Micarta or Poly Handle for 18" El Salvador Machete?

[swisher]

The Condor 18' El Salvador is available with 2 handle options:
High Impact Polypropylene or Micarta®.
The poly feels nice in the hand however I have not seen the Micarta handle version. Any thoughts?
The Micarta version that is available form various online suppliers looks like that the micarta is fastened by screws however the one in the Condor Catalog looks like it is riveted. I like the micarta and thought maybe I could sand it down to fit my hand or modify it somehow.....

 

[bladerique]

Whichever one you think will sand to fit your hand better. Post some pics so we can have a look at the handles. Do you already have a poly handle Condor? How does it sand?

 

[foxx]

I don't "trust" the Condor catalog pics. They are not real photographs. That said, sight unseen do the micarta. You can sand that stuff all day. I've tried to mod a CS machete handle and an Ontario machete, both some kind of plasic. The micara is easier to shape, and usually feels better in hand.

 

[cramsey3006]

The micarta will probably be easier to modify, but the poly handles that Condor uses are about as indestructable as it can get.

 

[Heath2]

I prefer the poly. And of all the machetes I've handled the condor handles are by far the most comfortable for me.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

It may be inexpensive stuff, but I love polypropylene. I haven't gotten the chance to handle any of Condor's micarta stuff--in fact, very few people have. That will change soon, and it may change my mind, but until then I vote for the poly.

 

[swisher]

I just purchased the poly with sheath and Fallkniven Diamond/Ceramic Whetstone, Fine, 3 in. for the field.
Thanks guys for your input-appreciate it.

 

[CWL]

Good choice. Poly transfers less energy into your hand so you wont get those fatiguing shocks if you are chopping hardwood.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

For field sharpening a machete you may find a coarse/fine DMT Diafold more convenient. The way it's shaped allows you to use long continuous strokes with it like you would with a file. The Fallkniven is great for smaller blades, though.