How do the Condor axes compare?

D

DocGP

Joined
Feb 22, 2009
Messages
586
Been thinking of picking up a quality axe. How do the Condor axes compare with the quality stuff (GB, Wetterlings, Snow & Nealy). I am sure they are not there, but just looking for input.

Doc
 
I'm also wondering the same question they seem to be made out of decent materials and are made buy a reputable company.
 
The old ones were decent enough--I'd say they were about at the same level as a Snow & Nealley. The 2011 models look like they stepped the overall quality up big-time, and I'm guessing they'll be about the same level as the Husqvarna axes or even a little above. They have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, though, so you don't lose anything by giving them a try at least! :p
 
FortyTwoBlades said:
The old ones were decent enough--I'd say they were about at the same level as a Snow & Nealley. The 2011 models look like they stepped the overall quality up big-time, and I'm guessing they'll be about the same level as the Husqvarna axes or even a little above. They have a 100% satisfaction guarantee, though, so you don't lose anything by giving them a try at least! :p
Click to expand...

Do you happen to know when those will become available 42BLDS? I liked the looks of those...and I am excited about the new full tang golok!!!
 
Unfortunately I don't know when they'll be available. I may end up writing Condor soon to see what they say. Even Joezilla doesn't know when a lot of the stuff is coming out, and he designed most of it! :p
 
I would say Husqvarna levels- from what we have seen the edges look nice and the fit and finish seem right up there too!

What I am curious about is to what extent they are hardened?
 
forcedestrike said:
I would say Husqvarna levels- from what we have seen the edges look nice and the fit and finish seem right up there too!

What I am curious about is to what extent they are hardened?
Click to expand...

45-50 Rockwell, according to the catalog.
 
You guys know Husqvarna are made by wetterlings? So they are hand forged compared to a drop forged. I believe the condors are drop forged...but I am not 100% on the 2011s. SN are drop forged overseas still a great axe because I believe some of the heat treating is done here in the US. The best handles are always American Hickory...GB are all american hickory. I think condor makes a ton of great stuff..I have way too many of their machetes!! My basement looks like a scary movie! But I cant imagine their axes are near a husquavrna/wetterlings. I have both and they are really nice! Not finished as nice as a GB but certainly no slacker! They are sharp and a pleasure to use! But I could be wrong...so let me know if I am. For I want one to add to the scary basement...oh and to use of course.

Oh and the wetterlings HRC ratings are around 58-59 with massive edge retention.
 
soapboxpreacher said:
You guys know Husqvarna are made by wetterlings? So they are hand forged compared to a drop forged. I believe the condors are drop forged...but I am not 100% on the 2011s. SN are drop forged overseas still a great axe because I believe some of the heat treating is done here in the US. The best handles are always American Hickory...GB are all american hickory. I think condor makes a ton of great stuff..I have way too many of their machetes!! My basement looks like a scary movie! But I cant imagine their axes are near a husquavrna/wetterlings. I have both and they are really nice! Not finished as nice as a GB but certainly no slacker! They are sharp and a pleasure to use! But I could be wrong...so let me know if I am. For I want one to add to the scary basement...oh and to use of course.

Oh and the wetterlings HRC ratings are around 58-59 with massive edge retention.
Click to expand...

I think they are hand forged, and Im fairly sure they all have hickory handles/
 
They are hand forged, but with pnuematic hammers, not some bloke with a huge Thor hammer (I don't think anyone does that anymore?)
 
IMG_1760.jpg


IMG_1750.jpg


IMG_1751.jpg


IMG_1752.jpg


IMG_1753.jpg


IMG_1756.jpg


IMG_1761.jpg


IMG_1763.jpg
 
I have a Condor axe and hatchet and they are definitely softer metal than my S&N or
Norlund. They are good looking but not up to the quality of my S&N and Norlund in terms of cutting and edge-holding IMO. I've used all quite a bit.
 
Just to make it clear, Wetterlings and GB axes are also not hand forged. They are machine happers with different molds to make the shape. You can see how they do it here. That being said, there is nothing that would indicate that a dropped forged axe is of lesser quality than one made in this manner, or even trylly hand forged. I don't know how Condor axes are made, but from what Joe says, it seems to be the same method.

They look good. I can't wait until I get to test one.

http://woodtrekker.blogspot.com
 
AFA I remember GB et al. are tempered around 55 (if not more), so if the condor are at 45-50, the difference will show, despite the fact the condors "look alike" them. Checking wood grain is a good idea.
 
rg598 said:
Just to make it clear, Wetterlings and GB axes are also not hand forged. They are machine happers with different molds to make the shape. You can see how they do it here.
Click to expand...
I've known for quite a long time that GB and al. weren't exactly forged "anvil and hammer". I had never seen it in action and I expected a much more "drop forging". To be honest that video is much "better" than what I expected, as you can see it still require a lot of skill.
Power hammers have been used since medieval time if not before.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trip_hammer
Their system is like a multi-bit power hammer.

Now is "free forging" (powered or not) much better from drop forging, I don't know. Guess free forging is more "agile" but does it really make a difference? Not so sure.
 
I've seen older methods of using a power hammer. The person used it just to fond the steel bar over and over. When it came to the shaping, he used a hand hammer. I don't know when people started using the molds.
 
gunknifenut said:
Do you happen to know when those will become available 42BLDS? I liked the looks of those...and I am excited about the new full tang golok!!!
Click to expand...

I got a response from Condor today--looks like production has started on the 2011 new/improved products, but it'll be between 4-6 weeks before stuff starts shipping. Stay tuned for more info. :):thumbup:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top