machete golok (condor/ martindale) advice?

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Nov 18, 2009
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Any advice on this?
looking at both the Condor Golok and the Martindale. use would be small brush/ branches, camping activities. I do not have any other machete types, this would be the first.


Any strong feelings for or against either??
 
Both are great but the Condor is ready to go out of the box. The Martindale will need sharpening and likely need the scales sanded flush to the tang.
 
Handle ergonomics is key. Most decent machete/goloks will cut. Get the right length/design for your environment.
A great handle adds price to any blade, so to keep it less expensive, I feel that companies get by with minimal expense on the handle.
Get the one that you could modify, or attach your own scales at a later time.
I don't own either, but have heard some criticism of both companies as far as handles.
Condor machetes are sharp from the box, my cutlass was, that's what others have said.
I seem to remember that the Martindales don't come with much of an edge, but maybe someone else can chime in about that. Either way, find out about the edge of each, unless you can/want to do it yourself.
I had to put an edge on my Ontario 12" cutlass, but once it was there, it's a good machete. I still need to get some micarta scales for it.
 
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The martindale comes with a very basic grind

I have a martindale golok and a Condor Parang. Condor has better fit and finish.

If you just want to use it out of the box with little work = Condor

If you want to work with it a little = martindale

both are pretty good
 
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I'd go with the condor I own one and every time I use it I walk away amazed it chops like theres no tomarrow.
 
The 2011 Condor Golok now has a full tang which makes it even stronger, faster and more balanced. That means it went from outstanding to perfect IMO. According to one review, the reviewer experienced issues with the grip coming apart. I have both versions, but I have not had the handle break on my partial tang golok. Personally, I prefer the newer one, but not due to any durability issues. I think that anyone who owns the earlier version will enjoy many years of reliability from it.
 
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