete since that's by Imacasa and should be in that same 52-54 range. You might get in touch with them about it. :)
 
1075 is a great steel... tougher than 1095 at the same RC but doesn't have the hardness potential and edge holding of 1095...
 
Thanks for the replies guys. That really helps. I am looking at one of there smaller blades, so it will not see a lot of hard use. Actually it is probably the smallest blade they make.
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