Condor vs Cold Steel Machetes?

I use all hand tools-bastard files, a lansky puck, sandpaper etc. It takes time, patience and finesse but it gets done. The one power tool I do have is a drill press-you can get a sanding drum or something like that for stock removal as well.
 
I have used many CS knifes, swords, and other things of intrest from CS. A short story about my CS kukri. I went from here back to Idaho to get some things left behind, and before I left, I wanted to try out my $26.00 CS kukri machete. There were these high weeds that were in my way to my fishing hole, (right in my old backyard) and even though my CS was new, It would NOT cut those 6-8 ft. high weeds. My buddy had my army surplus $7.00 special, I asked him for that one and it cut in one swing what the CS would not. Seems very odd to me? Yes the CS was sharp. But just out cut by a $7.00 oldie. Go figure? This is the ONLY CS that never worked for me. Just a note. I have not seen anyone mention an Esee machete? Just wonderin? enjoy edgy:thumbup:
 
I have a Condor Bolo Machete, Condor Golok, and CS Kukri Machete, Condor definitely has the better fit and finish, I also prefer the Walnut handle of the golok compared to the plastic handle of the bolo or kukri.
 
2Edgy4u said:
Just a note. I have not seen anyone mention an Esee machete? Just wonderin? enjoy edgy:thumbup:
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Oh, yeah, those are wonderful! I've got one; they're made by Imacasa for Esee, right?

Actually, I hadn't thought of that....they're much nicer than the Cold Steel ones. Thinner stock, better performance, nicer finish!
 
Almost the exact same blade as the Condor Eco Survivor, just four times as much, with a cool brand name on it...
 
I don't think its a stretch to say the edge and spine of a Cold Steel Machete are of the same sharpness. Looks like I'll be trying a Condor after I break in my new, closeout price, Cold Steel barong machete.
 
me2 said:
I don't think its a stretch to say the edge and spine of a Cold Steel Machete are of the same sharpness. Looks like I'll be trying a Condor after I break in my new, closeout price, Cold Steel barong machete.
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You will be pretty pissed when and if you get the condor borong, it isn't as long as the biggest CS i think, but the blade is head and shoulders above.
 
Another question on machete sharpening:
When resharpening the edge, is it better to push the file away from the edge or towards it?
Thanks.
Jim
 
filing towards the edge tends to cause profuse bleeding at some point.
not necessarily everyone or every time, but at some point...
 
moonwilson said:
I own several examples of machetes from each company. In short- Condor blows Cold Steel out of the water, in every possible way.

Condor has:
better fit & finish
better blade coating
better edges
better sheaths
better handles
better balance
better edge holding
better designs

The only area where Cold Steel has the "edge" by comparison is price. Condor machetes are leaps and bounds above every other production company on the market. The only machetes that come close, IMHO, are Imacasas, which are lower-grade models from the same company.
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What are your thoughts on Ontario machetes?
 
I recently purchased the condor Kumunga. It is awsome!!! I love it... It's a cross over. It's about the size of the ESEE Junglas... Go condor... thats just my vote.. :)
 
I had a Kumunga while I was waiting for my Junglas to arrive.
nice knife - traded it for the condor kukri. :)
 
SkinnyJoe said:
What are your thoughts on Ontario machetes?
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I like the Ontario 18-incher; although I should say that I have the thicker one (like the military issue), not the thinner one (I think they call it the Economy model). Bark River used the thicker one for their customized machete - mods to the blade shape and profile, and a new handle; but they found the heat treat to be decent, so that was unchanged. Seems like a good basic blade. I have read, though, that some folks have had problems with the rivets coming loose on the ones that have riveted handles. I have not, yet.
 
SkinnyJoe said:
What are your thoughts on Ontario machetes?
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I've owned Ontario the longest out of all my machetes. Fit and finish from the factory, steel/heat treat, factory edge, blade thickness are all very similar to that of a 6 dollar Tramontina. The basic cutlass shape is a bit different and of course the riveted handle is molded plastic instead of wood, but functionally they are extremely similar blades. Both very capable. Thinner than the condor, made of 1095 instead of 1075, though the blade is of a pretty equivalent softness. They are good cutters. Lightweight and pretty comfy. People complain about rivets coming loose on the handle but I've never had that issue. For 20 bucks I'd just as soon get a Condor, but if you can find a deal they are definitely good working toos.
 
James Y said:
Another question on machete sharpening:
When resharpening the edge, is it better to push the file away from the edge or towards it?
Thanks.
Jim
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I was always told that pulling a file towards the edge causes a buildup of burrs along the edge, creating a sort of 'false edge' that wears extremely fast. I pull away from the edge.
 
One other question about Condors: the Condor "eye"...that hole in the blade. Is that a potential weak point for impact on the edge?
 
BlackKnight86 said:
One other question about Condors: the Condor "eye"...that hole in the blade. Is that a potential weak point for impact on the edge?
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I think the "EYE" is just a cosmetic annoyance for most folks. If it was cracked anywhere near the "EYE" I'm believe the warranty should cover it.
 
PayetteRucker said:
I was always told that pulling a file towards the edge causes a buildup of burrs along the edge, creating a sort of 'false edge' that wears extremely fast. I pull away from the edge.
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bastard files are actually double cut and so can remove material on the push and pull stroke.
the way I understood the question was push away from the edge or push towards the edge - hence my advice not to push towards the edge unless you're prepared to bleed. (or wearing spectra gloves)
 
The Condor Eco Survivor doesn't come with a sheath?

Looks nice though.
 
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