Condor Swampmaster machete added to my eclectic collection...

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

So, my collection started mostly as a small assortment of traditional pocket-knives. As time went on, it expanded to other types of knives (including traditional fixed blade knives). Then, the collection became an all out eclectic hobby that I simply call my "Man Gadget Collection" (and knives are now only a part of that eclectic collection). One thing I never really considered adding, were machetes. Well, that is, until very recently. My having used machetes quite oftenly during my late teens and early twenties, I thought a few representations would be fun to add in. My purchases included an Ontario, a Tramontina, a Marbles (made by Imacasa), and a Gavilan (made by Incolma). These were all decent representations of no thrills working class machetes. Then, while perusing Bladeforums, I encountered a discussion thread that showed a Condor machete, (which is a higher end Imacasa brand), called 'Puerto Rican'. It was a 14" Panga pattern machete that was obviously in a "dolled up" machete category that my others were not in. So, having really loved it's appearance, I searched for a vendor that would have it online. Problem was, I soon discovered it was a discontinued model. Well, one vendor had it listed as being in stock, and so the order was placed. The following day I was sent an email stating that the order was cancelled because they in fact did not have any more... I was bummed about it. Looking through some other websites, I did find another Condor Machete model, 'Swampmaster', which was basically the same Panga style machete as the 'Puerto Rican', but instead of the blade being 14", it was 16". But, oh boy, it too was discontinued in the black finished 420hc stainless steel, which I wanted it in (and which was just like the Puerto Rican model). Condor has replaced the Swampmaster with a 1070 carbon steel version, but it does not entice me as much, so I was hoping that the website I found it on, would actually have one in stock. I decided to call them and ask, rather than just placing the order online and risk being disappointed again. Well, the call was fruitful, the person telling me that it was in fact discontinued in that form, but that they had a few left to sell.
The order was placed over the phone, and today I received it. Yup, very content to be able to add this to my "Man Gadget Collection". It's not just another basic representation of a working man's machete, (which are just fine too), but rather a kinda fancy schmancy one. It's a very nice looking and feeling machete. Even the walnut handle has nice grain to it

 

[Hickory n steel]

So, my collection was mostly a small assortment of traditional pocket-knives, but it expanded to other types of knives (including traditional fixed blade knives). Then, the collection became an all out eclectic hobby that I simply call my "Man Gadget Collection". One thing I never really considered adding, were machetes. Well, that is, until very revently. My having used machetes quite oftenly during my late teens and early twenties, I thought a few representations would be fun to add. Well, my purchases included an Ontario, a Tramontina, a Marbles (made by Imacasa), and a Gavilan (made by Incolma). These were all decent representations of no thrills working class machetes. Then, while perusing Bladeforums, I encountered a discussion thread that showed a Condor (an Imacasa brand) machete called 'Puerto Rican'. It was a 14" Panga pattern machete that was obviously in "dolled up" machete category that the others I have were not in. So, having really loved it's appearance, I searched for a vendor that would have it online. Problem was, I soon discovered it was a discontinued model. But... one vendor had it listed as being in stock, and so the order was placed. The following day I was sent an email stating that the order was cancelled because they in fact did not have any more... I was bummed about it. Looking through some other websites, I did find another Condor Machete model 'Swampmaster' which was basically the same Panga style machete as the 'Puerto Rican', but instead of the blade being 14", it was 16". But, oh boy, it too was discontinued in the black finished 420hc stainless steel. It's replacement in 1070 steel, did not entice me as much, so I was hoping that the website I found it on, actually had one in stock. I decided to call them and ask, rather than just placing the order online and risk being disappointed again. Well, the call was fruitful, the person telling me that it was discontinued in that form, but that they had a few left to sell.
Order was places over the phone, and today I received it. Yup, very content to be able to add this in to the "Man Gadget Collection". It just not another basic representation of a working machete (which are just fine as well), but rather a kinda fancy schmancy one. It's a very nice looking and feeling machete.

Nice traditional Panga there.

I have no clue why Imicasa puts that oval hole in many Condor blades, but over all this looks like a real workhorse of a machete.

 

[popedandy]

Very nice. That one always tempted me, but I never did pick one up. I hope you enjoy it.

 

[PocketKnifeJimmy]

As for the oval cutout, it is supposedly only a trademark thing. I have a Condor throwing axe in my collection as well, and it too has it. Structurally speaking, it probably is not the best idea, but in all reality, it probably won't cause any harm. I have seen some changes in Condor, with the oval cut being placed on less of their items. I believe they actually listen to what consumers have to say, and the Condor brand seems to be a work in progress. I don't believe the new carbon steel Swampmaster has the cut done to it. Also, it looks like the more traditional carbon steels are taking over the Condor machete line. I understand the whys on such a thing, but don't quite understand the new leanings towards a bead blasted finish (especially on carbon steel). But, I am glad to have found one of their discontinued 420hc versions with that awesome Ultrablac finish. Collecting "things", makes me kinda funny that way.